Morobe Provincial Education Program Advisor Keith Tangui, while congratulating students in the province who completed their national examinations, has further urged that they keep themselves busy and away from unwanted activities especially criminal activities that could jeopardize their young and bright future. He said the province had recently come out of election-related law and order problems and was not looking forward to another pile of lawlessness brought about by students in the province. Tangui challenged the grade ten and twelve students to find themselves better means to keep themselves occupied while they await their results and postings. He urged parents to assist their children by way of discipline and to find ways to engage their children with productive activities. Tangui encouraged parents to keep their children busy while at home or involve them in informal activities while they were waiting for any formal employment opportunities.  He also commended schools in the province for their efforts in keeping the students calm during a time when the silly season was kicking in with zero reports of violence among the students.

Seini Fisi’ihoi was promoted to the role of General Manager Human Resource for Steamships early this month. She joins a growing number of Papua New Guinean executives and senior managers to help Steamships navigate an exciting future. Seini joined Steamships in 2017 as Learning and Development Manager. Having helped localize the Swire Team Leader Development Program, she was promoted to Head of HR in 2021. Steamships is a strong supporter of PNG talent, and a strong proponent of workplace equality. Rupert Bray, Managing Director of Steamships, said that “Seini has proven herself despite the challenges faced by women in leadership roles and the complexity thrown at the business by managing through Covid-19. She thoroughly deserves the promotion and Steamships is proud of its strong, young, leadership team”. Seini added, “the Steamships board and management team have been nothing short of supportive in seeing to my growth.  As a working mum, I’m so pleased to be part of an organization that cares so much for all its employees.  I look forward to helping guide the Human Resources function as we chart our next one hundred years of growth.” Seini did Biology at the University of Papua New Guinea. After graduating, she worked in hospitality, retail, administration and spent time in a FIFO role up in the Southern Highlands Province before specializing in HR with SP Brewery. Seini is part of the Steamships executive management team. Steamships’ vision is to build businesses that build PNG, and Ms. Fisi’ihoi will contribute to that sense of purpose through the development of Steamships staff and management teams. Source: Steamships website

Police Commissioner David Manning said the 2022 joint security forces election debrief outcome will be presented to the Government through the Internal Security Minister for deliberations. Commissioner Manning made this undertaking during the joint security forces election debrief conference closing ceremony on Wednesday October 19, in Lae, Morobe Province. Mr. Manning said, “From a security perspective we were able to deliver a successful security operation. Many of our views and concerns were cross-cutting issues involving all agencies. Our mandate was simple and also our intent was very clear as we remained committed from pre-election operation till the formation of Government. “The recommendations from this conference concerning the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary and the partner agencies tasked to provide a free, fair and safe election will be put forward to the Government for further deliberation. “Let me thank the partner agencies for the undivided support in this election." Mr. Manning said challenges to delivering the election security operations were identified and dealt with whilst others remain unresolved and deliberated on with options put forward during the debrief. “As of the RPNGC many activities tied to this was initiated prior to the national general election 2022 security operations and many are ongoing and I make particular reference to the election planning cycle, fairly building the four level of command (C4), strengthening governance and accountability, enhancing interoperability, and finally developing appropriate infrastructure,” Mr. Manning said. He further called on the respective commanders to embrace the constabulary reforms and start instituting corrective measures in addressing the issues faced during the election operations. Commissioner Manning said, “Just as the Government demands performance from your executive, we in turn demand and expect the highest level of commitment and performance from current operators. The executive will continue to assess individual performance. It is incumbent upon us to ensure we continue to strive not only to do things better but also doing better things,” Commissioner Manning said.

Police Commissioner David Manning has announced that a major Police reshuffle will be made soon based on individual performances of police officers. Commissioner Manning made this announcement during the 2022 National General Election Debrief Conference held in Lae, Morobe Province last week. The conference was attended by Deputy Commissioner Operation Anton Billie, Deputy Commissioner Administration Joanne Clarkson, acting Deputy Commissioner Specialist Operations Donald Yamasombi, Deputy Commissioner and Chief of Bougainville Police Service Francis Tokura, all Assistant Commissioners, Divisional and Provincial Police Commanders and Directors of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary. Mr Manning said, “This election was also an alternative way to assess your level of command, control and leadership skills in your respective commands. In the coming weeks there will be hard but fair decisions to be made.” Mr Manning said that there will be a reviewed commitment to better support command and demand for greater performances from them. He said the RPNGC is in the face of rebuilding and as an organisation is embarking on a 10-year plan to transition into an organisation that is aspiring to be led and managed by competent people to bring about a Police force that is effective, efficient and readily available to meet the challenge of the people. “Neither I nor the current executives are at the benefit of these reforms. We are very much aware that it is very much to be enjoyed by our successors five to ten years in the future. “What we do collectively now in our time is very critical for the change. Consistent with this, the evaluation of our performance is on-going. “My intent for the new year will be released via the Commissioner's Circular in November this year. I encourage you all to familiarize yourself with it and context it in delivering your end of year parades. “The importance of this evaluation process and reshuffle is key to our success, it is key to rebuilding the force. All of us here are very much part of the transition,” Commissioner Manning said. Mr Manning further acknowledged Mr Francis Tokura, Deputy Police Commissioner and Chief of Bougainville Police Service and Mr Peter Guinness, Commander Northern, for their service. “This is probably your last election debrief and so on behalf of the RPNGC I acknowledge your continuity, dedication and loyalty to the organisation thus far and we wish you well in your future endeavours,” Mr Manning concluded.

A committed Wales outfit pushed Tonga to the limit before the hot favourites prevailed 32-6 at Totally Wicked Stadium in St Helens. The win leaves Tonga on track for a blockbuster quarter-final showdown against Samoa but they will need to improve their discipline and get some combinations right if they are to challenge for the title. An early mistake by halfback Josh Ralph at dummy half put Wales under huge pressure but they held firm for a number of sets after Tui Lolohea and Talatau Amone had forced line dropouts with well placed grubbers. Tongan winger Sione Katoa returned the favour in the 10th minute when he spilled the ball five metres out from his own line and Wales got across the stripe through Dalton Grant but scramble defence by Amone and Tesi Niu denied him. Come the 16th minute and the Welsh had their try through winger Kyle Evans, who forced an error from Siosifa Talakai with a strong tackle and then took a pass from Ralph to race away and score. Matty Fozard converted for 6-0. Tonga needed just five minutes to hit back when Daniel Tupou took a pass from Niu to cross in the left hand corner for the first of his three tries. A dropped ball by Connor Davies late in the first half proved costly for Wales, with David Fifita powering across from close range to give Tonga the lead for the first time. Keaon Koloamatangi's second try of the tournament on the stroke of half-time extended Tonga's advantage to 16-6 at the break as Kristian Woolf's side started to hit their straps. Fullback Tesi Niu was next to score for Tonga, evading several defenders on a weaving run to the line in the 47th minute to make it 22-6. Some desperate online defence by Wales lock Joe Burke denied Lolohea a try in the 51st minute but weight of possession eventually told when Tupou crossed for his second four-pointer on the hour mark and the floodgates threatened to open. Manly flyer Tolutau Koula produced a spectacular play in the 66th minute when he launched himself across the sideline and flicked the ball back inside to set up a try but the video referee correctly ruled the ball had grazed the line before he scooped it back. Some slick passing on the left edge by Tonga finished with Tupou completing his triple after taking the final pass from Talakai, who converted the try for a 32-6 lead. Tupou got across the line again with three minutes to play but an obstruction by Talakai in the lead-up meant the veteran flyer would have to settle for a hat-trick. Source: NRL.com

Fifty-two public servants from the Rabaul and Gazelle District administrations in East New Britain Province are currently attending a weeklong induction training to familiarize themselves to government processes, procedures and what is required of them as public servants. The induction which kicked off on Monday Oct 24th at St Mary’s Vuvu Secondary School is conducted by the Human Resources division of the ENB provincial administration (ENBPA) with assistance from the Department of Personal Management (DPM). Deputy Provincial Administrator for Corporate Services Mr Marakan Uvano when giving his opening remarks on Monday said the induction program is a mandated responsibility of the ENBPA and DPM as new officers will be employed under ENB provincial government and public service of PNG. He said similar induction trainings have been conducted for Pomio and Kokopo districts in the past two weeks. While congratulating the 52 officers, Mr Uvano said they have certified all requirements in the last 6 months and are now taking part in the induction as the government now recognizes them as employees of the ENBPA. “There are so many out there that did not make it and you are very privileged to be selected to be employed by the public service through the provincial government and administration of ENB,” he reminded the officers. Mr Uvano said the public service continues to be the biggest employer in the country followed by the private sector and NGOs. He said the Government also appreciates challenges faced in terms of absorbing the high number of graduates into the workforce hence is creating the economy to address this. Meantime DPM’s Manager Policy Coordination Mr Niwia Olewale said public service induction is in three parts – orientation to National Public service presented by DPM, and orientation to agency and orientation to respective job positions facilitated by the Provincial HR. Mr Olewale said topics that will be covered include the public services general order, government Acts and legislation, work ethics, benefits, communication and administrative processes and procedures among others.

World Polio Day reminds us of the need to increase childhood immunisation to prevent polio and other serious diseases across Papua New Guinea. This year’s World Polio Day theme is focused on a healthier future for children. By ensuring that children are fully immunised – from birth through to early childhood – they will be well placed to reach their full developmental potential. Polio can cause death or result in life-long disability. It is not curable but can be easily prevented through vaccination. A child who is fully immunised for polio will be protected for life from this debilitating disease. Julian Won contracted polio at a very young age, and it has permanently affected the use of his legs. “I was infected with the polio virus when I was one-year old back in the 1970s. Back then the health facilities were not equipped with polio vaccines,” said Julian. “Polio has no cure. I did not receive the polio vaccine when I was a child which resulted in my permanent disability that has limited me from doing everyday tasks. Growing up and living with the polio-inflicted disability, I have experienced challenges that another person in my shoes would need a lot of rehabilitation,” “I can still use my left leg, so I use crutches to walk short distances and a wheelchair to go longer distances.” Now an advocate for polio vaccines, Julian is keen to support the delivery of PNG’s Childhood immunisation program. “I encourage all mothers to bring your babies to the nearest health facility to be vaccinated so they can get their polio vaccine at an early age. Your children are now very fortunate to have the polio vaccine and other vaccines freely available so there is no reason not to protect your children from preventable diseases.” The Accelerated Immunisation and Health System Strengthening (AIHSS) program has increased vaccination across 12 provinces through Provincial Health Authorities (PHAs) and implementation service providers. Since AIHSS commenced in 2019, over 295,700 doses of polio vaccines have been administered to infants under one year old. AIHSS is an initiative of the Government of Papua New Guinea and funded by the Governments of Australia and New Zealand and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.

The PNG National Research Institute (PNG NRI) will host a seminar on the challenges of state fragility and lessons learned. State fragility refers to fragile states having characteristics that substantially impair their economic and social performance. These include weak governance, limited administrative capacity, chronic humanitarian crises, persistent social tensions, and often, violence or the legacy of armed conflict and civil war. The seminar will be presented by a visiting academic from the Australian National University (ANU) Dr Nematullah Bizhan. Dr Bizhan is a Lecturer in Public Policy at the Development Policy Centre, Crawford School of Public Policy at the Australian National University. He is also a Senior Research Associate with the Global Economic Governance Program at the Blavatnik School of Government, Oxford University and is also a visiting lecturer at the School of Business and Public Policy at the University of PNG. The presentation will be comparing the challenges of state fragility and lessons learned from Afghanistan, Burundi, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sierra Leon, PNG and Rwanda. The seminar will discuss key questions on the nature of state fragility, policies used to mitigate it, assessment of outcomes and prospects. It will also discuss the thirteen lessons for reducing state fragility. Government Departments and agencies such as Department of Prime Minister and NEC; Department of National Planning; Department of Personnel Management; Department of Finance; Department of Provincial and Local Level Government; Civil and Identity Registry; National Statistics Office; PNG Royal Constabulary; PNG Defence Force; and PNG Correctional Service, have been invited to attend and be part of the discussions. The media are also invited to cover and report on the event. PNG NRI is optimistic that the seminar will contribute to discussing ideas and effective strategies to mitigate state fragility and prospects of improving governance.

A powerful hurricane made landfall in western Mexico on Sunday, causing heavy rains, flash flooding and landslides. Roslyn, a category 3 hurricane, came ashore in Nayarit state, with maximum winds of 195km/h (120mph). The hurricane has since been downgraded to a tropical cyclone and is expected to dissipate overnight. Images of its aftermath showed flooded roads and upturned vehicles in Nayarit, with collapsed rooves and damaged homes in the worst affected area Tecuala. Further south along the coast in Sayulita, people were pictured wading through and clearing mud from the streets in the area. Flash flooding and power outages also hit the town of Puerto Vallarta in neighboring Jalisco state, but only minor damage was caused, according to the state's governor. Enrique Alfaro Ramirez said people who had evacuated the area have since started returning to their homes. Flights have also resumed, he said. He added, however, that beaches would remain closed for the time being. Prior to the hurricane's landfall, more than a dozen municipalities in Nayarit and Jalisco set up emergency shelters for those who had been evacuated. In May, 11 people were killed after Hurricane Agatha struck south-western Oaxaca state.   Source: BBC 

The Grand Papua Hotel in Port Moresby is a proud winner of The Luxury Hotel Awards 2022. The Luxury Hotel Awards recognizes and celebrates the hotel industry worldwide, with votes cast by travellers, guests, and industry players. It is the third year the Grand Papua Hotel has entered the Luxury Hotel Awards and we are proud to have been awarded the following: Grand Papua Hotel - Luxury Boutique Hotel – Regional Winner in Australasia “It is another prestigious milestone for the Grand Papua Hotel again this year to be recognized as a world-class Upscale Boutique Hotel providing a high-end product and services in Papua New Guinea”. Says Peter Laigaard Jensen – Group General Manager of Coral Sea Hotels. [caption id="attachment_28972" align="aligncenter" width="556"] Picture of Group General Manager Peter Laigaard Jensen[/caption] Grand Papua Hotel – A Member of Radisson Individuals is situated in Port Moresby’s Central Business District and offers 161 upscale guest rooms, suites, and residences. The Hotel was built in 2011 and continues to provide a high standard in its products and services for business travellers and corporate guests who want an upscale hotel experience with friendly service. And not least the newly opened roof garden concept on the 15th floor Under the Shade. Peter Laigaard Jensen explains: “We continue to take pride in giving our guests reasons for coming back not only to Grand Papua Hotel but also to Papua New Guinea and to Port Moresby – this award is dedicated to all our employees and guests” The Grand Papua Hotel boasts an upscale setting and guest experience with the Grand Brasserie, 15th Floor Under the Shade, Grand Bar, and Grand Café, Grand Spa, and the Executive Lounge located on the 15th Floor. The latest is the newly renovated meeting and conference space in the Grand Papua Hotel. Group General Manager, Coral Sea Hotels Peter Laigaard Jensen expresses his gratitude during some hectic years: All staff and management in Grand Papua Hotel have during some difficult years gone the extra mile to look after our guests and their wellbeing and I am very pleased we are awarded as a best-in-class property” [caption id="attachment_28973" align="aligncenter" width="610"] Picture of Grand Papua Hotel[/caption] ABOUT CORAL SEA HOTELS Coral Sea Hotels is a part of Steamships Limited’s legacy and history in Papua New Guinea and offers a portfolio of premium midmarket and upscale quality hotels in strategic well-appointed locations throughout Papua New Guinea. As one of the first hospitality pioneers in Papua New Guinea, Coral Sea Hotels is part of the country’s rich history and culture and continues to play an active part in developing Papua New Guinea with a diversified hotel product portfolio through people and the local environment, enriching lives, and guest experiences. Coral Sea Hotels gives guests reasons for coming back. The portfolio of urban midmarket and city upscale hotels, residences and apartments cater to today’s frequent travellers and local community offering authentic and international hospitality in a warm and friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Coral Sea Hotels owns, manages, and operates 8 properties in Port Moresby, Lae, Mount Hagen, Goroka and Kiunga.

Many businesses and individuals are being affected by the increased cost of business and increased cost of living with Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation in PNG at 5.5% at the end of the June quarter, and the Bank of PNG (BPNG) forecasting 6.0% inflation for the year 2022. BPNG had forecast inflationary pressures rising in the second quarter and used its monetary policy instruments to address inflation. One of these monetary policy steps taken by BPNG was the increase of the Kina Facility Rate (KFR), which is the monetary policy, signalling rate, by 0.25% in July 2022 to 3.25%. The KFR increase by BPNG had the intended effect of increasing interest rates, which financial institutions would pass on to borrowers, thereby limiting consumption, which ultimately slows down inflation. Deposit rates would also increase which rewards savers who exercised spending constraints with higher interest paid on their deposits. BSP increased its interest rates effective September 2022 to align to BPNG’s monetary policy stance and the KFR increase. The Cash Reserve Requirement (CRR), which is a percentage of deposits that all banks must place at BPNG at zero return, has been increased to 9% by BPNG in conjunction with the monetary policy signalling of the KFR. The CRR increase has seen system liquidity reduce by K293.5 million and this has the impact of reducing funds available for lending, or for investing in Government securities. BSP Group CEO Robin Fleming said it is BSP’s view that price stability is a major concern, especially with the persistent inflation seen globally and PNG’s reliance on imports. “Prudent monetary intervention is needed to contain inflation at acceptable levels given PNG’s pipeline of resource projects expected in the medium-term which will substantially boost economic activity,” he added. Furthermore, Mr. Fleming said BSP supports BPNG correctly calling on the Government to sue windfall revenues associated with higher energy prices to retire Government debt, as an expansionary fiscal policy can be in conflict with the tightening monetary policy stance.

The Fogi Village congregation in Wain Erap LLG in Nawaeb District, Morobe on Sunday celebrated the opening of a new church building worth K29, 000 which they fully funded and built. The village situated in ward six has a population of over 200 people who are members of Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea. The building was officiated by Pastor Boas Bangum of the Evangelical Lutheran of Boana. It took the less populated community at least 13 years to complete the building, dedicate and launch it. Also during the launching, Pastor Boas witnessed and delivered blessings for the sacrament of confirmation for  students, marriage and infant blessings. Boas Bangum described the villages' achievement as  a tough but worthwhile milestone and commended the community for their perseverance. He said the achievement has demonstrated the faith the Church members' had even though they had a lesser population to deliver such a massive project. Communities from Ward Seven, Five and Three attended the church opening. The event demonstrated that through faith and team work, greater things can be achieved without seeking financial assistance. Locals were engaged to construct the church building which greatly minimized labour costs and materials.