Majority of the population in PNG live outside urban areas with limited access to basic infrastructure like banking services, transport, electricity and affordable access to nearest towns. Despite these challenges and tough economic situations, most SMEs in some of the remote parts of the country continue to provide basic services like trade store, fuel services and other retailer outlets that serve the needs in their local communities. Melu Brass Cutters is one such SME operating out of Milliom Village, along the Sepik Highway in Aitape-Lumi District, West Sepik Province. Established initially in 2013 to provide vegetation control, the family business has diversified into other retail services such as trade store, fuel services, a guesthouse, poultry and agricultural produce, especially fresh vegetables. Since registering with BSP’s Mobile Merchant payment solution, the SME business has been one of the top performers in the mobile payment ecosystem. 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. Ms Melu added, “I would like to encourage other small business especially in the rural areas to register for this digital payment service from BSP, even though it may take time for your customer to understand the payment steps, they will eventually get the hang of it.” Businesses interested in registering for Mobile Merchant payment solution can contact BSP through email servicebsp@bsp.com.pg or call BSP 3201212 or 70301212.

Newcrest Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Sandeep Biswas received a rousing traditional welcome in Kavieng recently. Mr Biswas was in town to meet New Ireland Governor, Sir Julius Chan, enroute to visiting the Newcrest Mining Operations on Lihir Island. He was greeted at the airport by the Moxokore Clan of Lamusmus, having previously been inducted into the clan in 2015. Mr Biswas and the clan maimai (chief), Joe Lumaris presented each other with mies – the traditional shell money from New Ireland Province. The exchange signified and strengthened the cultural ties between the Marauli (Moxokore) Clan and Mr Biswas. As a leader of the Marauli (Moxokore) clan, Mr Biswas also presented two mies to female employees Ruth Waram, Manager External Relations and Communications and Megan Kinowin, Specialist Government Liaison. Maimai Lumaris said New Ireland is a matrilineal society where women are the leaders and are important in decision making, adding that by presenting the mies, Mr Biswas as a clan leader was inviting not only Ms Waram and Ms Kinowin into the clan but also female employees of Newcrest to engage with the women of the clan. Mr Biswas welcomed the opportunity to meet with Sir Julius, Provincial Administrator, Lamilla Pawut and senior executives of the New Ireland Provincial Government. Mr Biswas commended the flexibility and resilience of Newcrest Mining’s New Ireland employees and business partners, who rose to the challenge to ensure the mine had no material disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Newcrest is committed to PNG and to New Ireland, and we look forward to continuing the good working relationship,’’ Mr Biswas said. Measures taken by the company in 2021 to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on operations, and to keep the workforce and Lihir communities safe had cost K180 million. Mr Biswas also reaffirmed Newcrest Mining’s enduring commitment to Papua New Guinea, both nationally and provincially. In addition to the K1.65 billion contribution to PNG’s economy in FY 2021, the company was proud to have provided over K100 million in support to a range of health, education and conservation programs. Following the meeting, Sir Julius provided a tour of the new provincial assembly building and the new sports stadium in Kavieng. Following a lunch hosted by Sir Julius, Mr Biswas travelled to Lihir to meet with the mine workforce and local communities.

NGCB PNG Kapuls Coach Marcos Gusmao has urged his players to remain focused when they meet Solomon Island in the first Semi Finals of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Oceania Qualifiers at 12 midnight (PNG Time) in Doha, Qatar. Gusmao said as much as they want to learn from the past to produce good results for the country, he reiterated that players must believe in themselves and their teammates and give their best in the match to get a good outcome. He has also made one change in the starting line 11 that defeated Fiji in their last pool match with Raymond Gunemba replacing Stahl Gubag. The Brazilian Coach while respecting people's opinion, called for unity as his boys prepare to face Solomon Island Bonitos. "I am always positive and confident with my team's preparations and also have confidence with whichever player I select on the match day," he said. Solomon Island has a good win record over Papua New Guinea but this history can teach the Kapuls to better prepare for this important match. The team to take on Solomon Island is as follows: Roland Warisan (Goalkeeper), Alwin Komolong, Felix Komolong, Emmanuel Airem, Daniel Joe (Backs), Michael Foster, Jacob Sabua and Emmanuel Simon (midfielders), Ati Kepo, Tommy Semmy and Raymond Gunemba (Strikers) Meanwhile New Zealand will play Tahiti in other semi-finals match.

The SP PNG Hunters have fallen short to a fast-starting CQ Capras side 26-16 in Round 2 of the Hostplus Cup at Browne Park, Rockhampton. The Capras were on from the kick-off, working their way up-field in the opening set to launch an attacking kick skyward on the last. The Hunters couldn’t field it cleanly and Capras’ winger Brandon Roberts was the beneficiary, diving on the loose ball to open the scoring. Backrower Ethan O’Neill was next to score for the Capras, latching onto a perfectly weighted grubber from five-eighth Raedean Robinson to score next to the posts. The Hunters fought back to halt the onslaught but couldn’t stop a spinning effort from Bailey Butler close to the line, nor a slick inside ball from halfback Jack Madden to put Tyler Szepanowski over for the Capras’ fourth try of the match. As both packs rotated their starting forwards the momentum swung back towards the Hunters. Samuel Yegip, Junior Rop and Kingstimer Paraia had instant impact when they entered the game, with Paraia diving over from half to score the Hunters’ first points in the 35th minute. Two quick tries to begin the second half through Terry Wapi and Brandon Nima kept the comeback hopes alive for the Hunters. Captain Keven Appo produced a miracle offload close to the line for Wapi to score and then it was Gilimo Paul’s turn, skipping to the outside, drawing the defence and throwing a one-handed offload back inside for Nima.

Human Rights and social activist Lucielle Paru has announced her intentions to contest the National Capital District Regional Seat in the upcoming 2022 National General Elections. Ms Paru, who in recent years had been vocal in advocating on issues faced by women and the indigenous people of Motu-Koita through social media platforms and peaceful protest marches in the nation’s capital made the announcement through her social media platforms yesterday. Writing on her facebook account, Ms Paru said the National Womens Day was recently celebrated however there is no representation of womenfolk in Parliament. Originally from Central Province, Ms Paru said the tribes of Motu Koita have had no representation in the National Parliament for over 40 years. “As a daughter of the Land upon which our Capital City sits, it is time we, the women and Indigenous people have our voices heard in Parliament,” Ms Paru wrote on her Facebook account. “We have allowed many tribes to settle, live, purchase land at affordable prices for their survival, participation and hard work and contribution to build this nation.” “22 Provinces, 850 Tribal Ethnicities are in the National Capital District. How better than to now allow the true landlord to sit in our seat,” Paru wrote.

Papua New Guinea’s national oil and gas company, Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited (Kumul Petroleum) has recently announced a sponsorship funding of K10 million for the PNG Rugby Union (PNGRU) for the next three years from 2022 through to 2024. This sponsorship provides Kumul Petroleum with the naming rights for all PNGRU sanctioned events and competitions over this period and includes branding of tournament uniforms, on-field signage, ticketing and other related documentation. Managing Director of Kumul Petroleum Wapu Sonk said they are pleased to announce financial support for this sporting code. “For many years this code has suffered and declined because of various reasons with the key ones being lack of sponsorship, infighting between different people at the PNGRU Board, regional centers and or provincial union affiliates and so on,” Mr Sonk said. “Kumul Petroleum was approached with a new vision, new president in Paul Siwi which was an outcome of a united PNGRU election process and we are sponsoring the vision that is in the Strategic Plan 2021 to 2026.” The Strategic Plan outlines the frameworks, playing calendar, and development plans in how to grow the game from grassroots level up and achieving the objective of ensuring every Papua New Guinea can enjoy the game of Rugby. Mr Sonk further added that whilst they are happy to sponsor, Kumul Petroleum will expect results on and off the field of Rugby and that includes good governance practices in how the funds are managed and applied. “As with similar sponsorship arrangements, the agreed annual payments are subject to meeting the sponsorship conditions outlined in the MOU signed between Kumul Petroleum and PNG Rugby Union".

What started out as 7 freelancers working for a local telecommunications company in Western Highlands Province, wanting to earn an extra income on the side, has turned into the 611 Integrated Farmers Association; an Integrated Farm that the self-styled entrepreneurs are slowly working towards getting registered. “It started from an idea to help each other make some extra money. We agreed amongst ourselves to contribute K700 each as seed capital with the aim to generate money and grow our capital,” Team Leader Mr. Zakkhiaus William said. “We changed the name of our little business venture from 611 Cooperative Society to the current name 611 Integrated Farmers Association just this month. We felt that this new name will fit well with the idea and the projects that will be initiated,” Mr William added. The members of the 611 Integrated Farmers Association have now started an Integrated Farm Project which includes poultry and livestock farming, vegetable farming, the planting of 1000 native trees, floriculture and the planting of different species of flowers and bee and mushroom farming. “This initiative is mainly to build a simple but realistic pathway so simple village people can be employed so they can earn their own money to sustain their livelihoods and give back to their respective communities.” “The main project site is in my area, in Komkui, Mopri Warakatim, Mt Hagen, WHP, where I have given up 5 hectares of my own land for this project.” “I am currently building up the structures needed to run an Integrated Farm with a duck shed and chicken coop. I have also engaged disadvantaged youths in my area to help with the clearing of the land for this project and also to help with planting as well,” Mr William said. “From our initial contribution of seed capital, we were able to raise some money from selling produce from our small gardens and we continued to contribute and save up.” “Other people came to know of what we were doing and joined. We initiated another chicken project, made up of 13 people.” “We contributed K105 each to buy 13 stock feed to give to each individual. That’s a total of K1365 we gave to each individual to start his/her chicken project.” “With that project going, we advised members to go into vegetables farming. We had to hire land and work the land to plant crops, for 3 rounds and after that gave the land back to the owner.” “We have started a potato project up in Rondon, where FPDA fresh produce development agency gave us 9000 E2 seedlings. We will harvest next month, where we have engaged local boys to help.” “Also, to save cost, we are not buying seeds from the shops but rather, buying vegetables and fruits at the local markets and saving the seeds, to germinate and replant.” Despite 611 Integrated Farmers Association being unregistered, they have seen great success, with building up their integrated farm and finances, to be able to register their Association and go into a formal way of doing business. “Once we are registered, we will do up our business portfolio and present to business houses to provide fresh produce and protein to restaurants, shops and catering companies,” Zakkhiaus said. With the ever increasing prices in services and especially food items, the team leader of the 611 Integrated Farmers Association believes small time fresh producers and local farmers, can help alleviate the cost of food in the country. “So much is spent on imported food; a cost that is then transferred to consumers. The government should invest more into agriculture, as local farmers do alot of work on the ground and we have the potential to provide to the market demand for food, at a low cost,” Zakkhiaus concludes.

Police have recorded an alarming number of road accidents with over 30 lives being lost in Mt Hagen, Western Highlands Province for this year alone. Over 20 road accidents have been recorded since January this year and most of these incidences took place along the new four lane road from Kagamuga to Keltiga. Traffic police officer Simon Kik said the incidences involved mostly the Public Motor Vehicles (PMVs) and it is a very serious issue because it involves the many lives of the travelling public. “We have been doing awareness and have advised drivers to be more careful on the roads and feel the sense of responsibility they have when they have lives on board,” Mr Kik said. “The PMV drivers here seem to be excited in speeding and overtaking vehicles on the roads and the result is seen in the statistics.” He said most of the accidents are not the case of drink driving but rather of plain ignorance and carelessness of road rules by the drivers.

A top Russian general gave some of the most detailed public remarks to date on Russia's military strategy in Ukraine, claiming on Friday that the "first stage" of Russia's military plan is now complete, with their primary focus now centered on eastern Ukraine. "In general, the main tasks of the first stage of the operation have been completed," Colonel General Sergei Rudskoy, first deputy chief of Russia's General Staff, said in a Friday briefing. "The combat potential of the armed forces of Ukraine has been significantly reduced, allowing us, I emphasize again, to focus the main efforts on achieving the main goal - the liberation of Donbas." Rudskoy's remarks come as Russia's advances appear to have stalled around major Ukrainian cities such as Kyiv and Kharkiv. Russia has also failed to achieve air superiority in Ukraine and has suffered heavy losses of personnel since the start of the invasion. "The public and individual experts are wondering what we are doing in the area of ​​the blockaded Ukrainian cities," Rudskoy said. "These actions are carried out with the aim of causing such damage to military infrastructure, equipment, personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the results of which allow us not only to tie down their forces and prevent them from strengthening their grouping in the Donbas, but also will not allow them to do this until the Russian army completely liberates the territories of the DPR and LNR." Rudskoy was referring to the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics, separatist territories in eastern Ukraine that Russia recognized on the eve of its invasion. Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that the goal of what Russian officials refer to euphemistically as the "special military operation" in Ukraine is the complete demilitarization of the country. Putin has said the war is going according to plan, but Russian forces have incurred serious losses: Rudskoy said in the same briefing that 1,351 military personnel had been killed in Ukraine and 3,825 had been wounded. US, NATO and Ukrainian officials estimate the Russian casualty count is much higher. "Initially, we did not plan to storm them in order to prevent destruction and minimize losses among personnel and civilians," Rudskoy said. "And although we do not exclude such a possibility, however, as individual groupings complete the tasks set, and they are successfully solved, our forces and means will be concentrated on the main thing -- the complete liberation of Donbas." It is unclear if Rudskoy's statement implies a shifting of the goalposts for the Russian military, or just represents a change in public messaging. The Russian military has claimed it is not targeting civilians or residential areas, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. SOURCE: CNN NEWS

South Sydney Rabbitohs head coach Jason Demetriou praised Latrell Mitchell following his side’s 28-16 win over crosstown rivals the Sydney Roosters. Additionally Demetriou was incredibly proud of the work Rabbitohs’ centre Latrell Mitchell has done on and off the paddock, crediting the 24-year-old’s maturity. “Through the preseason his discipline off the field and the things he’s doing in and around that.” Demetriou said. “He’s maturing as well and we’ve said that before, he’s living what he’s speaking about as well which is important. “I know the impact he’s had in the changing room as well.” The last time Latrell took on his former club it saw him suspended for six games for his his reckless shot on Roosters’ centre Joey Manu. Not too mention the multiple scuffles and melees. A large majority of the hype leading in the Round 3 encounter focused on Mitchell and whether the Roosters were out to seek revenge, however Latrell allowed his game to speak for himself scoring a try in the 66th minute and notching four from five from the tee. Rabbitohs’ captain Cameron Murray was also pleased with Mitchell’s performance commending the work Latrell did in the offseason to his game. “He’s (Latrell Mitchell) been pretty excited all preseason to get back out there.” Murray explained. “I know it hurts not being able to get out there Round 1 so he’s been working really hard on his body and his fitness and I think he’s only going to get better. “(We’re) really pleased with the result I thought Latrell played really well tonight.” The Rabbitohs will be eager to build on their success next Friday when they take on reigning premiers the Penrith Panthers at BlueBet Stadium. SOURCE: FOX SPORTS

South Pacific’s largest commercial broadcaster, Communications Fiji Limited which is the parent company of Legend FM, FM96, Viti FM, Navtarang, Radio Sargam and fijivillage, has announced a final group after tax profit of PGK1,345,549.49 (K1.34m)   for the year ended December 31st 2021. CFL Group Chairman, William Parkinson says the result is a strong one considering the challenges faced in both Fiji and Papua New Guinea. Parkinson says CFL Fiji recorded an improved in performance delivering an after-tax profit of K614, 861.18 He says this performance is significantly stronger than the previous year as the 2020 result was boosted by a substantial increase in the valuation of CFL’s 50% subsidiary 231 Waimanu Rd Limited. PNG FM recorded an after-tax profit of K762, 669.19 The decline in profit resulted from the arrival of the third wave of COVID late in the year plus the declining value in the Kina. Communications Fiji Limited has also announced a final dividend of 4 cents per share. This takes dividends paid out for the year ended December 31st 2021 to 8 cents per share. CFL shares will go ex-benefit on April 11th. The record date will be April 14th and the dividend will be paid out on April 26th. Looking ahead, Parkinson says CFL comes out of this difficult time with a strong balance sheet and well equipped to tackle the future. He also says PNG FM expects to commence construction of its new studio complex in late 2022 and CFL is enjoying good revenue growth from online media ventures like fijivillage.com. Parkinson says Papua New Guinea and Fiji both face national elections in the coming year and this makes forecasting very difficult. However he says CFL radio and online products are strong and so they are ready. Source: fijivillage.com

#March4TB. #coveryourcough. #InvestToEndTB #EndTB World TB Day was established to mark the discovery in 1882, of the bacteria that causes Tuberculosis. Mycobacterium Tuberculosis. Over 100 years later, there are drugs to cure TB and better diagnostic services. However worldwide, TB still kills over 4,100 people every day. Here in the NCD we still have some of the worst rates of TB in the world. After two years of a global COVID-19 pandemic, celebrating World TB is an even more important occasion. COVID has disrupted our progress to End TB. · Measures to reduce the burden of COVID-19 have reversed years of progress in our fight to reduce sickness and death from TB. · COVID disruptions mean TB case notifications were reduced in 2020 and 2021 as compared to 2019. World TB Day is also an opportunity to raise awareness of the size of the TB problem in PNG, and refocus our efforts on achieving PNG’s goal to end TB. The theme for World TB Day 2022 “INVEST TO END TB. SAVE LIVES” We need everyone to invest time, money and energy to reduce PNG’s terrible TB burden We need to invest in TB, because it is PNG’s deadliest infectious disease. · About 40,000 people in PNG were sick with TB last year · A quarter of them are children · A majority people sick with TB are of working age · Over 4000 people died last year from TB last year · About 1000 of them were here in the NCD On World TB Day with our colleagues from NCD PHA we celebrate our successful TB treatment of 40,000 of people in PNG last year. Our TB clinics, family screening programs, childhood vaccination, prevention therapy and campaigns like #coveryourcough have prevented more cases of TB. Thank you! The TB problem is huge worldwide and in the NCD. · Worldwide 1.5 million people died of TB and 10 million were sick with TB last year. · PNG, is one the 30 highest TB affected countries in the world. However, most countries do not have a TB problem. · Only 30 countries account for nearly all TB deaths and TB sickness across the world. PNG can get out of this terrible club! · TB treatment success rates can improve. The current treatment success rate is 71%. · With your investment in TB education and support this rate can be 100%. It will save lives and reduce the rising rate of drug resistant TB · NCD is the focal point of PNG’s TB crisis COVID means double trouble. The National Capital District is the province with highest burden of TB in the country and the majority of COVID-19 cases have also been reported in NCD. Of all the COVID cases in PNG, a quarter of them were in the NCD · Of the 38,222 confirmed COVID-19 cases in PNG, 27% (10,339) of cases were in NCD. · For TB the NCD registered a 14% (972 case) decrease in TB case notifications in 2020, from 6,819 in 2019 to 5,849 cases in 2020 and the reduction is even more in 2021. This is attributed to COVID-19 lockdowns and interruptions in service availability. Therefore, it is everyone’s responsibility to help Invest to end TB, individually, and as a nation. · invest your money, time and effort in helping people with TB to get tested and treated. · raise awareness about TB in your communities, workplaces, schools and homes. B4H has a song to learn to raise awareness with a great tune to go with it! - · Every one of us can teach people that TB is treatable and curable, but TB is a killer disease if neglected. TB signs and symptoms · coughing for more than two weeks, · coughing up blood, · weight loss, · night sweats or · shortness of breath We need help to support people to get into NCD TB services. The staff are excellent! Free TB testing is at: Gerehu Hospital, Kaugere, Gordon’s near the police station, Tokarara, Badili, Lawes Road clinic, 6-mile clinic, St Therese’s Hohola, 9mile clinics, 3mile JBK clinic, Pari. TB is not normal. Coughing is not normal. Dying of TB is not acceptable. PNG’s rates of TB place an enormous burden on families, workplaces and hospitals. TB has been eliminated from most of countries and PNG can do the same if we all work together and invest in TB to save lives. With your time and effort, we can look forward to a healthier NCD and a healthier and wealthier PNG. Em Tasol #coveryourcough Background PNG, one of the 30 high TB and MDR-TB burden countries in the world. The estimated incidence of TB was 441 per 100,000 populations in 2020, which is one of the highest globally and in the Western Pacific Region. TB treatment success rate stands at 71% in 2020. TB is a leading cause of death in PNG and PNG’s deadliest infectious disease. Current COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted delivery of TB services in Papua New Guinea. TB case notifications have been reduced by 8% in 2020 and 21% in 2021 as compared to 2019.There are 40,000 people sick, 4000 die, a quarter are children, most are of working age. The National Capital District is the province with highest burden of TB in the country and the majority of COVID-19 cases have been reported in NCD. As of 6 February 2022, there were 38,222 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country and 27% (10,339) of cases were in NCD. The NCD registered a 14% (972 case) decrease in case notifications in 2020, from 6,819 in 2019 to 5,849 cases in 2020 and the reduction is even more in 2021. This is attributed to COVID-19 lockdowns and interruptions in service availability.