PNG Kapuls lethal winger Stahl Gubag saved the day for the PNG men's side with a hat trick of goals to help NGCB PNG Kapuls win their second friendly match 5-3 against Al Matar FC in Doha, Qatar this morning. Other goals came from Godfrey Haro who scored his first international goal along with Ati Kepo. Team Manager Joseph Ealedona said Al Matar is a young side who currently lead the second tier competition in Doha. "Its two out of two which is a positive result for the team as it keep the boys mind in focus ahead of their first game on Friday against New Zealand in the FIFA Oceania World Cup qualifiers in Qatar," the excited manager said.

Prime Minister and Pangu Pati leader James Marape announced today that Pangu will be fielding a good team of candidates for the 2022 General Election which starts next month. He said Pangu would soon be announcing its team for the elections and is confident of winning a good number of seats and forming government. “Pangu will be fielding quality candidates, including women, for the elections,” PM Marape said. “Our Pangu team is going through the list of possible candidates now, with the Party Council taking carriage of this. “We will be announcing our candidates very soon after the final selection process is completed. “Only me as Pangu Leader, with blessing of the Party Council, will make the announcement of the candidates. “No-one else, right throughout the country, will have that authority. “The Parliamentary wing, with the blessing of the Party President and the Party Council, will make that announcement.” PM Marape said Pangu had produced a third Prime Minister in himself and would produce many more. “Pangu Pati will have a fourth, fifth, sixth and many more prime ministers going into the future,” he said. “We will take this country where it is supposed to go, as our Pangu visionaries led by Great Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare, foresaw in 1975. “‘Pangu Save Long Rot’, our slogan in Tok Pisin, translates to ‘Pangu Knows the Way’. “We saw the way forward in 1975, along the way we were sidetracked by political instability, but are now back on track again. “We are taking Papua New Guinea back from the wrong road we have been travelling and putting it back on the right road, of not just political independence, but economic independence. “Pangu now has that goal of economic independence for PNG firmly in our sights.”

Twenty-four (24) new apprentices have begun their training with Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) after signing their Indenture Contracts on 23rd February. The trainees comprising of 12 males and 12 females, signed their contracts with OTML’s Training and Development Department and the National Apprenticeship and Trade Testing Board (NATTB). Acting Manager Learning and Development Morris Nandun highlighted to the apprentices the importance of safety, discipline, and professional conduct at OTML. “They were informed of the rules and standards of behaviour set out by the company including the Golden Rules, Safe Work Procedures, and OTML Values,” he said. Catherine Elemi, who spoke on behalf of the apprentices thanked OTML for the training opportunity “It is an honour to be part of a world-class organisation that delivers world-class training, promote safe work practices and advocates for gender diversity,” she said. The apprentices will undergo training in the fields of auto electrical, construction, electrical, plumbing, metal fabrication and welding, maintenance fitting and machining, refrigeration mechanic and heavy equipment fitting. OTML Managing Director and CEO, Musje Werror, said with mine life extended to 2032 and potentially beyond, the company will be developing more Papua New Guineans through our Graduate Development, Apprenticeship and Preferred Area Development programs. “We are looking for young Papua New Guineans with high potential not only in the academic space but also with the right attitude to contribute towards the success of Ok Tedi and the development of our country,” said Werror. Since the commencement of the OTML Apprenticeship Program in 1989, OTML has developed over 1,123 tradesmen and women, 560 graduates and 699 preferred area trainees

This World Consumer Rights Day, 15th March 2022, Independent Consumer & Competition Commission (‘ICCC’) and other consumer organisations around the world are joining together to call for fair digital finance. Each March 15 — World Consumer Rights Day — consumer rights groups come together to highlight a pressing issue facing consumers globally. This year, the membership organisation for consumer groups around the world, Consumers International, has selected the theme of Fair Digital Finance. The ICCC joins Consumers International and its 200-member organisations across the globe to raise awareness of fair digital finance for consumers everywhere. The global consumer movement will harness the opportunities of emerging digital financial products by highlighting what fair digital finance means for the everyday consumer. The ICCC Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer, Paulus Ain said: “The rapidly evolving nature of digital financial services is affecting how we spend and save. There is a real opportunity to create technologies that are safe, inclusive, data protected and private, and sustainable for consumers of digital financial services. To make this a reality for consumers, the global consumer movement will mobilise key decision-makers such as businesses and governments to ensure fair digital finance for all’’. “By 2024, digital banking consumers are expected to exceed 3.6 billion. In the developing world, the proportion of account owners using digital transactions has grown from 57% in 2014 to 70% in 2017.” “Consumer advocates recognise the vast potential for digital finance to create opportunities for all, however, digital financial services have created new risks along with exacerbating traditional risks that can lead to unfair outcomes for consumers.” Mr. Ain added that the rapidly evolving nature of digital financial services demonstrates the need for innovative regulatory approaches and digital finance services and products that centre consumer protection and empowerment. World Consumer Rights Day 2022 will call on businesses, governments and policymakers to ensure that digital finance is: · Inclusive: Extending access to digital finance for all · Safe: Mitigating harm in digital finance from scams, fraud, and phishing · Data protected and private: Safeguarding the data of every consumer of digital financial services · Sustainable: Ensuring green and socially responsible digital financial products To find out more about World Consumer Rights Day, learn more about sustainable consumption and find out about activities in Port Moresby, Lae, Mt. Hagen and Kokopo. Also visit Consumers International’s Sustainable Consumer webpage, or follow the #FairDigitalFinance hashtag on Twitter and Facebook.

MELBOURNE-based PNG Kapul striker Tommy Semmy will arrive early this morning (Wednesday Qatar time) to join the rest of the team in Qatar in time for their first match at the FIFA World Cup qualifiers against New Zealand. While the team is also waiting for David Browne clearance from the PNG Immigration Authority. Team Manager Joseph Ealedona says the team is training well and staying well and are all geared up for the first game against New Zealand on Friday. Ealedona said while there is no major injury, our medical team is managing muscle and fatigue concerns because of the 7 hour time difference between PNG and Qatar. This has been experienced by other teams from Oceania also so it was good we came earlier to acclimatize. The NGCB NG Kapuls are confident of being very competitive against NZ as they prepare for the first game this Friday. Meanwhile the Kapuls played their second practice game against Al Matar FC, a top Qatar second tier team in Doha at 2.30 am this morning PNG time (5pm Monday Qatar time)

Morobe Provincial Government urged high schools to complete their infrastructure project before the writs are issued for the 2022 National General Elections. Provincial Administrator for Social Sector Services Mr. Robin Bazzenu said schools who have received the infrastructure development grants are urged to make it their business by completing all their projects and submit reports before the national general election commences. He said total funding of K12 Million was disbursed to 45 schools in 2021. Bazzenu said the Provincial Government expected schools to complete 95 percent of the infrastructure developments. He said said the funding was allocated to 29 secondary and high schools, nine technical and vocational education centres, two FODE centres, one national high school and three privately run schools. Bazzenu said the funding was prioritized by governor Ginson Saonu to shift school building infrastructures and it was first of its kind the fund was disbursed to respective schools to manage.

Boera village today received its newly built multi-purpose community hall from Gas Resources PNGLNG Plant Limited (GRPNGLNGPL) and Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC). The two-story multi-purpose community hall was built by GRPNGLNGPL under its Community Infrastructure Trust Fund (CITF) at a cost of K2.8 million. It comprises of two large meeting rooms, four offices, a kitchen and restroom facilities. Speaking during the handing over ceremony, MRDC’s Managing Director and CEO, Augustine Mano commended the GRPNGLNGPL board for its efforts in continuing to deliver community impacted projects in their project area and encouraged the community to take ownership of the facility and look after it. “Since 2018, the GRPNGLNGPL board had delivered a lot of community projects through its CITF in the sectors of education, health, transport, and agriculture,” he said. “Over K17.2 million has been spent to date delivering classrooms, teachers’ houses, health centre, trucks, boats, community hall among others to improve the quality of life for the four benefitting villages of Boera, Papa, Rea-Rea and Porebada.” “Our vision has always been about improving the quality of life for our beneficiaries through prudent management of their wealth from the resources projects and under MRDC’s management; GRPNGLNGP is certainly realizing this vision.” Mr Mano commended Chairlady Ms Ulato Avei for strong leadership at the Board level, collaborating well with MRDC and community leaders, in delivering quality social development projects in the plant site villages. “Her leadership, and the quality of development projects being delivered here, is the benchmark for others to follow,” he said. Mr Mano also urged the Boera community to make use of the facility for education, church and other communal purposes. “Take care and look after this facility so the community can continue to benefit from it for a long time.” This new community hall replaces the old one, which was built 30 years ago. Present at the event were Member for Kairuku-Hiri Hon. Peter Isoaimo, the GRPNGLNG Board Directors, industry partners and the Boera community.

Fuel taxes will be slashed by 25 cents a litre for the next three months - and public transport fares halved - as the government acts to counter soaring petrol prices. One petrol company made changes to its fuel price immediately. Speaking after today's Cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says the invasion of Ukraine has unleashed a "global energy crisis", with all three fuel types rising for the highest amount on record. Prices have increased 13 percent in the past month. "We are in a wicked perfect storm and it's a storm that's impacting many people's lives," Ardern says. The impact of the invasion is expected to mean "continued volatility" for fuel prices. Cabinet agreed to reduce fuel excise duty and road user charges by 25 cents per litre, for 3 months, which Ardern says will mean "a potential saving of between $11.50 and $17.25 per tank of fuel". In addition, all public transport fares will be halved for the next three months. "We hope this ensures that where the option of shifting how we travel is available, this makes it more affordable to take that public transport option up." Labour has reduced cost pressures on New Zealand families since day one of taking office - what is happening now warrants a specific response, Ardern says. She says the government has been working on additional policy over the past week, but says current transport projects and legislative changes - expanding public transport, and making public transport cheaper, and supporting fuel-efficient, hybrid or electric vehicles - must continue. "This must continue and I'm signalling today that you will see in the Budget in May greater investment in this area through the climate emergency response fund." Finance Minister Grant Robertson says the fuel excise change will come into force from 11.59pm tonight, and it will be reviewed before the three months is up. "We cannot influence the global oil price and so therefore if we want to relieve some pain at the pump we need to look at the things we can control." Mobil announced it would make the changes immediately. Petrol prices are expected to continue to rise Robertson says, and the government will also outline over the coming days the means by which the change will be reversed, but it is likely to be gradual. It's possible changes to road user charges could include a change to legislation. The three-month period for road user charges would begin from whenever the order comes into effect, he says. Local authorities in practice set public transport fares, but Robertson says they will be reimbursed. He says the government is unable to set fare reductions but he is confident councils will "welcome this change and implement it speedily". Fuel excise goes directly into the National land transport fund, which pays for roads, public transport and walking and cycling infrastructure across New Zealand. Robertson says this work cannot afford to be delayed so the fund will be topped up for the expected loss of revenue. This is expected to be $350 million. "We will be meeting the cost of this through savings and reprioritisation from the Covid response and recovery fund, in particular the reduction in costs related to MIQ." The public transport fare subsidy is expected to cost between $25m and $40m, which will also be met from the Covid fund. Because it is a reprioritisation from the existing fund, it is already factored into the Budget forecast so can be met without increasing debt. Robertson says the situation highlights the shift to decarbonising and the importance of support for those most affected by cost-of-living increases, he says. Energy Minister Megan Woods says she has been speaking to fuel company chief executives and most are indicating they are ready to reduce the price of petrol from midnight tonight. She says the government wants clear evidence that the 25 cent a litre reduction in fuel excise duty is passed on to consumers and not absorbed into fuel company profits. She was outlining this expectation to all companies and is seeking daily information disclosure on their rolling seven-day average fuel margins to monitor industry profits. She intends this information to be publicly available and the companies have indicated they are willing to do this. Ardern says the New Zealand economy overall is well positioned to recover, and she's confident we will get through. She agrees the cost of living now "represents a crisis for many families, absolutely". Asked why it's taken so long to admit we have a cost of living crisis, Ardern says she has "always acknowledged that families have been experiencing pain as a result of the cost of living". She says after three months, the government will assess where prices are, "and then we'll ease off, so we will be careful to make sure that we don't have a jolt at the pump for families". Mobil cuts prices immediately The petrol company Mobil says it's cutting prices immediately following the government's announcement. The price cuts would be across all grades of petrol, Mobil lead country manager Andrew McNaught said in a statement. "Our product costs have risen significantly from the middle of December, and continue to rise. These costs on average have more than doubled since the beginning of December, and have increased more than 50 percent in the last two weeks," McNaught said. Changes apply to stations where Mobil sets the price of the petrol. SOURCE: RNZ NEWS  

“Art is a spiritual journey for the attainment of 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 mix parentage of Kerowaghi, Chimbu Province, and Tovafiru, Kerema, Gulf Province. “I have been creating art and design since high school. It has since been 25 years of exploration, experimenting and exponential growth in art and design.” Elavera has 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, where he has lived ever since. Elavera graduated from the University of Papua New Guinea’s Creative Art 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. In 2006, he resigned from his then formal employment and ventured into establishing an SME to pursue his passion in art in 2019. “I realised that my creative and artistic prowess would become stagnant if I confined myself in formal employment – like a bird in cage.” Equipped with his skills in and armed with courage, Elavera established ToolBoox Production. “Being self-employed is conducive to my creative freedom to flourish – to explore innovative ideas. But that was the easy part. The hard part was to exercise discipline and stay focused, away from the attraction of social activities. “The best part about being an artist is that you get to enjoy countless moments of fascination, creative fun and an endless fountain of kaleidoscopic ideas. There is never a minute of boredom,” said the 47-year old artist. “Some highlights of my career: • Designer in the production of the 30-metre Jungle Faces Mural that was installed at the Jackson’s international airport arrival lounge. • My prized art/design work took 12 months to complete. The size included; 769 metres circumference, 102 concrete slabs measuring six metres in length and 2.5 metres in height, 1000 liters of acrylic paints and 500 pieces of drawings and design. That is what it took to conquer the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium “Unity Wall” mural painting – the culminating pinnacle of my journey as an artist. • Beer garden wall at SPB Lae. • SP Brewery Wall, Port Moresby • Can designs on the famous South Pacific Export Lager. “It’s an honour to see my designs on the SP Export Lager can. Knowing that the can is available not only in Port Moresby but throughout the country. This means my art will reach a wider audience. It’s a great feeling. “I am grateful to SP Brewery, through the SP Export Lager brand, to give me this opportunity to showcase my talent by featuring my designs on a premium beer product that has won international recognition. “Not a lot of Papua New Guinean artists get that kind of exposure nor experience so for me, it’s a great boost to my career.” Elavera also acknowledged the invaluable assistance from Kenny Aua, Titus Clement and Tom Joel for assisting with 26 artwork designs on the SP Export Lager Can Art Series. “In my journey as an artist, I had the privilege to rub shoulders and collaborate with prominent Papua New Guinean artists like Martias Kauage, Jakupa Ako, William Takaku, Albert Toro, Kilori Susuve, Fransisca Semoso, Gickmai Kundun, Martin Morububuna, Bob Browne (Grassroots comic creator), Steven Waine, Pius Wasi, Bail Greg, Dika Dai, Wamsi Ilau, Chief John Kasaipwalova, Nora Vagi Brash, Prof. Steven Winduo (literary artist) and Ruth Choulai,” added Elavera, when reflecting on his experience over the years. For the SP Export Lager can art series, these designs will be captured on the white can as a Limited Edition for only one year. So far, designs for East New Britain, Manus, NCD, New Ireland, Simbu, Central, Mt Hagen, East/West Sepik and Enga Province are currently out in market, throughout PNG. 16 other designs will be revealed later this year.

58 women from across the country came together today at the Third Practice Parliament for Women which is being held in Port Moresby. The Practice Parliament, at Hilton Hotel, is being implemented as a partnership between the Independent Political Parties and Candidates Commission (IPPCC), National Parliament, Department for Community Development and Religion (DFCDR) and UNDP. During the opening ceremony, DFCDR Secretary Mr Jerry Ubase stated: “We are all well aware that the 10th Parliament has become globally famous for having no women MPs at all in its membership. This is a shame for our country... I make a pledge today that my team at DFCDR will do better for our women – who make up half this country and whose voices have not been heard in national decision-making for too long.” The 58 women who are attending the training will undergo three days of skills-based training. This includes a half-day session with the Registrar of Political Parties, Dr Alphonse Gelu on how to prepare for election campaigning, drawing on resources from the new IPPCC and UNDP “Training Manual on Women’s Political Participation and Representation”. The women will also have a mentoring session with three former PNG women MPs – Dame Carol Kidu, Ms Delilah Gore and Ms Julie Soso – and one former Bougainville women MP, Ms Isabel Peta. The mentoring session will provide an opportunity for the participants to learn some tips and tricks of campaigning from the experiences of women who have come before them. On the last day, 17 March, 30 of the women will then participate in a mock parliamentary session which will provide an opportunity for them to hone their public speaking skills by discussing a range of policy issues, including debating a mock bill on freedom of information. When welcoming the women to the training Dr Alphonse Gelu, Registrar of Political Parties stated: “Although candidate numbers are rising – in 2012 we had only 135 women candidates, but in 2017 we 2 had 167 women contesting – our research shows that less than 4% of women candidates contested the 2007 and 2012 elections. Historically, women are less likely to be endorsed by political parties to run for National Parliament, even though the majority of MPs belong to a political party.” Dr Gelu went on to say: “My office recognises the inherent value of including women’s voices in PNG’s national legislature and other elected local assemblies. Because we wanted to help ensure we never again have a situation where no women are elected, the IPPCC and UNDP have been running mentoring programmes at the provincial, regional and national level to support potential women candidates and to connect them to political parties. This Practice Parliament is now the culmination of that work as we hope to showcase their skills to the public.” There have been some queries regarding how the Practice Parliament can help women before they have even been elected. The organisers have made clear that the idea of the Practice Parliament is to first train the women over three days on a range of policy issues relevant to their communities, as well on effective campaigning. These skills will be valuable, whether or not they successfully contest an election. The Practice Parliament itself then gives the women a chance to practice their public speaking skills by concretely debating policy issues of relevance to their voters. This helps build their confidence to have such discussions with voters at home and helps focus their minds on the election as a chance to discuss policy change ideas. UN Resident Coordinator a.i. and UNFPA Resident Representative, Ms Marielle Sander, when speaking at the opening, told the women participants: “It takes bravery to put your hand up, to actually say you want to participate in public life. I commend you all for your courage. I am pleased to offer the support  every UN person in this room, to help you develop your leadership potential through this training and the many other activities we implement across the country with women leaders working at all levels to make PNG a better, safer, more equal and more prosperous place.” The Practice Parliament for Women is part of the Women Make the Change Project, delivered by UNDP and UN Women and funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

47 grade 12 students from remote villages in Oro and Central Provinces graduated from KTF’s Kokoda College on Friday after successfully completing their secondary studies under the FODE program. Now in its fifth year of operation, Kokoda College’s FODE program offers a second chance at education to those who slipped out of the school system. The College provides a pathway for those wishing to finish grade 12 or upgrade their exam results in order to pursue tertiary studies. Located in Kou Kou village at the end of the Kokoda Track, the College offers grade 9 to 12 studies to 180 students each year to students from as far afield as Alola, to the Northern Beaches and Tufi. Successful Grade 12 students proudly received their matriculation certificates from an official delegation including Ward 4 Councillor, Mr Sombiro; KTF CEO, Dr Genevieve Nelson; Kokoda Initiative Program Manager, Mr Patrick McCloskey and Kokoda College Principal, Mr John Yandawai. The excitement of the day is captured by KTF Head of Education, Martha Bentley: “The need for ‘locally-grown’ teachers and health workers has never been greater along and around the Kokoda Track. It is so exciting so see the Kokoda College FODE program helping to make that possible. Today, our Grade 12 graduates now have the option to pursue careers in education and health, and to go on to serve their communities. The flexibility of FODE, with its face-to-face learning at the College combined with self-directed study at home means people from remote villages, or with village or family commitments, can pursue their education. It truly is a second chance.” The Kokoda College is supported by the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP) and the Kokoda Initiative. The graduation was not the only celebration in Kou Kou on Friday, with the official opening of the village’s new preschool building. One of Oro Province’s only preschools has been operating in the local community hall for around eight years. Committed teacher, Gwen Harika, teaches 35-40 students aged between 3 and 5 years old, starting them on their lifelong learning journey. The dedicated double classroom means that classes will no longer be cancelled when important community activities and meetings are held, and Gwen hopes to double student numbers with the new space. The purpose-built classrooms have elements to promote early learning, including low desks, sand pits and play areas. It is appropriately called ‘Little Seedlings’, a place where young minds grow. The new classroom is the second preschool built by KTF in the region, with a similar facility opened in Gorari in August 2021. Both early learning schools were made possible with the support of US-based donors, Little Hearts Learning. Both celebrations reflect KTF’s ongoing commitment to accessible and quality education in the region, explains CEO Dr Genevieve Nelson: “With the global pandemic bringing the Kokoda trekking industry to a halt, the past two years have been unusually quiet on the Track, with communities adapting to their ‘new normal’. During this time, it’s been vital we adapt what we do to keep delivering education and other programs in the communities we have been partnering with since 2003. “Kokoda College is our ‘home’ and we’re committed to continue working with the communities from the mountains of Koiari to the beaches beyond in Oro and Central provinces. We’re absolutely delighted that we have been able to celebrate two incredible education milestones today with our students, friends, family and community.” Since the outset of the pandemic, KTF has worked with key stakeholders in the greater Kokoda catchment to: · Graduate 84 Grade 12 students from Kokoda College · Make 340 places available to FODE students at Kokoda College · Connect 2,069 households to solar energy, bringing a clean source of lighting and energy to the homes of 10,300+ people, including FODE students. · Support the operation of 15 aid posts in the greater Kokoda catchment, providing access to primary healthcare to 60,000+ people, critical when facing the threat of COVID-19 · Delivered 120,000+ COVID-19 supplies, including hygiene (soap, hand sanitiser disinfectant, tippy taps), personal protective equipment (masks, gloves, face shields & gowns) and medical supplies (paracetamol, thermometers) to 25 health facilities, 50 schools and two colleges. · Deliver individual personal protection packs (face masks and soap) to 3,000 people in Track villages from Naoro to Kovello through the ‘Protect-a-Porter’ Campaign · Train 60 Oro health workers in COVID-19 vaccine administration · Conduct integrated health patrols, including COVID-19 awareness and vaccination in the Northern Beaches and Kokoda catchment. · Support 14 schools with teacher salaries and resourcing, enabling elementary schooling to continue · Reach 3,000+ people with family and sexual violence education to combat family and domestic violence · Support the operations of Oro Province’s only Safe House for those leaving family violence · Implement a new sports-based program for adolescents, with 218 girls and boys participating in workshops on gender equality and health. “In this 80th year of that historic battle that forged the great friendship between PNG and Australia, we remain inspired by that friendship and the spirit of Kokoda well and truly lives on.” said Dr Nelson.

The Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) has advertised the position of the PNG LNG Kumuls Head Coach. PNGRFL Chairman, Mr. Sandis Tsaka said that current Head Coach Michael Marum's third consecutive term as Head Coach of the National Men's Rugby League team ended on the 30th of December in 2021. ‘Coach Michael Marum has led the PNG LNG Kumuls coaching team in his role as the National Coach over the last 8 years with great distinction’, Tsaka said. ‘During his tenure as the National Head Coach from 2014 to 2022, the PNG LNG Kumuls have improved greatly in their international rankings to rise from 16th to 5th place’. The Chairman added that the PNGRFL Board in December 2021 approved for Coach Michael to continue in the role until a permanent appointment was made. ‘As such, in compliance with our governance and HR processes, the PNGRFL has sought to advertise the position’, he said. The Coach appointed will be responsible to prepare the national team for this year's planned international programs and take the PNG LNG Kumuls to the upcoming Rugby League World Cup in England this year in October.