The Japan Development Institute (JDI) team of experts and the local consultants led by Minister for International Trade and Investment, Richard Maru arrived in Vanimo yesterday afternoon. They were received at the airport by Governor for Sandaun, Tony Wouwou and the members of the Sandaun Provincial Administration. The team is in the province as part of their familiarization visits to identify potential Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in the country to help formulate Papua New Guinea’s SEZ Masterplan. Vanimo is one of the 18 identified potential SEZ location in the country. It is located at the border of Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Indonesia. “Sandaun is an agriculture province; they grow palm oil, cocoa, coffee and and and of the biggest producers of timber too, however, the province has not tapped into the market opportunity on the other side (Indonesia) which has 273 million people with an economy that is growing consistently at over 5% per annum,” said Minister Maru. “Our government is working towards getting air services between our two countries as soon as possible, hence the building of the new terminal and extension of the runway to prepare the province for direct flights from Indonesia. However, we do not have a town water supply here in Vanimo, no international wharf, no international airport and no industrial park. These are critical enablers that will capacitate Vanimo to be a major border industrial town. The government had only agreed to start building the water supply system at the cost of K40 million. There is even no powerline to the border at Wutung; we need to do that quite quickly. This will allow much cheap and reliable electricity supplies from Indonesia,” said Minister Maru. Minister Maru, during the welcome dinner hosted by the Sandaun Provincial Administration urged the Sandaun Provincial Government to not wait for the National Government to deliver these essential services to the province. “You have to take ownership and fund some of these essential services, like getting the powerline down to Wutung. When I was the Minister for National Planning and Monitoring, I released funds to PNG Power Limited to get the powerlines to Wutung but they had not done that so do not wait for them; do it as part of your commitment. You also need to identify the land for the industrial park where all the factories will be located to produces goods to sell to Indonesia. We cannot have a situation where only Indonesia will have goods to sell to us, we must also produce and sell to them. You must have an international airport, an international wharf and also a land which will be the export processing zone. I want you (Sandaun Provincial Government) to have a clear vision of what you want to do and the Marape-Rosso Government is here to support Sandaun to become a major economic powerhouse in the country,” said Minister Maru. Meanwhile, the JDI expert team and the local consultants will visit some of the identified locations in the province today, including Wutung Border Post, Wharf Area, Market Area and the land proposed for Physical Development. “While here in Sandaun, this team of experts will look at the economic potential of the province and tell us what can be done so we can build our capacity to bring in investors and talk about development and trade. Their report will help us by showing us what we need to do, not only the provincial government but the national government as well. We will use their studies and report to tell the government that the province has the potential to trade if we have the identified services available. We have been talking a lot and now it is time to make it happen,” said Minister Maru. Minister Maru thanked Governor Wouwou and the Sandaun Provincial Administration for showing their interest and support, and for facilitating the team who will be travelling back to Port Moresby tomorrow to visit another identified potential SEZ location which is the Central Province Rice Zone.

NCDC Active City Development Program ended 2022 with our last event on Peace and Reconciliation to commemorate World Human Rights Day. The annual Whitecember Walk with the theme “Dignity, Freedom & Justice for All” took place today, Sunday, 11th December 2022, from 5:30am to 8.30am at Ela Beach. Human Rights Day is observed every year on 10 December — the day the United Nations General Assembly adopted 1948 the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The UDHR is a milestone document which proclaims the inalienable rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being - regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, ethnicity, political or other opinions, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. International days like this are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, mobilize political will and resources to address global problems and celebrate and reinforce the achievements of humanity. ACDP and our partners have embraced these days as a powerful advocacy tool. Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person in the world, from birth until death. They apply regardless of where you are from, what you believe or how you choose to live your life. “What is the meaning of Human Rights? It is about being responsible for your thoughts because thoughts become words and words become actions.” educated Ruth Kissam, Board Chair for Advancing PNG Women Leaders Network, in her Awareness Talk. About 150 city residents from all walks of life clad in peaceful white walked to show solidarity in standing up for human rights because all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. In this last Walk for Life event for the year, ACDP Management and Team would like to acknowledge and credit all those who attended today and throughout the year, especially Community Leaders; Julie Ambi – Tokarara, Lina Gerry – Morata, Sarah M - Murray Barracks, Geua K – Joycebay, Joenne Vau – Vadavada, Judy Bomai - Sevese Morea, Kathy Kiage - Kone Mountain, Elizabeth Viviso - Kaugernot and not forgetting all our communities from Amazing Port Moresby. Participants were also entertained by Vadavada Community Kids.

Three previous African sides had reached the quarter-finals of the competition - but could not take that step further. This time, it was different. Marvellous Morocco have lit up this World Cup - and their fans got their reward by witnessing their side becoming the first from their continent to reach the semi-finals. Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal were sent home, and the Atlas Lions go roaring on courtesy of Youssef En-Nesyri's first-half headed winner. [caption id="attachment_32234" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Ronaldo headed down the tunnel in tears after Portugal's World Cup quarter-final defeat by Morocco[/caption] "We are becoming a team everyone loves because we are showing what we can achieve," said victorious boss Walid Regragui. "If you show the passion, heart and belief, you can succeed and my players have shown that. It is not a miracle - those in Europe might say it is, but we have beaten Portugal, Spain, Belgium and drawn against Croatia without conceding. That is the result of hard work. "African and Arab teams work hard but we have made our people happy and proud. The whole continent is proud. When you watch Rocky Balboa, you want to support him and we are the Rocky of this World Cup." Cameroon (1990), Senegal (2002) and Ghana (2010) had all fallen at the quarter-final hurdle but Morocco broke the glass ceiling to cause pandemonium at Al Thumama Stadium. Having whistled each touch of the ball from the Portuguese, the watching supporters' jeers turned to a cacophony of cheers as substitutes piled on to the pitch at full-time. "Seer, seer, (go, go)," chanted the fans. "Dima Maghrib (Forever Morocco)," screamed others. Boss Regragui, who has masterminded this run, was hoisted into the air by his players, who then sprinted towards their supporters behind the goal with arms aloft. Former Scotland winger Pat Nevin said on BBC Radio 5 Live: "The noise in this stadium is incredible. I am trying to think of when such a shock as this has happened in the World Cup. "They deserve it, not only for the skill and effort but that noise just keeps on turning up." Morocco had become not just the first African side, but also the first Arab one from a country with a Muslim majority, to reach the last four of the biggest competition in world football. The team have displayed their Islamic beliefs, reciting passages of the Quran in their huddle before their success on penalties over Spain in the previous round. As they had done then too, players and staff bowed down for sujud (prostration) in front of their fans after victory over Portugal. Meanwhile, substitute Achraf Dari celebrated by draping himself in a Palestine flag, Paris St-Germain's Achraf Hakimi found his mum again to kiss her while ex-Southampton winger Sofiane Boufal danced with his mum. Regragui was one of the last to leave the pitch at the end, clearly emotional after such a significant victory. Source: BBC Sports

World Cup holder France remains on course in its title defense after beating England 2-1 to reach the semifinals at Qatar 2022. Aurélien Tchouaméni gave France a first-half lead, his powerful shot setting the game ablaze at the Al Bayt Stadium on Saturday. England grew into the game and team captain Harry Kane emphatically converted from the penalty spot to draw the 2018 semifinalists level. The goal was his 53rd for his country, drawing him level with Wayne Rooney as England’s all-time top scorer. With just over 10 minutes remaining, Olivier Giroud’s header gave the reigning champion the lead once again, with Kane skying a late penalty as France was able to hold onto victory. France will face Morocco in the semifinals on Wednesday after it beat Portugal earlier in the day to become the first ever team from Africa to reach this stage of the World Cup. The French victory ensured Didier Deschamps’ team is the first defending champion to have progressed past the quarterfinals this century. Giroud called France’s performance “amazing.” “At the end of the game on our last chances, we knew how to be dangerous. I knew I was going to have another chance and Grizi gave me a great pass,” Giroud told the French Football Federation’s website, referring to Antoine Griezmann, who set up France’s winning goal with a superb cross. “Tonight, it was a great match, we know the talent of this young English generation, we made a very solid match, we tried to be powerful in our counterattacks.” A clash of titans It was a match between two out of the final four teams at the 2018 World Cup, with both nations seen as heavyweight contenders to win the Qatar 2022 title. And even in the early exchanges, the magnitude of the moment was evident, as the two teams tested each other out. The first real chance of the game came just after the 10-minute mark, when Giroud directed a cross straight into the grateful arms of Jordan Pickford in England’s goal. The breakthrough for the French wasn’t without controversy. England winger Bukayo Saka was left on the floor after a tackle from France defender Dayot Upamecano, although Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio turned away English protests claiming a foul. And, after a swift counterattack involving Kylian Mbappé, England was punished as a bullet of a strike from Tchouaméni – his first World Cup goal – from outside the box nestled in the bottom corner to give France the lead. Minutes later, England players were once again pleading with Sampaio for a decision in their favor after Upamecano and Kane tangled legs on the edge of the French penalty box. After a brief deliberation with the video assistant referee (VAR), those pleas were dismissed and the game continued. Chances were few and far between in the remainder of the first half, with Kane coming closest, his close-range shot saved by his Tottenham Hotspur teammate Hugo Lloris in the France goal. Immediately after the second half, England came out firing, with Jude Bellingham’s powerful effort from the edge of the box tipped over by Lloris. The pressure eventually told as Saka was fouled by Tchouaméni and the referee pointed to the penalty spot, giving England the perfect opportunity to draw level. Kane emphatically took advantage, powering the ball into the corner of the France goal, in doing so becoming England’s joint top scorer alongside former Manchester United forward Rooney. Almost immediately from the restart, France almost reclaimed the lead, but Adrien Rabiot’s first-time effort from the edge of the box was palmed away by Pickford. England looked the most likely to score, with a header from Harry Maguire glancing off the post as Gareth Southgate’s side turned up the pressure. Against the run of play, France retook the lead through its all-time top scorer, Giroud heading home his fourth goal of the tournament to give France the lead again with just over 10 minutes remaining. England had a golden chance to draw level for a second time after Theo Hernández was adjudged to have fouled Mason Mount, Sampaio awarding a second penalty after reviewing the incident with the help of VAR. This time, however, Kane blazed his effort over the bar. Despite consistent pressure, England was unable to find a late equalizer, with Marcus Rashford’s freekick in the game’s final moments landing on the roof of the net. And, as the referee’s final whistle went, the French players gathered in a celebratory huddle as Kane sank to his haunches in desperation. England manager Gareth Southgate said his team’s performance “deserved better” but “in the end goals are decisive.” “I said to the players I didn’t think they could given any more,” Southgate told ITV. “Fine margins have decided the game, the way we’ve progressed this tournament has been excellent. “France know they’ve been in a hell of a game. We win together and lose together. We’ve let a couple of goals in and missed a couple of chances. We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the goals (Kane) has scored for us.” Asked after the final whistle if the defeat felt like England had a missed an opportunity to progress at Qatar 2022, England midfielder Jordan Henderson told ITV: “Probably yeah, because we felt really good, performances were really good. “The focus and the hunger was good every single day, but unfortunately, it wasn’t our night. You gotta give credit to France, they’re a good team, but I still felt it was there for us to win tonight.” Henderson added: “Straight after the game, it’s difficult to find the right words. I thought we gave everything in the game. “You know, disappointed to go one – nil down, but I thought the character and the mentality to keep going in the second half and find the equalizer … We gave everything and unfortunately it wasn’t our night.” Source: CNN

Brazil, the favorite to win this year’s World Cup, is out of Qatar 2022 after losing to Croatia on penalties 1-1 (4-2) in Friday’s dramatic quarterfinal. It had looked as though Neymar had won it for Brazil after he scored a stunning solo goal in extra-time – tying Pele’s international scoring record for the Seleção with his 77th goal – but Bruno Petković broke Brazilian hearts with a last-gasp equalizer to send the game to penalties. It was Croatia’s goalkeeper Dominik Livaković who was the hero yet again in the shootout, saving Rodrygo’s first effort before defender Marquinhos saw his attempt hit the post which sent Croatia through to the semifinals. Livaković also saved three penalties in his side’s victory against Japan in the previous round. “Definitely something special against the favorite,” Croatia defender Dejan Lovren told reporters after the match. “We said in the last half of the last 15 minutes, don’t stop believing. Everyone said that and we knew it. We knew we would come back no matter how hard it was in some moments.” It was dizzying end to another remarkable game in Qatar which took until extra-time to really get going. After it dazzling display against South Korea in the round of 16, Brazil was taken into the trenches by Croatia. The game was largely reduced to scrappy half chances and resolute defending as Livaković saved twice from Neymar to keep the scores level in the second half. With neither side able to find the breakthrough, the match went into extra-time which automatically favored Croatia. Another Croatia shock At the World Cup in 2018, Zlatko Dalić’s team won three knockout rounds after forcing the game into extra-time and it beat Japan on penalties in the previous round in Qatar. But it looked as though Neymar had upset that particular script when he produced arguably the moment of the tournament so far. The star attacker dropped deep to pick up the ball before splitting the Croatian defense with two bounce passes with teammates before firing his effort into the roof of the net. The goal sparked frenzied celebration inside the Education City Stadium with Neymar close to tears after seemingly inspiring his side into the semifinals. But football can be cruel and Croatia never gave up. In the 116th minute, Petković stunned Brazil by sweeping home the equalizer and forcing the game into penalties with his side’s first shot on target. Despite being captain and his team’s star player, Neymar did not take a penalty with Croatia – which has now won four World Cup shootouts – scoring all of its efforts before Brazil could even take its fifth. Croatia, the beaten finalists in 2018, will now face either Argentina or the Netherlands for a place in the World Cup final, while Brazil will be left to come to terms with another missed opportunity. Brazilian fans looked stunned at the full-time whistle while tears flowed from the players on the pitch. Another upset It’s already been a World Cup of upsets and this was another to add to the list. Brazil was the top-ranked team at the World Cup and possessed an incredible array of talent, with the likes of Neymar and Vinícius Jr. lighting up the tournament. But it faced a Croatia side which, despite not impressing so far in Qatar, knows how to win knockout matches. With a population of less than four million people, Croatia has overachieved in recent years and midfield maestro Luka Modrić has been at the heart of it. The 37-year-old was yet again at the center of Croatia’s performance against Brazil, pulling the strings in midfield and keeping his side ticking over against opponents with far more quality. “We are really special,” Lovren added. “We never surrendered. Never keeping our head down. We are a really a small country but today we showed that we are big.” Source: CNN

PNG Air is pleased to announce the renewal and extension of our Naming Rights Sponsorship to Athletics PNG for a further three years. AS the official airline of Athletics PNG, the airline provides flights and logistical support for athletes and official local track and field competitions. Athletics as sport in PNG in recent years has seen much more activity and interest particularly from youth, especially in more regional towns around Papua New Guinea, Through Athletics PNG's regularly scheduled competitions and meets, many new and promising talents have been identified and pushed further into elite training and representation, following in the likes of Pacific Sprint Queen Toea Wisil and others. With out support to the organization having commenced in 2019, PNG Air recognizes that sport plays a key role in development, and we're proud to support Athletics PNG in furthering the reach that athletics provide to more people across PNG. A Memorandum of understanding was signed today by officials from both organizations at the start of the three-day PNG Air National Athletics Championships In Port Moresby, where hundreds of athletes are scheduled to compete. PNG Air Chief Commercial Officer, Simon. C Pitt said, " Our primary role as an airline is to connect people around PNG, and to be enablers for all the events that Athletics PNG hosts is something we're proud of, and so we're happy to continue our support, and look forward to working together to raise the profile of the sport in PNG". "Despite the difficult times all businesses are facing and especially the travel industry, we'd like to say thank you to PNG Air for renewing their sponsorship", said Tony Green. Athletics PNG President. : The Sponsorship has been very important for us in the last three years, as it enables us to do a lot more than we would be able to, especially for our athletes in competition and training". The 61st PNG Air National Athletics Championship takes place from Friday 9th to Sunday 11th december at the Sir John Guise Stadium In Port Mresby. The event will feature both track and field events, and is open to the general public, with gate fees of K5 for adults and K2 for students.

As the 20 Days of Human Rights Activism campaign comes to its conclusion today, with the commemoration of Human Rights Day, the Members of the new Parliamentary Committee on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) commend the Government for awarding 13 NGOs financial grants that will enable them to do more work to address gender-based violence (GBV) across the country. Governor Parkop, Chair of the GEWE Committee stated: “I am very pleased to see the Government making good on its promises to take more action to address GBV and sorcery accusation related violence as an immediate priority. Our previous GBV Parliamentary Committee used our reports to Parliament to call for more Government funding for NGO prevention and crisis-response services. I am very pleased to see our recommendations have been acted upon”. Governor Parkop went on to say: “The 2023 National Budget has now been tabled in Parliament and I am very pleased that it again includes funding to address GBV and SARV through Government grants. I now want to the Department for Community Development and Religion immediately progress the establishment of the National GBV Secretariat – something which is more than five years overdue! We need to recruit highly qualified GBV experts into the Secretariat who will be able to effectively drive efforts across the country to work with provincial governments and NGOs to tackle the scourge of violence that is damaging our country and our people.” On Friday 9 December, the Department for Community Development and Religion (DFCDR), with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) held a ceremony with the 13 NGO grantees to officially award them their funding. DFCDR and UNDP are jointly funding the grants, with the DFCDR drawing on a portion of the PGK 7.93 million allocated by the Government to address GBV in 2022. The NGOs were selected for grants following an open call for expressions of interest, which sought NGO proposals related to prevention of GBV and SARV and the provision of crisis response and recovery services to GBV and SARV survivors. It is anticipated that another round of grants will be made in 2023, subject to funding being released by Treasury. The new Parliamentary Committee on GEWE intends to keep a close watch over DFCDR’s administration of the GBV funding provided from the Government Budget. Committee Members are united in wanting to ensure that funds are used effectively and sustainably to ensure that people across the country can live lives free form violence – but also, that where such violence occurs, they can receive proper care and access to justice. The new Committee has six members, in addition to the Chair: Governor Allan Bird (East Sepik), Deputy Chairperson; Governor Rufina Peter (Central Province); Hon. Marsh Narewec, (Wau Waria); Hon. Ricky Morris (Alotau); Hon. William Bando (Koroba Lake Kopiago); and Hon. Lohia Boe Samuel (Port Moresby North West). The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will be providing technical support to the new Parliamentary Committee on GEWE as part of its gender programming and the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative. This support aims to address GEWE and gender-based violence and to support longer-term efforts to promote women’s participation and leadership in the Parliament.

Nambawan Super Limited (NSL) is pleased to have been a part of the recent Internal Revenue Commission’s (IRC) General Tax Awareness Workshop, held in Mt Hagen. The awareness focused on educating registered taxpayers about how to complete and submit tax returns and documents to the IRC, keep proper business records, calculate their taxes and what taxes need to be paid. It also covered practical aspects of Company Income Tax, Goods and Services Tax, Salary and Wages Tax and the IRC’s Tax Services. The NSL Team set up an information booth and had the opportunity to talk to participants about the importance of superannuation for individuals and business owners. NSL’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Paul Sayer said “We are thankful to the IRC for giving us the opportunity to meet with the participants and talk to them about superannuation and compliance, as well as, the products and services offered by NSL”. “We aim to continue working with the IRC and other stakeholders to educate our Members of the benefits of good financial practices for use in both their personal and business lives”, he added. NSL also provides free awareness sessions, counseling and training to help Members take advantage of products like Voluntary Contributions, Retirement Savings Accounts and Choice Super to ensure they are maximizing their savings potential for a better future. Nambawan Super is prioritising the education of its 214,000 Members by offering FREE Financial Literacy Training which aims to help Members develop good financial practices. The fully certified NSL Financial Literacy Training offers Members five modules that cover the following topics: Module 1 – Taking Charge of Personal Finances Module 2 – NSL Superannuation Products and Services  Module 3 – Planning for Retirement  Module 4 – Buying Your Own Home  Module 5 – Financial Literacy Skills for MSMEs The Fund encourages all Members to enquire about the Financial Literacy Training and other services through the NSL Call Centre or at their local Branch.

Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee delivered its Seventh (7th) Edition of the Papua New Guinea Sports Hall of Fame with the induction of three (3) outstanding sport legends, on the evening of Thursday, 08th of November, 2022. The PNG Sports Hall of Fame was initiated in 2011 to honour and preserve the legacy of the individuals who excelled in the past, giving due recognition to sporting accomplishments, bringing pride and distinction to our country, and who have contributed to the development of sport in PNG. The three individuals inducted were the late Joseph Abraham Turia from sport of FootballSoccer, Veitu Apana Diro, from the sport of Netball and Basketball and Tau John Tokwepota from the sport of Athletics. The first inductee was Olympian and King of the Road – Tauvau John Tokwepota, from the sport of Athletics. Tau John is arguably Papua New Guinea’s best-known long-distance runner, and has etched his name into PNG’s sporting history with his unbroken 46-year record in the 10,000m and Marathon events, in the sport of Athletics  He holds six of the ten fastest 10,000m races in PNG in a remarkable career, of which he still holds the National Records for the 10,000m (31:21.4 in 1976), and the Marathon (2:28:13 in 1980) and won 18 medals from competing at both the (South) Pacific Games and the Pacific Mini Games. He also represented Team PNG in 2 Commonwealth Games and the first Olympics that Papua New Guinea competed in 1976, in Montreal, Canada. Second inductee Joseph Abraham Turia (1960 - 2021) is the first inductee from the Sport of Football (Soccer) to be inducted into the PNG Sports Hall of Fame for his contribution to the sport. During his prime, Turia, predominantly a fullback, was widely regarded for his versatility, dribbling skills and sweeping capabilities that saw him Captain the PNG Men’s National Team in the early 1980s. He enjoyed a long and acclaimed career representing his country as Captain and then National Coach for the Youth Team and eventual Administrator, and was also passionately involved in coaching clubs within the town competitions and national football clubs to man successes. Turia represented PNG in the following Pacific Games: the 1983 South Pacific Games in Western Samoa, the 1987 South Pacific Games in Noumea where the team won Bronze and in the Second South Pacific Games held in PNG in 1991. A household name synonymous with the Sport of Netball and Basketball, the third inductee was Veitu Diro who commenced her road to the Hall of Fame in the 1950s whilst a student at the Rabaul High School in the East New Britain Province. She remains classed as one of Papua New Guinea’s finest Netball players, as well as an established and formidable reputation as Captain and Coach in the sport. Diro would go on to represent PNG again in 1975 at the World Netball Series as Captain and Coach, again in 1979 at the 6th South Pacific Games in Fiji as Captain and Coach, the 1981 Pacific Mini Games as Netball Coach, Coach PNG Netball to Silver Medal Wins at the 1999 South Pacific Games in Guam, and the 2001 Pacific Mini Games in the Norfolk Islands. In recognition of her contributions towards sport, Diro received the Queen’s Award in 1983 as a Member of the British Empire (MBE) and the Commander of the British Empire (CBE) in 2013, a recipient of the Silver Jubilee Medal from the Papua New Guinea Government, awarded the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Women in Sport Trophy for Oceania in 2007; and is a Life Member of the PNG Netball Federation and the Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee. In congratulating the three (3) inductees for 2022, Sir John Dawanincura President of the PNGOC thanked them for their distinguished and outstanding feats in their chosen sports and for their collective contributions to each of the three (3) sporting codes and sports in PNG. Sir John said the PNGOC’s vision was to inspire and unite Papua New Guinea through sporting excellence and success, we were fortunate to have this annual fixture that provides an opportunity to tell the stories, honour their contributions, and above all, to inspire the next generation of Papua New Guinean athletes. He also acknowledged the wonderful interest and enthusiasm of the PNGOC’s Corporate Family of Sponsors who have supported Team PNG this year, and throughout the years, as we continue to make history, and in particular Trophy Haus and Media Partners who are the key sponsors of this event tonight, after a one-year hiatus.

The Sir Brian Bell Foundation loves its partnership with the Buk Bilong Pikinini Library Learning Centres to ensuring learning opportunities for the most vulnerable children of Papua New Guinea. We had the privilege once again to attend the graduation ceremonies for students who completed the school year and recognize their achievements and see them move on into the next phase of their education. Sir Brian Bell Foundation Support Squad team members (Brian Bell Group) Hipak Pokichong, Brenda Noruka, Philomena Nawara, Tusy Paulisbo, Bridget Ume & Salote Rokobuli and Getta Sioni attended the graduation of 5 Library Learning Centre locations across the country including UPNG, EPS, ATS, Hagara and Lae Showgrounds this week. Students, teachers, and some parents also attended the special graduations to congratulate the children on their achievements for the year and wish them all the best for the next school year. The children were thrilled to receive these certificates to complete their school year and recognize they have now learned the fundamental basics to move to the next level of their education. The team at Buk Bilong Pikinini thanked the Sir Brian Bell Foundation for their continued support for the Buk Bilong Library Learning Centres and the students. Teachers from UPNG Miriam Numa (Head Librarian) and Ruth Owadeba (Assistant Librarian) also thanked SBBF for their continuous and unfailing support of the Buk Bilong Pikinini program and look forward to another year together to educate the next group of students. They also wished the children well with their next stage in their education and recognized the parents who assisted the class over the academic year. The Sir Brian Bell Foundation looks forward to continuing the partnership with Buk Bilong Pikinini Library Learning Centers in 2023. “We love supporting the BbP Libraries and watching these students graduate each year. Well done to all the kids, their teachers and their parents for a successful year and we are wishing you all a wonderful break and Merry Christmas. Congratulations to all the students” commented Sir Brian Bell Foundation CEO Bronwyn Wright. Source: Sir Brian Bell Foundation

The Program to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis in PNG is showing encouraging signs in New Ireland where the prevalence rate has been reduced from 30 per cent to one per cent. This was revealed at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the governments of PNG and Japan for the program, funded by JICA, to be continued. The notes on the Phase 2 LF project Record of Discussion were signed by National Department of Health Deputy Secretary (Public Health) Ken Wai and JICA Chief Representative to PNG Mr Masato Koinuma. The phase 2 of the program will be extended to cover other provinces where the disease is endemic. The Pacific Program to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis in PNG has been implemented by the National Department of Health since 2004 in close consultation with WHO and other partners, however, not much has been achieved since then in terms of treatment coverages and reduction in the disease burden. JICA, one of the international partners in the program, saw the need and decided to increase its assistance. In 2018, it signed a MOU with the government of PNG to fund additional interventions for the LF program for four years. In the following year, JICA solely funded the fourth round of Mass Drug Administration (MDA) in New Ireland Province when NDOH did not have the capacity to support. The achievements include: • NDOH has successfully delivered four rounds of Mass Drug Administration in New Ireland • Successfully conducted first Transmission Assessment Survey which has shown low levels of 1% transmission of microfilariasis (mf) thus reducing prevalence of LF transmission of the province • Successfully delivered an MDA program which has achieved WHO target of interrupting transmission of LF which has stopped further MDA intervention • ENBP successfully completed 2 rounds of MDA and is now planning to do first TAS in 2023 • Study of the four (4) drug combination for an integrated MDA for multiple NTDs was successfully conducted with no major adverse reactions in Namatanai in NIP • Integrated MDA is now the way forward for treatment and control of LF and multiple NTDs in PNG which will be implemented in WNBP in 2023 for the first time. Lymphatic Filariasis is a mosquito-borne disease and is one of the leading causes of permanent and long-term disability worldwide. Despite it being endemic in some communities in the country with prevalence rates as high as 80 per cent to 100 per cent, the disease has received very little to no Government support as compared to support given to other diseases. Mr Wai thanked the Japanese Government for its support in the program, saying Japan has been a traditional partner of PNG in not just health but in other areas of its development since Independence. He also said it was about time ‘we eliminated some diseases’ such as malaria, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS so that focus will be made on growing lifestyle diseases. JICA Chief Representative to PNG Masato Koinuma said he was pleased that JICA would be expanding its cooperation to include other provinces where Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) are endemic. The target provinces for the phase 2 of the progam includes West New Britain, East New Britain, New Ireland, East and West Sepik, Manus and Bougainville. “Phase 2 will not only look at MDA (Mass Drug Administration) and TAS (Transmission Assessment Survey) but also Mobility Management and Disability Prevention (MMDP) for people already suffering from Lymphatic Filariasis,’’ he said. “We hope that this project will improve the livelihood and well-being of PNG Citizens in those target provinces and expand its outputs to the whole country through the NDoH. “JICA will continue to work in partnership with NDoH and all stakeholders to ensure we achieve the project outputs within the timeframe thus contribute to achieve PNG’s Health goals for a healthy PNG’’.

Not only is it the biggest rugby league 9's challenge in Papua New Guinea to date but it is also the biggest when it comes to looking after participating teams. Apart from their own off-field preparations, the Lae Biscuit Company and support sponsors have come in big to supplicate all 40 teams with rations for the four days challenge that kicked of yesterday in Lae. And one of the support sponsors of the 2022 Snax 9's and supplier of the household Flame brand in Papua New Guinea, the Goodman Fielders International has beefed up rations for the Lae Snax 9's tournament in partnership with the Lae Biscuit Company. GFI Momase Regional Sales Manager Augustine Kasi presented 40 bales/cartons each of flame rice, flame oil and twisties to the 40 teams participating in the 4 days Lae Biscuit Company sponsored ahead of the tournament in Lae. The donation by GFI adds to 400 cartons of Snax Biscuit, 400 cartons of Snax noodle and 40 cartons of Prima 10kg saveloys supplied by the Lae Biscuit Company and Prima Smallgoods Company. On hand to receive the goodies was Tournament Director Stephen Malum who expressed great appreciation to GFI and all other support sponsors for the overwhelming support like never before. Mr. Malum stressed that apart from the core objective of the tournament to identify new talents heading into the pre-season of the Lae Snax Tigers franchise, being well looked after off the field during the Snax 9s challenge is important as well. The Snax 9s tournament started yesterday will run for the next three days until Sunday (11th Dec 2022). Other minor sponsors of the Snax 9s tournament are Amalpack Limited, Seeto Kui, Hawkeye Security, Raumai 18, Lae City Authority, Inter Oil and member for Finschaffen, Rainbo Paita.