Peoples National Congress (PNC Party) kick started its National Convention in light of the 2022 National General Elections yesterday evening that will continue today and end tomorrow at the Crown Hotel in Port Moresby. Party Leader and Ialibu Pangia Peter O’Neill officiated the event yesterday with the Party’s 2022 Pledge highlighting the party’s policies on the main issues the country is faced with heading into this year elections. He said PNC has developed a set of policies to address pressing challenges faced by the people and this has enabled the delivery of his commitment. “Our plan is built around a strong economy supportive of jobs growth and lowering the burden on businesses and families to stimulate growth,” Mr O’Neill said. “People’s National Congress Party Pledge to our people and the Nation, that over the next 5 years, we will; - Create 500,000 jobs over five years - Restore confidence and certainty to our people and businesses - Fast track Porgera reopening; and accelerate Wafi-Golpu; Papua LNG and P’Ynang projects - Reduce personal income tax to help families - Reduce Company tax to stimulate jobs and investments - Invest K1 Billion per annum to fund the upgrade of hospitals and health and education facilities together with multilateral partnerships. Substantial improvement to Universal, free access to quality Health and Education - LightUp PNG by fast-tracking PGK5.6 billion APEC PNG Electrification Partnership to provide Reliable Power & 70% access to water & power by 2030 - Restart our Public Economic Infrastructure Investment Program in Roads, Bridges, Airports, Ports, Jetties, and Telecommunications - Establish a State Bank by 2023 for SMEs, Farmers, and Homeowners - Invest K600m per annum in Mega Industrial Projects across the country in Tourism, Fisheries, and Manufacturing Hubs - Introduce the Housing for All initiative; providing up to K300 million per year from Government with additional funding from Financial Institutions and Development Partners to build 5,000 homes per annum - Reduce public loans back to 35% of GDP and balance the Budget by 2027 - Next Generation for the next 50 years – Reset Public Service and Political structure before 2025 - On day one we will fund the operations of an independent ICAC with an initial K25m and K25m to stop the killings.

“Art is a spiritual journey for the attainment of the divine self. Art and design are beyond mere passion - it is life.” These were words shared by local artist, Peter Elavera, who hails from a mixed parentage of Kerowagi, Chimbu Province, and Tovafiru, Kerema, Gulf Province and whose designs have made it onto SP Brewery's white can lager. “I have been creating art and design since high school. It has since been 25 years of exploring, experimenting, and exponential growth in art and design.” Elavera has recently partnered with South Pacific Brewery to feature some of his designs on the famous South Pacific Export Larger (white can), this year. The artist was born in Magarima, Hela Province in 1974 but was raised between Chimbu Province and Morobe Province, between 1974 and 1984. Towards the end of 1984, his father transferred to Port Moresby and this is where he has lived ever since. Elavera graduated from the University of Papua New Guinea’s Creative Arts School, in 1995, majoring in Graphic Design and Communication. After ten years of formal employment, Elavera decided that a nine-hour office job wasn’t the routine he wanted to engage in and so in 2006, he resigned from his then formal employment and ventured into establishing an SME to pursue his passion in art in 2019. “I realized that my creative and artistic prowess would become stagnant if I confined myself in formal employment – like a bird in a cage.” The young artist decided to venture out and explore what was out there for him and so equipped with his skills and armed with courage and determination, Elavera established ToolBox Production. Under his business Toolbox Production. Elavera has gone on to do design works for a number of business houses as well as induvial works. Some of his most popular work can be seen all around the walls of the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium in Konedobu.

Governor General Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae met with Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal at Government House shortly after the Princess Royal arrived in Port Moresby yesterday afternoon. HRH Princess Anne was accompanied by her husband Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence and had a private audience with the Governor General and presented a joint photograph to the Governor General before departing for Airways Hotel to meet with Prime Minister. Hon. James Marape. Princess Anne is on a three day royal visit commemorating the 70th platinum jubilee anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as the longest reigning monarch and head of the Commonwealth. HRH Princess Anne is the daughter of the Queen.

People from Nasuapum village in rural Wampar, Morobe province no longer need to travel long distances to access banking services, thanks to support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Through USAID’s PNG Lukautim Graun Program (LGP) partnership with MiBank, a nationwide micro bank, people living in rural and remote communities like Nasuapum are now receiving access to banking services which increases their opportunities for improved sustainable and renewable livelihood activities and brings them into the formal financial sector giving them access to a range of MiBank financial services. Increased access to financial services such as micro and small loans to start businesses is expected to directly reduce pressure on biodiversity and forest habitats. On April 7, MiBank staff, with the support of LGP, opened 12 new bank accounts for ten women and two men in Nasuapum village. MiBank’s Lae branch manager, Emily Solomon, was pleased with the interest shown by villagers and has agreed to work with the local community to establish a banking agent to be based long-term in the village. “We want the community themselves to identify the agent and make recommendations to us to train him or her on how to best serve the community, as well as to accept deposits and do withdrawals for community members,” she said. Ms. Solomon provided awareness on banking products and financial services specially tailored for rural communities and offered by MiBank including banking requirements to access credit designed to support livelihood opportunities for villagers and micro, small to medium enterprises. USAID LGP’s Livelihood officer, Jayanne Mailai urged local villagers to develop a savings culture and open a bank account. “Having a bank account enables people to save their money in a secure place for future use and grow income from their livelihood activities.” Sandra Alakam was first to open an account and receive a bank card. “This is my first time to own a bank card. Thank you USAID for making this possible,” said Ms Alakam. It is hard and sometimes dangerous for women to travel long distances to access banks in towns. Sandra is a member of the Ngasawapum Mama Association which represents women in the Nasuapum village. The association operates a small taxi business and intends to open an account with MiBank to grow their business. Cardno International Development implements the USAID PNG Lukautim Graun Program (LGP) in cooperation with implementing partners Care International, PNG Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program, The Nature Conservancy (TNC), and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). USAID’s support through LGP focuses on protecting and restoring biodiversity and natural habitat in PNG and economically empowering women so that current generations can meet their needs without endangering the ability of future generations to meet theirs.

Leroy Kamau was in sensational form yesterday at the KT Woodman Classic Track Meet at Kansas State University Wichita and appears to be on the brink of shattering Peter Pulu’s 26 year old 100m national record of 10.40 seconds. Running with the assistance of a following wind of 2.4metres per second Kamau clocked 10.42 seconds to win his heat and followed this up with a personal best 200m time of 21.10 seconds. “Any sprint race with a wind reading of more than 2.0mps is considered wind assisted which means results do not count for record purposes or personal bests, however this is still a sensational performance ” said APNG President Tony Green. Kamau messaged coach Nelson Stone immediately after the race to thank him for his support. “This is only his second competition of the year and we are very excited about this season”, said Stone. “We need to keep Leroy in good shape and injury free and I'm looking forward to sending some time with Leroy,  Emmanuel Anis and the other athletes before the Pacific Mini Games in June”. Athletics PNG is understood to be currently making arrangements for Stone to travel to Kansas later this month to assist the athletes with their final preparations for the Games as they will have three weeks between the Junior College National Championships and departure for Saipan. Emmanuel Anis was also in good form in the 100m, clocking 10.57 with a slightly stronger following wind of 3.7mps. Conditions were very windy for the 400m runners yesterday however Isila Akpup , Emmanuel Wanga , Jonathan Dende and Alphonse Igish all ran solid races in the circumstances. Leonie Beu and Isila Apkup both had strong following winds for their 100m races and clocked times of 11.89 (+5.7) and 11.95 (+5.8) respectively

Port Moresby Residents will expect more water rationing or no water at all due to continuous maintenance work been carried out by Water PNG. Water PNG’s Acting Chief Executive Officer Parkop Kurua said part of the supply had been restored but more work is still been carried out at the Mt Eriama Water Treatment Plant. “We cannot give an exact timing for full restoration of water supply because we need to follow our water quality regimes by doing tests on the quality of the water outflows from the reservoirs.” “Our paramount task here is to ensure water is safe to consume before it is supplied. Our water quality team is currently testing the outflow so based on the testings, our team will give the okay to supply the consumers.” Currently Water PNG is able to supply only 80-90 million litres per day to the city which is not enough and lower than the usual 190 million litres per day to its consumers. Mr Kurua however said the problem with clarifier two at the treatment plant was identified and is currently been assessed. “It’s not an immediate fix. Bishop Brothers is currently looking at the fault and will have to install three new gears in the clarifier sometime this week,” said Mr Kurua. CEO Kurua also said one of the reasons for the maintenance work at Mt Eriama is because of legacy issues over the years. “The problems with the clarifiers and the Mt Eriama facility is because of neglect and poor management by previous owners and operators.” He said for the last 22 years, the facility was poorly managed by the previous operators until in 2019, the asset was transferred to the State without any review and remedial works before Water PNG took over as the operator. Mr Kurua also brushed aside speculations from the public that Water PNG was worse off than the previous operator claiming the water company was working tirelessly to fix legacy issues.

The SP PNG Hunters have gone down 22-8 to the Sunshine Coast Falcons in a fierce contest on Saturday during Round 4 of the QRL Hostplus Cup. The final scoreboard appears one-sided but the game was anything but, with the Hunters threatening to narrow the lead on a few occasions as they chased a second half comeback. The Hunters started better than in weeks previous, marching upfield effectively and taking the early two points on offer when the Falcons conceded consecutive penalties to begin the match. Sunshine Coast would react by going quickly on the attack, searching down their right edge in good ball only to be denied in the corner by PNG centre Gilimo Paul. The Hunters were deemed to have played at the ball in defending that shift and Sunshine Coast would make the most of their fresh attacking set, going to the right again for Will Warbrick to open the scoring. The Hunters muscled up in defence in response, forcing a few errors and working upfield to earn a repeat set themselves thanks to a well weighted attacking kick into the in-goal. The Falcons would do what the Hunters could not, however, and defended their line effectively in the ensuing set. With the game settling into a grind, both teams looked for advantage through the middle and defended their errors reasonably well until Falcons’ winger Nat McGavin crossed in the 18th minute to break the deadlock. The Falcons would take a 14-2 lead into the break. The second half was a battle of field position. Hunters’ fullback Matthew Jesse was energetic on kick returns to help PNG upfield and Keven Appo capitalised on the field position to score in the 68th minute. The Falcons wouldn’t break again though, defending their line and their lead through to the siren. The Hunters were brave in defeat and will rue a few controversial calls that went against them at times. Junior Rop was a standout performer for the Hunters, starting at lock to help PNG start strongly before returning in the second half and changing the momentum. Rop forced three errors with his defence in the final quarter of the match as the Hunters chased points. Coach’s Comments Head Coach Matt Church says there are clear signs of development within the playing squad despite the result. “Our start was much improved compared to the last two games,” Church said. “We completed much better and gave ourselves a chance to positively influence the result. It felt like we were on top for large periods of the game despite how the scoreboard read.” “If we stick to our systems and continue improving each week the results will come.” Result SC Falcons 22 def. PNG Hunters 8

Santos have donated almost 50 important petroleum geoscience books to the Division of Earth Sciences within the School of Natural and Physical Sciences at the University of Papua New Guinea, to enhance science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills in the region. The books were presented to the Earth Sciences Division Associate Professor & Divisional Head, Dr Joseph Espi, on Thursday 7 April by technical leaders and former graduates now employed by Santos. Leon Buskens, Executive Vice President and Co-Head PNG said Santos values its role in building STEM careers in the oil and gas industry. “We are very proud of all our employees including our geoscience graduates who studied at this great institution. Some of whom are here today to show their support and appreciation,” Mr Buskens said. “We are glad to be able to donate these books. At Santos, we are committed to creating positive and long-term impacts in the communities where we live and work.” Dr Joseph Espi, when thanking Santos said the 47 books would assist in the review and updating of existing and planned courses. “We now have critical information to revise our existing petroleum geoscience courses and introduce new ones such as sedimentary geology or stratigraphy. The books cover courses like petroleum geology, petroleum engineering and sedimentology,” Dr Espi said. He added it was extremely pleasing to see that the long-standing relationship between the University and formerly Oil Search, will continue to bring many benefits for years to come. One positive outcome of this partnership has been knowledge transfer. Santos’ Dr Shane Schofield and Michael McWalter have been strong supporters and contributors to the university’s petroleum science courses, especially petroleum geology. “Both have given guest lectures year in, year out. Mr McWalter prior to joining Santos had provided guidance on the legal framework and governance components of the petroleum industry while Dr Schofield detailed the key elements of petroleum exploration including data types and acquisition technologies, the exploration workflow, petroleum systems and their assessment, subsurface mapping, risk analysis, volumetrics and portfolio management,” added Dr Espi. “We have also received assistance in the form of conference sponsorships, funding of postgraduate studies and research collaboration. We hope the partnership will continue to create a sustained pathway for students interested in petroleum geoscience and new opportunities for studies, research and employment.”

People’s National Congress Party (PNC Party) has announced its candidates in East New Britain Province who will contest in the 2022 National General Elections. The announcement was made by the Party Leader and Ialibu Pangia MP Peter O’Neill yesterday in Kokopo. Mr O’Neill announced that PNC will endorse current Governor Nakikus Konga for the ENB regional seat, with current MP Elias Kapavore for Pomio open and Mr Ereman ToBaining Junior for Kokopo open. The former Prime Minister and his delegation were warmly welcomed by thousands of people who turned up to witness the announcement. Mr O’Neill also address the people on his party policies focusing in the welfare of the people and their children.

H.E. Grand Chief Sir Bob Bofeng Dadae GCL, GCMG, KStJ, Governor General of Papua New Guinea, has on behalf of the nation, extended a warm welcome to Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence who arrive in the country on Monday on a three day Royal Visit. The Royal Visit by Her Royal Highness Princess Anne to Papua New Guinea is in commemoration of Her Majesty the Queen’s 70th platinum jubilee anniversary as the longest reigning monarch of the United Kingdom and head of the Commonwealth of Nations. “On behalf of the people and Government of Papua New Guinea, it is my greatest honour and privilege to welcome to Papua New Guinea, Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence on the occasion of the celebration of Her Majesty the Queen’s 70th platinum jubilee anniversary." "We are indeed delighted to be part of this special occasion with the visit of Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal." "Her Royal Highness has visited Papua New Guinea on several occasions in the past, her last visit was in 2005 in honour of our 30th Independence anniversary during which the Princess Royal officially inaugurated the national honours and awards system – The Orders of Papua New Guinea." "The three day visit by HRH the Princess Royal speaks of the close relationship shared between Papua New Guinea and the United Kingdom and more importantly, celebrates the remarkable life of dedicated service to the Commonwealth, of which Papua New Guinea is a part of, by our Head of State Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II since her accession to the throne in 1952,” the Governor General said. Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal is the only daughter of Her Majesty the Queen. During her three day visit, the Princess Royal will meet with the Governor General and Lady Emeline Dadae, Prime Minister James Marape, and visit a number of sites and national institutions and unveil a resource centre for women and girls.

A new shareholders’ agreement has been signed by Barrick Niugini Limited (BNL) and the State of Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) nominee, Kumul Mineral (Porgera) Limited. The shareholders’ agreement now only awaits the signature of Mineral Resources Enga (MRE) for the document to take effect, which would clear the way for the incorporation of a new Porgera joint venture company and the application for a new Special Mining Lease, a condition of the Porgera mine’s reopening. The new Porgera joint venture company will be owned 49% by BNL and 51% by PNG parties, including an increased equity stake for the landowners of Porgera. Barrick president and chief executive Mark Bristow said Barrick remained committed to an early restart of the mine and called on all stakeholders, especially the landowners, to work together to make it happen. Bristow said that despite the delay in reopening, Barrick has continued to invest in care and maintenance with its capital outlay at about USD $312 million (over K1 billion) to date. “We recently completed our strategic planning meetings with the mine’s key leadership team, comprising 80% PNG nationals, and we look forward to welcoming back more than 2,000 local miners as we ramp up to full production,” he said.

The Enga Province has successfully validated and endorsed its Climate Resilient Green Growth (CRGG) Action Plan in a two-days’ workshop which concluded today. The Action Plan captures priority climate-resilient and green growth initiatives to be mainstreamed into the Province’s “Enga Step-up” Strategic Development Plan 2022-2030. “Climate change poses risks and challenges both at the national and international fronts,” said Acting Managing Director for Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA) Mr. William Lakain. “The Government of PNG is committed to ensure that there are appropriate plans and policies in place to support PNG adapt to growing challenges induced by climate change and global warming. “This means practical local actions are needed. The CRGG Action Plan for Enga is one crucial step that paves way for mainstreaming CRGG at the provincial level”, said Mr. Lakain. The Enga CRGG Action Plan was developed based on a provincial assessment conducted from 2019-2022. The assessment identified entry points for CRGG priorities in Enga Province with recommendation from the Provincial Climate Change Committee (PCCC) to have climate change mainstreamed in the provincial development plan. Strategic initiatives under the Action Plan includes sustainable forests (REDD+) and sustainable landscapes; climate-smart agriculture; water conservation and access; green industries and jobs; green infrastructure, transport, energy, buildings, and cross-cutting green growth interventions. Country representative for Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) Mr. Sakiusa Tuisolia commended the Enga provincial government and participants for their local knowledge and inputs in the formulation of the Action Plan and stressed on the importance of implementing the plan. He reiterated that the action plan is world class action plan which aims at achieving climate resilience and green growth in the province. “What’s important to note is that plans are just ideas on paper, until we take action and mobilize resources to implement it, and only then the intended objectives will be met for the benefit for the people and the country. “GGGI is happy to support the PNG Government and the Enga Provincial Government and its people in the CRGG interventions”, said Tuisolia. Deputy Provincial Administrator of Enga, Mr. Raphael Tamean, highlighted the Action Plan validation as a way forward for the province to identify, commence and upscale its climate adaptation and mitigation efforts. On behalf of the Enga Provincial Government, Mr. Tamean acknowledged the support of GGGI, CCDA, the Government of Australia and key stakeholders for the partnership in the development and validation of Enga’s CRGG Action Plan. The Enga Province is one of three pilot provinces to mainstream CRGG into its strategic development plan. The other two provinces are New Ireland and Milne Bay. The CRGG Project is being implemented by GGGI in partnership with CCDA and funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)