An independent environmental and human rights legacy impact assessment of Rio Tinto's former Panguna mine in the autonomous Papua New Guinea region Bougainville is due to begin this week. Last year, Rio Tinto publicly committed to fund the independent assessment in response to a human rights complaint brought by 156 local community members, represented by Australia's Human Rights Law Centre. The mine was forced to stop operating in 1989 by what became a ten-year long civil war. The Bougainville government is very keen to see a resumption of mining there as it strives to develop its economy in its quest to achieve independence by 2027. The human rights complaint alleges that the massive volume of mine waste pollution left behind by the Panguna mine is continuing to put people's lives and livelihoods at risk. Over a billion tonnes of waste tailings were released directly into the Jaba and Kawerong rivers during the operation of the Panguna mine between 1972 and 1989. "This is an important step towards addressing insecurity and pain for the people in the impacted community areas," said Bougainville MP Theonila Roka Matbob. "Thus, we welcome the assessment into the impacts of the Panguna mine as soon as possible." Another to welcome the move is the Human Rights Law Centre. "We welcome Rio Tinto's commitment to this process. We really need Rio to continue its support and commit to funding the next steps," said Keren Adams, the legal director at the Centre. Tetra Tech Coffey, an independent global consulting company, will undertake the Legacy Impact Assessment. The first phase of the work, which will examine acute impacts and risks posed by the mine to communities, is expected to take 18-20 months. It will identify mine-related impacts and what needs to be remedied. Rio Tinto has not yet committed to funding the clean-up and remediation of the mine site that communities are calling for. Following the conclusion of the impact assessment, further discussions will be held between the company, community representatives and other stakeholders regarding the assessment's recommendations and next steps. Source: rnz.co

A delegation of staff consisting of senior officers visited the two widows of the late former provincial administrator for Central, Raphael Yibmaramba in Wewak over the weekend. The two widows and their family members met with the officers at the Village Inn hotel to do the formalities of the presentation of foodstuff and cash contributions. Acting Deputy Provincial Administrator for Social Services, Michael Uaiz when presenting the cash contributions to the families of the deceased, said “we are here to represent the Central Provincial Government and Administration and the people of Central Province to convey our deepest condolences to the families and relatives and the people of East Sepik Province. Mr Uaiz said due to delays in government payments systems, the team was not able to come on time for the funeral and burial of the late provincial administrator Raphael Yibmaramba. “But is better late and never come at all but we are here to show respect and give the families courage and comfort at this time of mourning”, Mr Uaiz said. The officers contribute ten thousand kina respectively to the two widows, with local food and store goods and protein to the families. Meantime, Mrs. Monica Yibmaramba, widow of the Late Raphael Yibmaramba thanked Governor for Central Rufina Peter and Provincial Administrator Francis Koaba and the staff of Central Provincial Government and Administration for the support shown to the family for contributions in cash and kind to the families of the Late Raphel Yibmaramba by traveling to Wewak, East Sepik Province. She said the cash contributions will help in their customary obligations and remove the hauskrai and other family commitments.  

Brazil danced its way past South Korea and into the World Cup quarterfinals on Monday, sweeping aside its opponent 4-1 in a dazzling performance at Qatar 2022. This was a real statement of intent from Brazil, as Tite’s side showed why it was considered the favorite to lift the trophy coming into the tournament. Four first-half goals from Vinicius Jr., Neymar Jr. , Richarlison and Lucas Paqueta ended this match as a contest soon after it had begun, with a combination of shambolic Korean defending and brilliant Brazilian attacking play leading to the most one-sided game of this World Cup so far. However porous the Korean defense was, the opening 45 minutes were truly a football spectacle and encapsulated everything that has made Brazil both feared and admired at the World Cup over the years. That included some perfectly-timed choreographed dancing as Brazil celebrated each of its four goals in style, even convincing head coach Tite to join in with Richarlison’s ‘pigeon dance’ for the third goal. The second half was little more than a procession for Brazil, as its players took their foot off the gas and began conserving their energy for the much sterner test against Croatia that lies ahead on Friday. Seung-Ho Paik grabbed a consolation goal for Korea 15 minutes from time as his long-range strike took a deflection off Thiago Silva that helped it past Alisson into the far corner. With the recent news that soccer great Pelé had been admitted to hospital in Sao Paulo, Brazil’s players celebrated the win at full time with a banner paying tribute to the three-time World Cup winner. [caption id="attachment_31814" align="alignnone" width="906"] Neymar made the score 2-0 from the penalty spot after Richarlison was fouled.[/caption] Brazil means business Brazil came into this tournament as the favorite to lift the trophy, but had so far failed to live up to that tag. Tite’s iteration of the Seleçao has always been known for its pragmatism instead of the Joga Bonito style of football displayed by some of the great Brazil teams of old. Even by his pragmatic standards, however, the team’s three group games were stodgy affairs, with only brief flashes – primarily in the closing stages of the 2-0 win over Serbia – of the flair we have become accustomed to associating with Brazil over the years. But that pragmatism has made this defense remarkably stingy; before Tite had made nine changes for the third group game against Cameroon, Brazil had not faced a single shot on target in Qatar. Brazil was also given a huge boost ahead of its match against South Korea with the news that Neymar was fit to play for the first time since suffering an ankle sprain in that opening game against Serbia. If Brazil’s players for whatever reason did need some added motivation, news that Pelé would be tuning into this game from the hospital in Sao Paulo where he is currently receiving treatment would have certainly provided that. South Korea, meanwhile, has impressed in reaching the round of 16, coming through a difficult group that included Portugal, Ghana and Uruguay. But Brazil started this game like it meant business, barely allowing the Koreans a touch of the ball inside the opening five minutes. [caption id="attachment_31816" align="alignnone" width="906"] Vinicius Jr of Brazil celebrates after breaking the deadlock just six minutes into the match.[/caption] That early dominance paid off after just seven minutes thanks to some beautiful footwork from Raphinha that started a flowing Brazil move, which was finished off with unerring accuracy at the far post by Vinicius Jr., who placed the ball perfectly past four Korean players. Korea’s poor start quickly turned into a nightmare, as Woo-Young Jung mistimed his swing for the ball and instead caught Richarlison on the foot inside the penalty area. It was certainly soft, but there was enough contact for referee Clement Turpin to award the penalty. Neymar, on his return from injury, made no mistake, nonchalantly strolling up and placing the ball to the goalkeeper’s left. The goal was Neymar’s 76th for the national team, just one strike away from equaling Pelé as Brazil’s all-time top goalscorer. By scoring Neymar also became just the third Brazilian player in history after Pelé and Ronaldo to score at three different World Cups. Hee-Chan Hwang did force Alisson into a wonderful one-handed save soon after the penalty, but that was the closest South Korea came to scoring in the first half. In fact, Turpin did a better job of defending Brazil’s players than any South Korean – at one point the French referee inadvertently blocked off Neymar’s path and forced the Paris Saint-Germain forward to about turn and find a teammate. Brazilian magic With the result already beyond doubt, it was now party time for Brazil. There were two more goals before half time and both of these showcased the very best of Brazilian football. [caption id="attachment_31817" align="alignnone" width="906"] Tite joins in with the celebrations after Richarlison's goal.[/caption] For the first, Richarlison began playing keepy-uppies with the ball on his forehead, before flicking it round a Korean defender, exchanging passes with Thiago Silva and Marquinhos and slotting the ball past Kim Seung Gyu. The second came after a flowing Brazil counterattack as Vinicius stood the ball up to the far post for the onrushing Paqueta to volley home. This game was already long over as a contest, but it was now in danger of turning into a humiliating night for South Korea, if it hadn’t already. It was without doubt the best and most dominant half of football any team has put together so far at this World Cup, as Brazil finally announced itself as the leading contender to lift the trophy in Qatar. If there was one positive for South Korea at the interval it was that the score was only 4-0 instead of seven or eight, but the second half would merely be an exercise in damage limitation. Both teams had chances to add to the scoreline but the goalkeepers came out on top for most of the second period, until Paik’s crisp half-volley on 75 minutes finally beating Alisson thanks to a deflection off Silva. That was to be the last meaningful action of a match that, in truth, had been over since the 30-minute mark. Brazil and Tite in particular will be delighted with the manner of the victory and with the performance of star man Neymar, who looked sharp as he came through his first match back unscathed. Source: CNN News

Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko has announced a K6 million allocation in the 2023 Budget for the refurbishment of Papua New Guinea’s embassy office and all its state owned properties in Jakarta, Indonesia. Minister Tkatchenko upon his arrival in Jakarta on Saturday told staff that Indonesia was among the first of four foreign missions that the government had approved for renovation and refurbishment. “I look forward in renovating the properties, getting them back to a modern standard as the Republic of Indonesia is an important diplomatic partner to Papua New Guinea,” Minister Tkatchenko said. While on his way to Bali, Indonesia for the Pacific Forum for Development, Minister Tkatchenko visited the embassy office and all state owned properties in Jakarta. Minister Tkatchenko said the government was resolute in its commitment to transform all missions abroad and this was demonstrated by tripling the budget for The Department of Foreign Affairs to K120 million for 2023 making this the biggest allocation ever received by the Department. Minister Tkatchenko emphasized the refurbishment work needed for all the country’s missions abroad, including Indonesia was long overdue. “You will see Jakarta raised from the ashes, being taken to a next level.” “We have secured K6m for the refurbishment of this office as well as all the properties in Jakarta starting in the first quarter of next year,” Minister Tkatchenko said. Minister Tkatchenko added that apart from the renovation work, an official appointment for a permanent Papua New Guinea Ambassador to Indonesia has been prioritized. “Foreign Affairs used to be the premier department, but over the last 15 to 25 years, it had gone down, not enough input, commitment, responsibility and loyalty.” “That’s all now going to change, with the government backing me all the way, we look forward for a new relationship with the Republic of Indonesia, going forward in Defence, Agriculture, Security as we share the biggest border taking our relationship to a level where it has never been before.” “I will be working closely with your Foreign Minister of Indonesia Retno Marsudi, whom I’ve known for about six years in one my previous ministerial capacities as APEC Minister.” “I’m looking forward to strengthening the relationship with Indonesia and making sure that we are all working tougher on the same level, especially when it comes to Defence.” “We are now going to move forward in signing a Defence Corporation Agreement between PNG and Indonesia, sharing the security on the borders together, working tougher and partnering together.” “For me I will not take no for an answer, we are going to get things done in a big way.” “All the problems that you have had in the past, I would hope by the end of next year all those would have been addressed.” “I look forward in renovating all the properties, getting them back to a class standard, renovating the embassy office to show everybody that Indonesia is a prime location,” Minister Tkatchenko said. Meanwhile, as per an official invitation from Prime Minister James Marape, Papua New Guinea is preparing for an Official State Visit of the Indonesian President Joko Widodo next year.

The number of active covid-19 cases in Niue has reached 59, with five new cases recorded in the latest reporting period. Niue Hospital is experiencing staffing shortages due to the outbreak. In a statement, the government said new health measures at the hospital have been implemented to protect health workers. From Monday local time, the out-patient entrance in front of the hospital will be closed to the public. Spike in cases in French Polynesia The covid-19 numbers in French Polynesia continue to climb, with a further 138 infections being counted in the latest 48-hour reporting period. There are now 372 active cases. Three people with covid-19 are in hospital. Local media said one covid patient died in hospital, but the death is not counted in the pandemic's tally. There have been repeated calls for people to update their vaccination status as only 23 percent of those over 60 have had a booster. Last year when the territory was hit by an outbreak of the Delta variant, more than 600 people died, of whom more than 94 percent had not been vaccinated. Source: rnz.com

International Volunteer Day is a day very close to our hearts at the Sir Brian Bell Foundation. The altruism, commitment, and generosity of people contributing their time and skills makes PNG a better place for everyone. There are lots of charities that rely solely on the support of volunteers such as some healthcare services, animal care, blood donations, childhood education and rescue missions which all depend on goodwill from people in our community. There are so many ways to give back while also contributing to your personal and professional development. If there’s something you’re passionate about whether it be medicine, administration, people, or education there’s a place for you to develop your skills while improving the lives of people around you. Good deeds not only create happiness for the individual by doing something kind for others, but you might also make some new friends in the process too. “Let’s have a moment for our volunteers today. We are deeply appreciative of the tireless commitment from our volunteers over the years, to make our country a better place,” and also to our very own Support Squad, all our Brian Bell Group team members who have been giving back to selected initiatives and causes across the country in the areas of health and education across the country as a collective team “commented by Sir Brian Bell Foundation CEO, Ms Bronwyn Wright”. Source: Sir Brian Bell Foundation

On the back of producing career-best form and narrowly missing out on a World Cup spot, Raiders forward Hudson Young has set his sights on a Blues Origin debut next season. After an impressive NRL campaign that yielded 14 tries in 24 games, Young was named in Mal Meninga's extended World Cup squad but was unable to force his way into the final 24 that claimed the ultimate prize in November. For 24-year-old Young, the buzz of watching teammate Jack Wighton light up the international stage and bring home a World Cup winners' medal helped to make up for his own disappointment, and gave him all the motivation he needs for 2023. “We saw at the World Cup how good Jack is. He’s played so much footy throughout this year and to be able to come out and perform like that after the season he had, it definitely made me excited to work alongside him again in 2023,” Young told NRL.com. “Working closely next to him the last two seasons has definitely helped me develop my game. “He’s an international footballer, he’s won a Dally M and just about done everything in the game so being able to see how he operates and running alongside him has been massive for me." Wighton has his own Origin motivation after being overlooked for the 2022 series decider so the Raiders' left-edge partners will be able to spur each other on in the opening rounds with a common goal to be part of Brad Fittler's team on May 31 in Adelaide. Young, who collected the NRL Coaches’ award for the Raiders, said that even being mentioned as a possible Kangaroo for the World Cup had given him the confidence he needs to break in to rep footy in 2023. “Obviously I want to represent State of Origin next year. I know it’s a bit of a way down the track but it’s something I really want to achieve,” he said. “I didn’t really speak to Mal (Meninga), it more came from 'Sticky' (Ricky Stuart). He’s good mates with Mal and was really honest with me. “I just want to keep building with my confidence. I sort of had a thing this year of 'don’t think, just do', and I’ll be trying to roll with that again this year because the more I think, the worse things become.” Young knows any hope of representing his state or country begins with success at club level and he says belief is strong in the national capital that they can again be part of the finals action after making it to week two of the play-offs in 2022. [caption id="attachment_31750" align="alignnone" width="906"] Fogarty relishing early return[/caption] Ryan Sutton (Bulldogs) is the only member of the side that lost to Parramatta in the semi-final who has moved on, so Young is confident the Green Machine has the firepower to again be a contender. “We’ve got 16 of that 17 that played in the last final against Parramatta, and being a young group, that’s only going to benefit us,” he said. “From the end of the Origin series we only lost one game heading into the finals so as a young group I think we can take a lot away from that. “There’s also some really good kids coming through and I think they went really well in the junior levels this year, so they’ll be putting pressure on us older fellas in the team. "Obviously you want to test yourself early in the season to see where you are at and to get the Cowboys away round one will be a tough task." Source: NRL.Com

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will lead a delegation to Papua New Guinea on 12-13 December. The visit comes as our two nations approach the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations following Papua New Guinea’s independence in 1975. Prime Minister Albanese will join his host, Prime Minister James Marape, for the Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in Port Moresby. The meeting will continue to strengthen the partnership between the Prime Ministers, who have met at the Pacific Islands Forum in Suva, the Prime Ministers’ XIII Rugby League match in Brisbane, the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Bangkok, and travelled to Tokyo for the funeral of the former Prime Minister of Japan, Mr Abe Shinzo AC. In addition to visiting Port Moresby, Prime Minister Albanese will travel with Prime Minister Marape to Wewak on the northern coast of Papua New Guinea. In Wewak Prime Minister Albanese will visit the resting place of the founding Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, the late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare. He will also visit the Japanese Memorial Peace Park and Moem Barracks. This will be the first visit by an Australian Prime Minister to Papua New Guinea since 2018. Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Albanese: “This will be my first visit to Papua New Guinea as Prime Minister and the first in-person leaders’ talks since 2019, when Prime Minister Marape visited Australia. “Australia and Papua New Guinea are close neighbours and even closer friends. Our deep ties are underpinned by a common history, shared values and continued collaboration. “The strength of our modern relationship draws on bonds from our shared past, including those forged on the Kokoda Track eighty years ago – we will never forget the debt we owe the brave Papua New Guineans who walked alongside Australian soldiers in this campaign. “We also have a shared vision for the future: a more prosperous, unified and secure region. “I look forward to meeting with Prime Minister Marape in Port Moresby and discussing our cooperation across trade, economic recovery, infrastructure, defence, policing and climate resilience.”

Trukai Industries commemorated the International Day of Persons with Disabilities by donating to the PNG Blind Services in Port Moresby. A donation of ten bags of 20kg Trukai Medium Grain and a cheque of K5000 was presented to the President of the PNG Blind Services Rua Rara at their office at 3 mile. Trukai’s support will go towards assisting the organization with facility expenses and with their commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. As a not-for-profit organization, the PNG Blind Services are seeking assistance to purchase assistive devices such as the White Cane for mobility and the daily up keep of their organization. Trukai’s Marketing Manager Maryanne Tom thanked the PNG Blind Services for their work in the community. “We are very happy to support the PNG Blind Services especially during the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. As part of our Corporate Social Responsibilities Program we support not-for-profit organisations like the PNG Blind Services to help them progress their work in communities,” said Tom. Maryanne also added that the donation to the Blind Centre marks the start of Trukai’s annual December donations. “This is the first donation for December and we will be donating to various prisons and charity organizations around the country as well. This is something that Trukai does every year during the festive season,” said Tom. President of the PNG Blind Services Rua Rara thanked Trukai Industries for this donation and expressed gratitude for this support. “You have heard our cry and we would like to thank Trukai Industries for supporting us to commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, said Rara. The main aim of the of the PNG Blind Services is to help blind and visually impaired persons in their rehabilitation, education and primary eye care. Trukai Industries support a wide variety of community activities and programs for people with special needs, the homeless and less fortunate, achievement recognition awards, sports, education and medical projects.

Indonesia's Mount Semeru volcano has erupted, sending ash billowing into the sky and sparking evacuations on the country's main island, Java. Authorities raised the volcano's warning status to the highest level, meaning its activity had escalated. No injuries have been reported but nearly 2,000 people were evacuated from the area around the volcano. People have been urged to keep at least 8 km (5 miles) away, as "hot avalanches" of lava poured from Semeru. The increased threat level from three to four also means the danger threatens people's homes, a spokesman for Indonesia's Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) told a national broadcaster. The organisation said a bridge being rebuilt after a previous eruption had been badly damaged. Volcanic ash mixed with monsoon rain was falling on nearby villages and 1,969 people, including children and seniors, had been evacuated, the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) said. At least six villages had been affected, it added. Videos of the event showed the sky turning black as a massive plume of ash blocked the sunlight. Japan issued a tsunami warning for its southernmost islands after the eruption, but meteorologists said no tidal changes had been observed. Mount Semeru, in East Java province, began erupting at about 02:46 local time (19:46 GMT), authorities said. Indonesia sits on the Pacific "Ring of Fire" where tectonic plates collide, causing frequent volcanic activity as well as earthquakes. Semeru - also known as "The Great Mountain" - is the highest volcano in Java at 3,676m (12,060ft) and one of the most active. Its last erupted exactly one year ago, killing at least 50 people and leaving streets filled with mud and ash. The eruption also follows a series of earthquakes on the west of Java island, located about 640 km (400 miles) east of Indonesia's capital Jakarta, including one last month that killed more than 300 people. Source: BBC

Top scorer in 2018, Harry Kane has got off mark at Qatar 2022 against Senegal – and a moved step closer to Wayne Rooney's record. Harry Kane is now just one goal behind Wayne Rooney as England's all-time top scorer The 29-year-old claimed his first strike from open play for the Three Lions since November 2021 Kane has scored seven FIFA World Cup™ goals - second only to Gary Lineker Just one goal now separates Harry Kane from a share in England's all-time scoring record, which is currently held by Wayne Rooney. The England captain opened his account at Qatar 2022 account with the second of his team's goals in the ongoing last-16 tie with Senegal, ending a mini-FIFA World Cup drought and a run of over a year without an international goal from open play. The 29-year-old Tottenham Hotspur striker had not scored in England’s first three games and suffered a knock to his foot in the opening fixture against IR Iran. However, he made a similarly slow start at UEFA EURO 2020 before scoring four times in the knockout rounds. Kane was the six-goal adidas Golden Boot winner four years ago in Russia and has 52 overall for his country from 79 games. Only Gary Lineker, the top scorer at Mexico 86, has scored more World Cup goals for England with his six in Mexico and four at Italia 90.  

“I am a strong believer in our Parliamentary democracy and the vital role that the Opposition can play in holding the executive arm of government to account. However, I was very disappointed with the misleading, ill-informed, and often scare-tactic response by the Shadow Treasurer to the 2023 Budget. The Shadow Treasurer should know at least the basic structures of the budget. Clearly, he does not. I invite him to come to Treasury for some lessons on budget basics and his boss can also tag along” stated the Treasurer, Ian Ling-Stuckey. “The first budget basic is that there are 3 appropriation bills, not one. As set out in our Constitution, the Parliament and the Judiciary have separate appropriation bills from the General Public Service. So please do not say our numbers are wrong just because you don’t add up all three bills that form our budget. And come across to Treasury for a basic lesson on how debt principal payments are covered in the budget. In 2023, we have done it the same way as for the last two decades. Please hurry up and learn. Because at the moment, you are misleading the people of PNG simply because you don’t understand budget basics” stated Ian Ling-Stuckey. “What a long and rambling response. Total confusion on their own figures. One example – the extraordinary claim that we only have K5.8 billion to pay for all capital expenditures and debt interest payments. Just wrong. The 2023 budget provides K9.7 billion for capital expenditures – the highest level of investment in our country’s history. We also have K2.5 billion set aside for debt interest costs. Debt exploded under the PNC. We are bringing those costs and debt levels under control. Indeed, our good, cheap, financing strategy, lowering average interest costs from 6.5% in 2019 down to just 4.2% in 2023, has saved K1.35 billion in 2023 alone. A smart and innovative government that has freed up these funds for law and order and education and health. No more expensive commercial borrowings at over 8%! “A key question is “What does living within our means really mean?”. The Opposition takes a narrow view that it is only considered over one year. But as Governor Bird highlighted in his robust response, Government’s need to take a medium-term view. The budget must be sustainable over the medium-term. The IMF and World Bank are aware that our expenditures are currently higher than our revenues, because the government wishes to continue stimulating economic growth, but they know that this is sustainable if we keep to our plan to return to a budget surplus by 2027. When a family has a big capital expense such as a new house, it doesn’t plan to have to repay it all in one year. Of course the parents will take a longer-term view, ensuring that the home loan can be repaid over the next 15 or 20 years. Even our Fiscal Responsibility Act has always taken the medium-term view, calling for a balanced budget on average, not a balanced budget every year. “One wonders whose interests the Opposition serves. It was extraordinary that the shadow treasurer spent a full 7 minutes of his speech on the new forest sector taxes, aimed to encourage downstream processing. One has to ask why that was such a big part of his speech? Only a quick comment on the banking taxes. Almost no time on our health or education sectors. But a full 7 minutes on forestry. Mmmm.* “The Oppo. As I said months ago, this will be a tough budget and some people won’t be happy. We know the banks will not be happy, We know that some round log exporters will be unhappy. But these extra funds means we have been able to fund major increases for law and order, a major K590 million household assistance package to help with the cost of living, and K1 billion of budget repair in reducing the deficit and build-up of debt. This is a good, responsible, caring budget, implementing the vision of re-elected Prime Minister Marape and his very competent coalition team” stated the Treasurer.