At least 25 people have died and dozens remain trapped underground after an explosion in a coal mine in northern Turkey's Bartin province. Around 110 people were working in the mine at the time of the blast, almost half of them at over 300 metres deep. Turkey's health minister Fahrettin Koca said 11 people had been rescued and were being treated. As night fell, emergency workers were digging through rock to try to reach more survivors. Video footage shows miners emerging blackened and bleary-eyed accompanied by rescuers at the facility in Amasra, on the Black Sea coast. The family and friends of the missing could also be seen at the mine, anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones. The explosion is believed to have occurred at around 300m deep. Some 49 people were working in the "risky" zone between 300 and 350m (985 to 1,150ft) underground, Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said. "There are those whom we were not able to evacuate from that area," Mr Soylu told reporters at the scene. The cause of the blast is not yet known, and the local prosecutor's office has begun an investigation. Turkey's energy minister said there were initial indications that the blast was caused by firedamp, which is methane forming an explosive mixture in coal mines. "We are facing a truly regretful situation", he said. There were partial collapses inside the mine, he said, adding that there were no ongoing fires, and that ventilation was working properly. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is expected to visit the site on Saturday. Amasra's mayor Recai Cakir said many of those who survived had suffered "serious injuries". One worker who managed to escape on his own said: "There was dust and smoke and we don't know exactly what happened." The mine belongs to the state-owned Turkish Hard Coal Enterprises. Turkey witnessed its deadliest coal mining disaster in 2014, when 301 people died after a blast in the western town of Soma. Source: BBC

Barrick Chief Executive Mark Bristow, in PNG for quarterly operational reviews, said that the incorporation of New Porgera Limited (NPL) on 22nd September, following execution of the New Porgera Shareholders Agreement by Barrick (Niugini) Limited, Kumul Mineral Holdings Limited and Mineral Resources Enga, marked an important step towards the long delayed restart of the Porgera mine. Once certain conditions are fulfilled, the company intends to apply for a new Special Mining Lease (SML) in coming weeks. Bristow said that New Porgera will work with the State and the Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) to ensure that the SML application process proceeds without delay and in accordance with the Mining Act and the Porgera Project Commencement Agreement (PPCA). “The application and early approval of a new SML is the goal that all Porgera stakeholders should be striving for. The mine has sat idly for far too long – almost two and a half years – depriving landowners and the communities of Porgera of employment and other essential benefits that the mine delivered successfully for 30 years,” said Bristow. Together with Barrick’s executives, Bristow arrived Sunday (09/10/22) night in PNG and Monday (10/10/22) travelled to Porgera to kick-off the security forum alongside the Mining Minister Sir Ano Pala, Porgera MP Maso Karipe, SML and LMP landowners, community, women groups and business leaders. Also in attendance was Enga Provincial Police Commander and representatives of the Enga Provincial Government, Porgera District and PNG Defense Force. “We had a constructive kick-off meeting in Porgera and everyone agreed that law and order is crucial to the restart of Porgera mine and the long term future of Porgera District. The Parties will continue to meet and collaborate on law and order initiatives and their implementation. All landowner and community leaders acknowledged the urgent need for leadership at ground level to complement the work being done by security forces. There was a call from the landowners for a signing of a Peace Agreement and the need for a Government endorsed Police Operation to address the current lawlessness in Porgera” said Bristow. As a sign of Barrick’s commitment to restart, we are building a dedicated team, comprised of a majority of Papua New Guineans, to get the mine up and running so that the people of Porgera can finally see the ‘white smoke’ they have been waiting for. To date, Barrick and Zijin have funded USD 391 Million (approximately 1.37 billion kina) solely for Care and Maintenance. Bristow and Barrick executives are expected to meet with Prime Minister James Marape, the State Negotiation Team led by Dari Vele, Kumul Mineral Holdings Limited and attend the inaugural board meeting of New Porgera Limited.

Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Richard Marles MP, joined Defence Minister the Win Bakri Daki MP and Chief of the Defence Force, Major General Mark Goina opened the Taurama Barracks Chapel. The redeveloped Chapel is an important milestone for the base, for the local community, and for Papua New Guinea and Australia’s enduring partnership. “In Australia the chapels on our bases are places of prayer, reflection, faith and friendship, open to all and welcoming all. I can see the same spirit infuse Taurama Barracks Chapel today” the Deputy Prime Minister said. The Chapel was remediated through the long-standing PNG-Australia Defense Cooperation Program and is a demonstration of Australia’s ongoing support to PNG Defense infrastructure priorities, both big and small. It complements the broader Australia-PNG Churches Partnership and builds on decades of close relationships between our respective faith communities. Australia’s relationship with PNG is unique and profoundly important to us. Nowhere is this more evident than in the close ties between the PNG Defense Force and the Australian Defense Force. “May this Chapel serve to strengthen the partnership and fellowship between the Defense Forces of Australia and PNG” said the Deputy Prime Minister.

With the best of the best on show, World Cup tournaments not only produce scintillating moments, but they unearth new stars and unlock the potential of others. The last tournament in 2017 saw Valentine Holmes rise to - twice - score the most tries in a World Cup game, while Jason Taumalolo, already a formidable force in the field, went to another level as a leader in the game. This year’s tournament promises to produce more outstanding performances across the teams, with heavyweights and minnows alike set to see players rise to the occasion. Breakout stars to watch Group A: England, France, Greece, Samoa Bound to garner an even greater fan base after his call-up to the England squad, Victor Radley will be hoping to fire for the Old Dart. Nicknamed ‘The Inflictor’ for his aggressive style of play, Radley made the big call to turn his back on a potential future New South Wales and Australia call-up and is all in with England. NRL regulars Herbie Farnworth and Dom Young are two more fresh faces in the squad who will be keen to make an impression, while NRL fans will be interested to see Wigan’s Kai Pearce-Paul in action, with the youngster attracting plenty of interest from clubs. Samoa also has a plethora of young stars ready to feature for the nation this tournament, headlined by Joseph Suaalii who is set to get an extended run at fullback. Although he is expected to feature for Australia in the future, having declared his intention to represent Samoa despite a strong chance of Kangaroos selection, he’ll be keen to show his wares. Fellow back Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has already shown what he can do in the representative arena, scoring a try in his State of Origin debut. Given the off-field difficulties faced by Greece in the past to even play the game, it’s a remarkable achievement to be at the tournament. South Sydney Rabbitohs duo Lachlan Ilias (halfback) and Peter Mamouzelos (hooker) will be key performers for the Greek side and will look to add some flair to their group. [caption id="attachment_28415" align="alignnone" width="906"] Pete the Greek Freak [/caption] As hosts of the 2025 World Cup, France will be out to defy expectations and progress from their tough group. While arguably their biggest name is an off-field ‘signing’ in Roosters coach Trent Robinson, who is the France’s director of rugby, they have picked a number of young faces in the squad who will definitely gain from the experience, including Catalans Dragons half César Rougé. Group B: Australia, Fiji, Italy, Scotland Australia have named 13 uncapped players for this campaign, and there’s a tonne of exciting talent in that group, including Dally M Rookie of the Year winner Jeremiah Nanai and this year’s Wally Lewis Medal recipient Pat Carrigan. All eyes will be on back-to-back premiership winning halfback Nathan Cleary, who is yet to don the green and gold. [caption id="attachment_28416" align="alignnone" width="906"] Kangaroos Debutants - Nathan Cleary[/caption] His Panthers squad mate Sunia Turuva will be one to watch for Fiji. Having made an impression in his Test debut for the Bati earlier this year, there’s no telling what this talented fullback can do as the team look to build into the tournament. Importantly for the Bati, four players (Jowasa Drodrolagi, Pio Seci, Penioni Tagituimu and Vuate Karawalevu) who started with the Silktails have earned selection in the squad. Another fullback to keep an eye on is Luke Polselli for Italy. Polselli, who spent time with the Melbourne Storm over the pre-season this year and took home the player of the year award for the Sunshine Coast Falcons, a side who made it through to the preliminary finals in the Hostplus Cup this year. He’ll have some familiar faces around him as well, with Jake Maizen and Daniel Atkinson from the Falcons also representing, while initial inclusion Cooper Johns has withdrawn. A slew of injuries to some of their most experienced players has left Scotland, who already had an uphill battle in a tough group, facing an even greater challenge this World Cup. However, the team with arguably the best playing shorts in the game (if they wear their blue tartans again) won’t be short of enthusiasm and have players keen to make a good impression on the world stage. Strong forward Logan Bayliss, who is signed to the Broncos and played for Souths Logan Magpies this year, has played representative football in the past for the Queensland Under 20 side, while Mackay Cutters hooker Kyle Schneider, who helped with coaching the club’s All Abilities team this year, has also played for the New South Wales Under 18 side in the past. Group C: New Zealand, Lebanon, Ireland, Jamaica This tournament is Joey Manu’s time to shine. Already a superstar of the game, Manu has played plenty for the Kiwis, but this is his first World Cup. A tournament like this will provide the perfect platform for him to build into his game, especially in the fullback position, although New Zealand fans will want him firing from the first whistle. Ireland have already unearthed someone who is set become everyone’s favourite player in Mike Ward. The Batley forward has done the sums and put his money where his mouth is, quitting his job as a maths teacher to pursue his dream of representing his country in a World Cup. That kind of passion just has to be admired. [caption id="attachment_28417" align="alignnone" width="840"] Adam Doueihi playing for Lebanon in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.[/caption] One area most emerging nations have struggled with in the past is the halves, but that is not likely to be the case for Lebanon this year. Wests Tigers star Adam Doueihi will partner with newly-appointed skipper Mitch Moses in the halves, forming a formidable combo. While Doueihi is not an unknown entity and also gained experience for the Cedars during the last World Cup, he’ll be hoping to further cement his five-eighth credentials with a strong showing for Lebanon, after a disrupted 2022 season. Group D: Tonga, Papua New Guinea, Wales, Cook Islands When he made his Test debut for Tonga in 2019, it was a surprise call up for Tesi Niu, stepping up to cover for Ata Hingano, who suffered a shoulder injury at training. Niu played fullback, Will Hopoate moved to the halves and Tonga defeated Great Britain, the second of their Tier 1 scalps at the time. While injury contributed to him only play 10 games in the NRL for the Broncos this past year, a fit, firing and confident Niu is a sight to see. [caption id="attachment_28418" align="alignnone" width="840"] Cook Islands forward Pride Petterson-Robati runs out for Redcliffe Dolphins[/caption] It seems at every World Cup, the Kumuls unearth a new star or provide one of the moments of the tournament with length-of-the-field try or big powerful hits. In Nixon Putt (pronounced 'put' like ‘Nixon will put you on your backside’, and not 'putt' like the golf term), they have a player who can do both. The Central Queensland Capras star is no stranger to the international scene, but having won the Hostplus Cup’s second rower of the year award this year, he is in the best form of his career and no doubt will be catching the eye of either NRL or Super League scouts. With a large domestic contingent in this year's Welsh squad, there are only a few names NRL fans would be familar with, which include halfback Josh Ralph who players for Mounties, and Valleys Diehards brothers Ollie and James Olds. Interest will be on cross-coder Kyle Evans, who was a somewhat surprise call up given his relatively late move across from union, and how he goes if given an opportunity on the wing. Cook Islands have named an array of up-and-coming forwards, including Brisbane Bronco Brendan Piakura and Warrior Pride Petterson-Robati, who is part of the squad’s leadership group. Although he is one of the younger players in the squad, Rabbitohs prop Davvy Moale, who has already had 14 impressive games for South Sydney across two seasons, will be a key man for the Kukis. Source: NRL.com

Health outcomes for women experiencing prolonged or obstructed labour will be improved following capacity building for midwifery trainers and educators. Fourteen Midwifery Master Trainers and four Midwifery Educators from educational institutions across the country participated in a four-day workshop in Port Moresby with specialists from the Burtnett Institute. These participants were guided through how to assess, monitor, and support women and babies when labour is not progressing normally. In partnership with the Burnett Institute, the United Nations Population Fund in Papua New Guinea is supporting the National Department of Health to conduct Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (EmONC) training with midwifery professionals around the country. The program began in 2019 and over 100 midwives have been trained. Facilitating this training was Burnett Institute’s Midwifery Specialist Kara Blackburn and Research Midwife Boe Calvert, who introduced how to complete a rapid assessment of mothers in labour when prolonged labour is suspected, what to do during ineffective contractions and how to manage hyperstimulation especially by managing oxytocin infusion. “I hope to see an Improvement in the initial assessment of a mother in labour by midwives to identify any complications as soon as she arrives in the health facility and maternity ward,” said Ms. Blackburn. “Midwives in PNG are doing extremely well in really challenging circumstances. especially in the rural areas when it is identified that a woman is in prolonged obstructed labour. I really commend the midwives for doing an outstanding job.” Obstructed or prolonged labour can be dangerous both mothers and babies. It can lead to newborn deaths and conditions like obstetric fistula. Central to this training is participation in, and repetition of, simulations using state-of-the-art models. By providing this training to educators, the nation’s next generation of midwives are being provided with the highest standards of preparation before joining this essential workforce. Simulation supports the development of midwifery skills and creates a link between theory and practice. According to Ms. Kara Blackburn simulations increase confidence and competence among midwifery students and healthcare professionals and strong evidence shows that students and healthcare professionals are able to retain the knowledge and are confident and competent in performing in a real life situation. A senior Midwifery Lecturer from the University of Papua New Guinea , School of Health & Medical Sciences, Mrs. Lillian Temo was grateful for the enhancement of her skills in using simulators when teaching. “I will encourage more student interactions through the case presentation of simulations which will increase their knowledge capacity as well,” said Mrs Temo. In opening the training, UNFPA Country Representative Ms. Marielle Sander reaffirmed UNFPA’s commitment to the midwives working to serve women and babies in PNG and committed to a stronger, and more direct relationship between midwives and UNFPA.

Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey today welcomed the statements of the United States to expand investment in Papua New Guinea and the wider Pacific region. This follows meetings between Prime Minister James Marape and US President Joe Biden at the US-Pacific conference at the White House last month. This was a crucial meeting significantly expanding Treasurer Ling-Stuckey’s initiatives last year to step up PNG-US relations when meeting with Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro at the pentagon, as well as the US Treasury and USAID. The US has committed, as part of its expanded engagement, to around US$800 million [K28.4 Trillion] in additional aid to the participating pacific nations in the partnership. In addition, the US has declared Papua New Guinea a strategically important country, meaning that key agencies in the US Government will have to develop a co-ordinated strategic approach to investment and support in PNG. “We are grateful for the US promise to expand their presence in the Embassy in Papua New Guinea- to successfully work with our country on the ground relationships are crucial”, said Ling-Stuckey. He added that as they work to expand the range of investment opportunities in the country, it is vital that they [Government] engage other countries like the US. Ling-Stuckey further elaborated that USAID has already been making investments in the country, through a program of power support and other smaller investments and is looking forward to engaging with the US to help develop their 10-year strategy for PNG . The Marape-Rosso Government has been working to re-engage PNG with the international community: through their engagement with the IMF and the World Bank, the engagement with the United States and our efforts to expand agriculture to become a supplier to the world.

Nambawan Super is pleased to announce that its second cohort of Trainee Directors have successfully completed their two-year development program. The four Trainee Directors; Ms Michelle Taumpson, Ms Josephine Pitmur, Mr Thomas Constantinou and Mr Sylvester Banibia all received their Certificate of Completion from Nambawan Super Chairman, Mr Reg Monagi in recognition of their achievement. The current Trainee Directors' areas of expertise:  Michelle Taumpson is currently the Director of Policy, Planning, and Development for the Constitutional and Law Reform Commission. Ms Taumpson holds a Master's in Business, and a Bachelor's in Liberal Studies.  Josephine Pitmur is the Deputy Secretary for the Department of Justice & Attorney General. She holds a Master’s in Public and International Law, a Bachelor of Law, and a Diploma in Government Management.  Thomas Constantinou is the Managing Director of Perpetual Niugini Limited; PNG Environmental Services Limited; Savvana Constructions Limited. He holds a Master's in Business Administration specializing in Property Development and a Master's in Professional Accounting. Mr Constaninou also has a Bachelor of Commerce in BankingFinance & Risk Management and is an Australian Certified Practising Accountant.  Sylvester Banibia is the Manager Staff Development for the Royal Police Constabulary. He holds a Master’s in Human Resource Management, Bachelor's in Business Management, a Certificate in Leadership and Governance, a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, a Certificate in Accounting, Advance Diploma in Religion Studies. Mr Monagi was pleased with the performance of the cohort saying: “On behalf of the Nambawan Super Board, I congratulate our Trainee Directors on their successful completion of this program and I commend them on their commitment and dedication over the past two years. It has been satisfying to observe their growth both professionally and as individuals throughout this period”.' “I would also like to thank them for the valuable contributions they made to Nambawan Super. Their unique set of skills, expertise and experiences proved invaluable to several of the Funds activities over the last two years.” “We look forward to their continued engagement with the Fund and wish them all the very best as they progress through their careers with their newly developed Directorship skills”, he added. Nambawan Super’s Trainee Director Program is designed to develop a pool of aspiring Directors and better equip them to take on future leadership roles in any organisation. “Participating in the Program exposes Trainee Directors to the roles, responsibilities and stringent standards required of Directors in the superannuation industry. The program helps them to become accustomed to Board room processes and dynamics, and to build the confidence and skills needed to contribute and lead at the Board level”, Mr Monagi added. “The Trainee Directors were also exposed to the Bank of PNG Superannuation Prudential Standards on Corporate Governance which sets out specific requirements for the Board Structure and Responsibilities, including Investment, Risk Management and Remuneration of Directors, Management, staff and parties engaged by the Fund. This ensures that Member’s funds are prudently managed and that reasoned, informed and impartial decisions are made in the best interest of Members.” “Nambawan Super’s Trainee Director Program is excellent in providing an opportunity for potential Directors to gain experience in the role while also contributing meaningfully to the Fund's growth for the benefit of our 214,000 Members”, he explained. Nambawan Super will soon commence the recruitment process for the third cohort of the Trainee Director Development Program. Interested individuals are encouraged to monitor the Nambawan Super website and media channels for more information on how to apply.

Opening of ANGAU Memorial Hospital Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon. Richard Marles MP, joined Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon. John Rosso MP, Minister for Health, the Hon. Lino Tom MP and Morobe MPs, to open the redeveloped ANGAU Memorial Provincial Hospital, Australia’s largest single infrastructure investment in PNG since independence. The project will position ANGAU as a leading healthcare provider for Papua New Guinea, serving the people of Morobe Province, and beyond, and providing health workers with the facilities and equipment to provide high quality care and improve health outcomes for patients. The state-of-art health facility is being delivered alongside a comprehensive commissioning and clinical upskilling program to ensure that equipment is properly installed, staff are trained and there is an effective transition to the new facilities. The acute facilities, like the Emergency Department and Intensive Care Unit, will commence operations next year. Australia has also supported new rural and urban health facilities in Morobe Province which will play an important role in managing the overall flow of patients, through referrals. Deputy Prime Minister Marles said “Together, we’re working to realise the PNG Government’s ambitions for the health sector and achieve the important agenda set out in PNG’s new National Health Plan - including access to quality health facilities close to where people live, in rural and urban areas across PNG. ANGAU will have a significant, tangible impact towards this agenda”. Australia understands the PNG Government’s infrastructure priorities and recognises that strategic and high-quality infrastructure projects are vital for economic prosperity and social development.

Grand Chief Sir Bob Bofeng Dadae, Governor General of Papua New Guinea, has thanked the Department of Works and Highways for the installation of a brand new power generator set at Government House. At a brief but significant presentation ceremony yesterday afternoon, Grand Chief Sir Bob acknowledged the presentation of the power generator as an essential asset to the Office of the Governor General in the execution of its daily operations and duties of the State. Grand Chief Sir Bob said, the continuous power outages experienced in the city has sometimes resulted in delays and cancellation of important State and ceremonial events. Grand Chief Sir Bob related that one such occasion involved the signing of an important road construction project between the State, Department of Works and Highways and an international construction company, which had to be delayed due to an unscheduled power outage by PNG Power at the time. Works and Highways Department Secretary David Wereh was present at the signing ceremony then and made an undertaking for his Department to provide a power generator to Government House. Acting Official Secretary Mr. Bill Toraso said, soon after Secretary Wereh made the undertaking, a brand new (CAT) diesel power generator was brought in and successfully installed by JV PNG Construction Limited at Government House. “Power outages at Government House should now be a thing of the past. Thanks to the new generator, Government House can now carry out its duties to the State and operate without being inconvenienced by the constant power blackouts. I wish to thank the Secretary (David Wereh) for recognizing our need for a power generator and for responding swiftly as he did,” Grand Chief Sir Bob said. Meantime, Minister of Works and Highways Hon. Solan Mirisim has made an undertaking for his Department to look into renovation and construction of a new State House to replace the existing building which has been in existence since 1913 during colonial administration. “The Department (Works & Highways) is now taking on the responsibility for construction and renovation of State assets and buildings. I can see there is a need for further extension and a new office to cater for the important signing ceremonies that take place here. I will take this up with my Department and Secretary to look into this further,” Minister Mirisim said. Minister Mirisim and the Governor General marked the event with a ribbon cutting ceremony signifying the official presentation of the new power generator from the Department of Works and Highways to Government House.

It is with great sadness that the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) has come to learn that PNG Kumul #48 Napoleon Bangkoma had suddenly passed on last week Monday 3rd October 2022. PNGRFL Board Chairman Sandis Tsaka expressed sincere condolences on behalf of the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League to late Napoleon Bangkoma’s family as he was one of the pioneer great players who represented the country. “Our sincere condolences to the family of the late Napoleon and we can only pray for strength and comfort to the surviving family members during this time of sorrow,” Mr Tsaka said. PNGRFL Chairman Mr Sandis Tsaka said that the game acknowledges the contribution of our early pioneers who have contributed to the rich history of our sport which is interwoven with the history of our nation. “To be a Kumul is a great privilege accorded to a select few who have over the years built a huge legacy and heritage that the new generation can look to build on, and we thank Kumul Bangkoma and our earlier pioneers who built a great foundation for the sport,” Mr Tsaka acknowledged. Bangkoma was selected in the 1979 Uve Sabumei coached-side that took on France in Albi, he played as a second rower. Born on 1st January 1954 in Aiyura in the Eastern Highlands Province, the late Kumul was from Anamunampa village in the Obura-Wonenara District. He was born third in line of 6 children, 5 males and one female. He was married to Ete Bangkoma and they had three beautiful children, daughter Doreen, and two sons Koma and Naidus. At the time of the late Kumul’s sudden death, he was employed at the Aiyura Aircraft Maintenance Engineering School (AAMES). “Late Napoleon Bangkoma joined Aiyura Aircraft Maintenance Engineering School in 2018 after retirement from Summer Institute of Linguistics (SIL). He was our welding instructor and machinist,” said Mr Cedric Agion, Chief Executive Officer of AAMES. “He has worked in our workshops since his recruitment. The reason for his recruitment with the school was to have him train our new aircraft maintenance engineers welding skills and safety workshop practices. We have lost a very skilful instructor,” Mr Agion sadly said. On behalf of the Highlands Confederate, including former Kumuls and current players and the league fraternity in the Highlands region, Highlands Confederate Director Joe Tokam expressed sincere condolences to late Napoleon Bangkoma’s families in Aiyura Valley in Kainantu. Kumul #170 James Kops also conveyed his sympathy. “It is indeed a very sad moment for the rugby league family for the loss of one of the legends of the greatest game of all, rugby league,” Mr Kops said. “The news of the passing of Mr Napoleon Bangkoma Kumul #48, he is one of the many that laid his body, heart and soul for the love of this great game that we all enjoy and part take. I was fortunate to meet him in Kainantu just recently before his passing. On behalf of my family, fellow former Kumuls and the former players of this great game, I salute you and farewell you. May his soul rest in peace.” Kumul #197 and former Kumuls Coach, who is also the current East New Britain Governor, Honourable Michael Marum has conveyed his condolences to the late Napoleon Bangkoma’s family. “Anyone who had the privilege to put on the national jersey whether at home or away, and played one or more matches, won or lost, played with pride,” Governor Marum said. Late Napoleon Bangkoma was 68 years old when he passed, his body will be laid to rest in Aiyura tomorrow.

The Immigration and Citizenship Authority (ICA) wishes to inform its valued clients that you may continue to experience prolonged delays in processing times for your PNG passport applications. The delays experienced now is due to an unprecedented increase in volume of PNG passport applications received by ICA in the last 6 months which has put a strain on the capacity of our systems to respond within our turn-around times. Due to the significant increase in the daily intake of passport applications including those submitted under our Fast-Track processing arrangement, ICA continues to triage these applications to minimize disruptions to the clients planned travels. Under this arrangement, we have been prioritizing passport applications for those that require emergency medical treatment abroad, students traveling to take up studies in educational institutions overseas and those travelers who can demonstrate to us the genuine need to obtain a passport quickly with evidence of their travel. Similar circumstances are now being experienced by passport issuing authorities worldwide, partly attributed to effects of covid-19 pandemic on people and businesses including ICA. At this stage, we are doing all we can to manage this situation in a manner that is beneficial for both clients and staff. However, we aim to clear all outstanding passport applications in the coming weeks. We therefore, seek your understanding while we work towards processing all passport applications in the coming weeks including those submitted under our Fast-Track processing arrangement. Source: PNG Immigration and Citizenship Authority FB Page

Trukai Industries Limited has ventured into a partnership with the Papua New Guinea University of Technology to train rice farmers under its Smart Farmer Program. Trukai’s Smart Farmer program aims to pave the way for local rice farmers to be able to receive an education accreditation from a recognized tertiary institution in Papua New Guinea. This partnership long term aims at transforming local rice farmers from sustainable farming into commercial rice farming. A Memorandum of Agreement was signed today at the University of Technology’s Taraka Campus in Lae. This five-year agreement is a private-public partnership for the promotion of academic and professional collaborative of rice research and training through the advancement of science and technology. Trukai Industries’ Chief Executive Officer Alan Preston said this partnership demonstrates the company’s support for local rice farmers through Trukai’s Smart Farmer Program and is their contribution towards rice development in PNG. Trukai Industries’ Rice Development Manager Aina Davis said this training will be more practical based and will be for a period of two weeks. It is through this program that the company aims to enable local rice farmers to become small holder farmers then transition into semi commercial and commercial farmers. She said the Trukai Smart Farmer Program will touch on the basics of irrigation rice farming and will be for farmers of all levels from elementary to commercial based farmers. The collaboration with the University’s Agriculture Department will enable farmers to share and access classrooms, research laboratories and farm or field facilities for farmer training as well as undergraduate and postgraduate student training, research and development, and extension activities. Head of the Agriculture Department, Professor Macquin Maino stated that the department and University is pleased to collaborate with Trukai in this five-year agreement. He said this MOA is beneficial for students from the department as well as part of the agreement will have students engage in work-integrated-learning experiences with Trukai, and learn handson skills from professionals in the field. Prof. Maino added that as part of the agreement, the University will provide eight hectares of land at the University Farm for the purpose of rice development projects and training on rice farming systems. Vice Chancellor, Associate Professor Dr. Ora Renagi, said Trukai Industries is a longtime partner and supporter of the University and the Agriculture department for over twenty years. This partnership further strengthens that professional relationship between the two organizations. Registration will open for the Certificate in Irrigation Rice Farming later this year. The Trukai Smart Farmer program will see three hundred farmers certified in its pilot training in 2023.