Save the Children in partnership with Digicel Financial Services Limited recently worked together to reach 2,016 people in 339 households in disaster prone areas in the Morobe province as part of disaster preparedness work. A total of K161,760 was distributed in the Mumeng and Watut local level government areas of the Bulolo District reaching a total of 2,016 men, women, youth, and children. This follows a signing of a Memorandum of Agreement with Digicel Financial Services Limited and Save the Children in October last year to work in partnership on Mobile Cash Transfers. The MOA paved way for Save the Children beneficiaries to receive cash support on their mobile phone using Digicel’s CellMoni. CellMoni Supervisor for Momase Region, Anne Unage says, “We thank Save the Children for using CellMoni to do Cash and Voucher Assistance [CVA] with communities in Bulolo. The partnership enables beneficiaries to receive assistance in a faster and transparent way and to be financially included. We are grateful to our partners such as MiBank and our authorised CellMoni Agents in Bulolo for facilitating cash withdrawals to the beneficiaries and their families. CellMoni is a digital wallet from Digicel that allows everyone to avail for digital payments without the need to have a formal bank account. With CellMoni, customers can make cashless transactions to do bill payment, airtime top-up and send, receive and withdraw money using their Digicel phone. The Mobile Cash Transfer is part of Save the Children’s Disaster Preparedness work under its CVA project supported by the Australian Humanitarian Partnership to have mechanisms in place to help families following a disaster like a landslide, cyclone, earthquake, or pandemic with cash payments for essential items. Save the Children Humanitarian Manager, Isimel Tuembe says, “This is the first distribution in rural communities. We had challenges but turned them into successes in the end.” “Apart from cashing out, beneficiaries were also able to open accounts with MiBank and that is a success for us because MiBank is also reaching out into the communities in terms of transferring funds from Digicel Cell Moni to MiBank then using the MiBank card to access funds and that is a success for us. And going forward we would like to use that relationship where Cell Moni has with MiBank in other provinces.” Prior, to the distribution’s community sensitizations were also conducted in the district to ensure people understood the purpose of the activities by the Save the Children and CellMoni teams. Selection of these communities were done in collaboration with the Morobe Provincial Disaster Office. The pilot in Morobe Province demonstrates how private and non-profit organisations can collaborate successfully for digital cash disbursement in Papua New Guinea.

Two Medical officers in Madang Province are set to be penalized after breaching direct instructions from the Madang Provincial Health Authority to not take part in electoral processes in this year’s National General Elections. Dr. Mantin Daimen, Director of Public Health in Madang advised that due to manpower issues, a directive was handed down from the PHA to health workers to not leave their post and take part in the election processes. “There are some health centres in the province that are attended by only 1 or 2 health workers,” Dr. Daimen said. Even though there are provisions made for public servants to take part in elections, the PHA has issued a stern warning, calling all health workers in the province not to take part as currently there is a shortage of manpower. The two officers, though not directly involved clinical practice, will be penalized and asked to go on Leave without pay for an indefinite period. So far, there has been no known reports of other health care workers leaving their post to take part in the election processes.

The SP PNG Hunters have announced a strategic pathways partnership with the Dolphins NRL franchise that will include participation in a full NRL pre-season for four young Papua New Guinean players. This agreement will provide a genuine pathway for Papua New Guinean rugby league players beginning in the Digicel Cup, through to the Hunters and right into an NRL system. The partnership is in alignment with the Hunters’ strategic plan to develop more Papua New Guinean players into the NRL competition by 2025. Under the agreement, four Hunters’ players will attend a full pre-season with the Dolphins NRL squad, starting in 2023. Of those four players, two will be selected by the Dolphins to stay on and train with their NRL squad for the remainder of the season. If not selected to play for the Dolphins NRL side, those players will come back and play for the Hunters in the 2023 QRL’s Hostplus Cup. SP PNG Hunters’ CEO Scott Barker said the partnership was a huge opportunity to develop the talents of Papua New Guinean players to NRL levels. “I am extremely thankful that the Dolphins have recognised the pathway the Hunters can provide,” Barker said. “We know there is a wealth of rugby league talent and potential within Papua New Guinea, and this is the next step in our mission to introduce that talent into the NRL. “I am very excited with this partnership and the opportunities it will bring for Papua New Guinean players.” Hunters’ Chairman Stan Joyce CSM said the partnership was another boost towards the goal of seeing more Papua New Guinean players in the NRL. “On behalf of the SP PNG Hunters Board and Management, I’m really pleased to see this partnership come together,” said Mr. Joyce. “This is a big step towards creating a genuine pathway for Papua New Guinean rugby league players into the NRL, something the Hunters will continue working tirelessly towards.” Dolphins’ chief executive Terry Reader said the Dolphins recognised the talents of Papua New Guinean players and wanted the club to play a major role in developing them. “Through previous visits to the country, we understand how passionate the entire nation of Papua New Guinea is about the game of rugby league,” said Mr. Reader. “Our head coach Wayne Bennett has long admired the unique talent players from Papua New Guinea possess and the way they approach the game. “We are very pleased to offer a pathway for player development that will open up opportunities for players from that country to succeed at the highest level of the game.”

Chief Electoral Commissioner, Mr Simon Sinai clarified yesterday that Writs for 2022 National Elections were issued last Thursday (12/05/22) but nominations will be taken starting today (19/05/22) throughout the country and its starts at 8am. “Let me reaffirm what I said earlier; the writs for the 2022 National Elections have now been issued by the Governor General, H.E Sir Bob Dadae as of Thursday 12th May 2022, thus formally kick-starting the election process.” “But out of respect for the tragic and unexpected passing of Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of the United Labour Party, the late Sam Basil. ULP is a major coalition partner in the current government and we had to give them time to reorganise themselves because they are part and parcel of our election process and the passing of their leader has affected their preparations and we had to be fair to them.” he said. Mr Sinai said Returning Officers will start taking nominations from tomorrow (19th/05/22) onwards starting at 8am. “The close of nomainations will therefore be at 4:00pm on Thursday 26th May 2022, seven (7) days after the nominations.” Mr Sinai said. Chief Commissioner Sinai said writs have also been dispatched to all provinces and their respective nominations will begin as soon as the Returning Officers and their officials receive them. Mr Sinai said polling would start on 2 July and end on 22 July 2022 with the Return of Writs expected from 23-29 July 2022. “Let me reassure our people, the various political parties and candidates, stakeholders and everyone else that the National Elections are on schedule to be delivered as per the requirements of the Constitution and the Organic Law on the conduct of this national event.” “I am confident that by working together, we will deliver a fair and just elections result that our country expects and deserves,” he said.

The PNG LNG Project has paid over PGK 14 billion to the State since the start of LNG production. In 2021 alone, the State earned record revenues from the Project, with over PGK 2.2 billion delivered to the government. Revenues delivered by the PNG LNG Project include PGK 7.1 billion flowing to Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited and an estimated PGK 4.5 billion in various taxes paid to the Internal Revenue Commission. “The revenues and associated benefits from the PNG LNG Project provide the PNG government the opportunity to promote sustainable, long term economic development.  We are extremely proud of our performance in contributing to the PNG economy,” said ExxonMobil PNG Managing Director Peter Larden. “Since 2014 we have delivered over PGK 14 billion to the country, including some PGK 4.5 billion in taxes. This includes the April payment of PGK 1.1 billion in estimated tax for the first four months of 2022 linked to increased global oil prices and sustained volumes. This is one of the largest single tax payments by the PNG LNG Project to date.   We are pleased to see this increased revenue going to the State.” Revenues from the PNG LNG Project are delivered through different mechanisms, including corporate and payroll taxes, equity (through State participation), development levy and royalties. As a founding member of the PNG Extractives Industry Transparency Initiative (PNG EITI), revenues and benefits from the PNG LNG Project as well as the broader petroleum and mining industry are reported and made publicly available. Further detail on the types of direct and indirect benefits to PNG as well as the process through which revenues are delivered to the State, provincial government and landowners can be found at https://www.pngeiti.org.pg/. ExxonMobil PNG Limited (33.2%), a subsidiary of Exxon Mobil Corporation, constructed and operates the PNG LNG Project on behalf of joint venturers: Santos Limited (42.5%), Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited (16.8%), JX Nippon Oil & Gas Exploration Corporation (4.7%), Mineral Resources Development Company Limited (2.8%).  Petromin 0.2% was incorporated into Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited (KPHL) in 2016.

Prime Minister and Tari-Pori MP James Marape today (May 18 2022) urged his people to conduct themselves peacefully as nominations for the 2022 General Election begins tomorrow (May 19 2022) . “I encourage all my people of Tari-Pori to conduct yourselves peacefully, “ he said. “My advice is that everyone has a right to contest for Tari-Pori, just like all seats in Hela and PNG. “Let us respect other people’s rights as they respect our rights too. “Leadship is bestowed by God through you people. “All of you in Tari-Pori and Hela have the right to vote for candidates of your choice. “However, please don’t be induced by money, tribal coercion, or food and drinks including alcohol. “Vote for a leadership combination that will transform our district, our province and our country.” PM Marape said he saw good signs for PNG over the last three years “since we took it away from the hands of corruption, greed , nepotism, alcoholism and abuse of offices for self gain”. “We have stabilised the economy in hard, trying times and we are shifting developments to all corners of PNG, including our district, “ he said. “Signs of our economy and country rebounding are there with World bank focusing our economy to grow past 4 per cent this year. “Things are improving as we go to the elections, with key multi- lateral institutions like World Bank, International Monetary Fund , Asian Development Bank and all solid bilateral partner nations like Australia, Indonesia, Japan , China , New Zealand and USA endorsing our economic reconstruction and development agendas by supporting our budget policies over the last three years. “It was the three hardest years of our country, and in fact, all countries world wide due to COVID-19 and now the war in Eastern Europe. “But we are serving the nation because we have ‘gutpela tingting’ birth from the land of the Hulis. “ I want this ‘gutpela tingting na pasin’ to emerge big in this 2022 election period.” PM Marape said the people of Hela and Tari-Pori were often disparaged as “nogat tingting”. “Hela and my Tari-Pori, often branded as ‘nogat tingting’ can show the world that we are hard workers and have wisdom to do better for PNG,” he said. “ I request you all, on the eve of elections, to start by respecting each other including our opposing candidates and their supporters. “To my own people of Tari-Pori , I may have failed you individually in some areas, but I sincerely appreciate your love and care for me and Rachel as we tried serving you all the last 15 years. “I tried to work the big picture for us to collectively benefit as a community. “And so if it is your wish that we continue to be in office, then I assure you we will continue on the development path for all of our children. “Before I took office in 2007, Tari had no sealed road, no power, no new airport , no new high schools, no bulldozers ever went through Pori , no Pori High School, no road to Karida etc, and Hela province was just a dream. “ But what we have done thus far is not enough and sufficient and I will be the first to admit that. “My electorate work remains incomplete in most areas, including addressing the 5 per cent of our youths who are lawless. “This is work in progress and God willing, we will attend to them, including opening our massive and modern Hulukumaiya office complex after the elections. “See you all tomorrow back home for my nomination with Governor Undialu, and we will address Hela in campaign and why you must vote Pangu on Friday.” PM Marape said his rally would include the following points as to why a vote for Pangu is a vote for the road to full liberation of our country’s bondage to economic hardship. “Pangu is not a small Party for one person or for one region, it is a national political institution that gave our country its sovereignty in 1975, “ he said. “It was there before most other parties who think they know the way, but it is really Pangu and its ideologies that birthed PNG. “Hence, I choose Pangu in 2019 to be the Party my young generation of leaders would be in to give full economic independence to our people, consistent with our national fathers’ views in 1975. “Pangu, under Sir Michael Somare, gave political Independence in 1975. “Now, under my watch and leadership, Pangu will give full economic independence or liberalisation to all our citizens to have money from Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Tourism and Culture, Mining and Petroleum. “What’s wrong with our people being rich? They can too. Being rich should not be exclusive to the corrupted, the educated or only a few, but must be for all our citizens irrespective of your background because all our citizens own land as inheritance in PNG. “My Tari-Pori people, these are just a few of the reason why over 100 PNG Members of Parliament have continued to give mandate to me to be the leader of leaders to pursue this dream to take back PNG’s inheritance and economically liberate our country. “I appeal to you, my people of Tari-Pori, that our country is watching us. “Nominate in peace, campaign in peace, declare in peace and let’s continue on living in peace after August 2022. “I pray to God for peace and wisdom over our country and you all in my constituency of Tari and Pori to see the right road. “ I also advise of strong presence of police and military, and courts to deal with trouble makers. “May Tari-Pori and PNG people use your constitutional Section 50 rights wisely.”

A gazettal notice has been issued through the Fisheries Board permitting the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) to ban the use of stun guns or electric fishing spears in harvesting tropical lobsters in Torres Strait and Western Province Fisheries waters. The NFA’s Acting Managing Director, Mr Justin Ilakini said the National Fisheries Board by virtue of powers vested on them under the Fisheries Act 1998 as amended all other powers enabling, The Gazettal Notice # G337 prohibit all person at all times, the use of Stun Guns or Electric Fishing spears to take or harvest Tropical Rock Lobster in the Torres Strait and Western Province Tropical Rock Lobster fishery waters of Papua New Guinea. And also, this said notice prohibit the buying, processing, selling, landing, sale, receiving, possession or export of Tropical Rock Lobster that are taken or harvested in breach of this prohibition. “Breach of prohibition notice is an offence under the Fisheries Management Act 1998 as amended and may subject an offender to a sever penalties,” said Mr Ilakini. The prohibition is effective as of April 28, 2022.

The Gold Medal Award for the most outstanding Master of Business Administration (MBA) graduate was shared by two friends who supported each other throughout their journey while studying for their MBA at The University of the South Pacific (USP). Sachil Ram Sharma and Gyaneshwar Junior Narayan were delighted to join 505 of their colleagues from the School of Business and Management (SBM) who graduated last Thursday. “We have been supporting each other with our studies, especially discussions. We are so happy to celebrate the final leg of our journey, graduating with our Master’s as gold medal recipients,” Gyaneshwar said Sachil was presented with the Home Finance Company Prize and Gyaneshwar with the Price Waterhouse Coopers Prize and a gold medal each. He attested that the MBA programme was not a walk in the park and required dedication to excel in the programme. “This is because the programme requires you to work in a team, innovate, share ideas, and implement solutions and network. It is important to have someone to challenge your ideas and find other innovative solutions,” Gyaneshwar added. Sachil's motivating attitude in pursuing his MBA was his desire to learn new things to improve himself continuously. “Though challenging, one can excel and do well with an excellent support team and determination,” he said. “The MBA programme covers a broad range of topics in business, and it will equip you with sufficient knowledge to effectively lead organisations or run your own business. Therefore, it is important to do your best as you will reap the results of your hard work later.” Sachil believes individuals need to set academic goals and persevere to achieve them. “Having friends who have the same drive as you can help you achieve your academic targets,” he added.

Rigo MP Lekwa Gure is now the new party leader of the United Labour Party following the passing of its founder and leader, late Deputy Prime Minister and Bulolo MP Sam Basil. New Deputy Party Leader and Markham MP Koni Iguan made the announcement last night at the traditional hauskrai of late Basil at the Sir John Guise Stadium. “This decision was made at the party caucus held on Sunday night where the party members agreed for Hon. Lekwa to lead the party following our late leader’s passing,” Mr Iguan announced. “Despite the pressure the party has got from the people of Morobe for a Morobe MP to lead the party, Captain Lekwa has been instrumental and supportive to late Basil as his deputy in the last three years and it is proper that he will lead the party.” Meanwhile Mr Iguan said the the party has also appointed him as the deputy leader of the party during the meeting. “Despite the loss of our leader, the candidates endorsed under ULP to contest in this upcoming National General Elections were hand-picked by late Basil himself who saw the potential in them to take the leadership role.” “We will come home strongly.” Earlier this month, late Basil challenged all ULP endorsed candidates around the country to honor the party’s policies when they are given the mandate of the people.

Papua New Guinea Defence Force Medical Team is currently participating on an Advanced Combat First Aid Training before deploying into 2022 National General Elections. The course which is currently taking place in Taurama Barracks sees a total of 20 participants that came from all Port Moresby base units. During the opening last week PNGDF Director of Health Service Lieutenant Colonel Dr Peter Kaminiel encouraged the medics to take this training seriously as it will prepare them for NATEL 2022. “You all should take this course seriously and always remember the key objectives of the course. The first one is to preserve life, second is to prevent further injuries and third is to prevent further and further injuries throughout a casualty. “said Kaminiel. He said that the current election is not like the past, there may be violence caused by rival candidates and the soldiers will be out in full force helping the police in ensuring that people are free and safe to vote. When in line of duty, it is your responsibility to ensure soldiers are attempt to when theirs is casualty. The course is a two weeks course which is facilitated and run by the Australian Defence Force Medical team. The course is expected to conclude this week.

The driver of the vehicle that caused a nasty accident that claimed the lives of the Deputy Prime Minister and Bulolo MP and his Close Protection Officer First Constable Neil Maino will be charged. “A Police investigation commenced immediately following the incident and on documenting the accident scene and interviewing the two survivors of the accident, police investigators were satisfied with the evidence on hand to lay charges on the driver of the other vehicle," said Police Commissioner David Manning. Police Commissioner David Manning released an official statement today in relation to the vehicle accident that claimed the lives of the late Deputy Prime Minister, Honourable Sam H Basil MP, and his Close Protection Officer First Constable Neil Maino. “Investigators were able to confirm that the accident involved two vehicles. The late DPM was the driver of one vehicle whilst a Mr Mathew Barnabas, a 37 year-old male from Ambai village, Simbai in the Madang Province was the driver of the other." Barnabas, a coffee buyer who is married to a local woman from Mumeng, Bulolo District, is being transported into Lae tomorrow where he is likely to be charged with two counts of dangerous driving causing the the deaths of the Deputy Prime Minister and his CPO and dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm to the other two passengers. Mr Manning said investigations pointed to allegations of a dangerous combination of speed and driving under the influence of liquor, allegedly by Barnabas, as evident from the bottles of alcohol recovered from his vehicle. Mr Manning expressed his condolences to the families and described the incident as “very tragic”. He went on to say that whilst the country is coming to terms with the loss of its Deputy Prime Minister, the RPNGC is also coming to terms with the loss of one of its own. “The loss of late F/C Maino is very tragic. We witnessed his young wife and daughter as well as his parents mourning over his casket and it was a very emotional day on Sunday when their bodies were flown into Port Moresby. “The RPNGC and the Police Legacy will ensure we continue to support F/C MAINO’s widow and daughter as much as we can during this time of bereavement and into the future,” Mr Manning said. Mr Manning renewed his call for calm during this time as a sign of respect for the memory of the late DPM and his CPO. “Yumi mas soim pasin kastom na respect lo dispela taim. Hevi kamap pinis. Polis wokim wok painim aut pinis lo as blo dispela hevi. Na nau em taim lo sindaun wantaim na soim sore lo lida blo yumi. Luksave na strongim femili blo lida blo yumi, na blo polis man blo yumi tu,” Mr Manning said in Tok Pisin. Commissioner Manning added he was aware of posts on social media regarding the circumstances leading up to and during the incident. “I would like to caution those who are involved in this reckless behaviour to refrain from causing unnecessary stress and provoking violence during this time. Police have obtained sufficient evidence to support the charges that will be laid and that is what we will do. “I had made an appeal to anyone with any information relating to the incident to come forward to the investigation team and provide that information officially, and that offer is still there. To date we have not received anything officially supporting the social media posts, except information on the vehicle accident itself,” Mr Manning concluded. Image supplied:

Small retail and hospitality businesses in Papua New Guinea are moderately engaging in the new approach of fast and transparent payment solutions through the BSP mobile banking platform *131# for an ease of payments. Embracing the efficiency of the approach, these businesses are ushering a new era of transaction behaviour via the mobile phones that is intervening to enhance the way customers pay for goods and services. According to the 2021 BSP Digital Payment Statistics report, retail and hospitality businesses around the country has been marked to have the highest number of consumers purchasing goods and services via mobile merchant payment method, in the mobile payment arena, and have maintained this in the first quarter of 2022. The results shows a shift from cash and card to mobile payment as the “mobile Point of Sale” which represents the biggest opportunity to enhance business growth in PNG through a fast, transparent and seamless way of making payments. Hence, from the statistics 2021 and Quarter 1, 2022 report, number of SME merchants stood out in leading the way with Digital payments in the country. Duffy café, that currently has four express locations around Port Moresby – Harbour-side, inside Jacksons International Departure lounge, BSP Head Office, Waigani and the main outlet at Gabaka Street, Gordons. The café is one of the very first in the country to tap into the mobile payment trend. Renowned in Port Moresby for its impressive speciality coffee, delicious pastries, cakes and gourmet burgers. The café accept payments via card and BSP mobile merchant payment. Duffy Café Sales Supervisor, Ms Aileen John elaborates, “The key to influencing customer behaviour is to display signage with the merchant code and also guide the customer on how to pay with their mobile phones. The receipts are cashless, an added advantage that is environmentally friendly. The other local SME is - Zatisfied Café and Catering that burst the scene early this year (2022), offering BSP mobile merchant payment solutions as a payment option to its customers. Located inside the Telikom Rumana building at Waigani, the local coffee shop offers a variety of affordable delights ranging from cappuccinos to fried fish and chips. The food outlet receives an average of ten mobile payment transactions per day. Business owner, Mr Graham Osborne states, “We have the mobile merchant posters displayed around the café for our customers. The staff are doing so well showing customers on how to pay using their mobile phones” The other prominent BSP merchant is situated in the heart of Kavieng town -Lipkanda Investment, a locally owned second-hand shop best known for selling quality used items ranging from clothing, books and shoes, to video games. Shop owner, Mrs Barbara N’Drihin, “I have not experienced any issues with record keeping since using mobile merchants. The transaction reports are updated end of day making it easy for me to reconcile the daily takings”. I would encourage other businesses to utilize this payment option as it is convenient and saves time with book keeping aspects of running a business. The other merchant is located in the rural area of Aitape, in Lumi District - Sandaun Province (West Sepik). It is the the Melu Trading, an SME with limited access to basic infrastructure like banking services, affordable transport services, electricity and proper roads. Business owner Maggie Melu, stated, “Mobile payments is easy and convenient, we receive mobile payment receipts instantly and our customers also received their electronic receipt on their mobiles. We prefer this payment method because funds go straight to our BSP Account and there are no cash handling involved; no loss from my cashiers and you our rural customer can pay with a “wan-bang” (feature phone) or a smart phone as long as mobile network is available”. Ms Melu said their aim was to empower their rural communities and encourage the growth of SMEs to take up entrepreneurial activities to alleviate poverty and income-source employment for community. Similar to bankcards, EFTPoS machines or cash payments, BSP mobile payment has the potential to be the de-facto standard thanks to its changing technology and convenience, which it offers to businesses as well as customers. Businesses interested in registering for the Mobile Merchant payment solution can contact BSP through email servicebsp@bsp.com.pg or call BSP 3201212 or 70301212.