With the upgraded Vanimo Airport and new terminal building soon to open, the National Airport Corporation ensured the graduation of eight Aviation Security Officers after completing two weeks of the required Aviation Security Standard Training. The eight officers include six males and 2 females and they will be performing safety and security functions at the airport which includes airport security surveillance and passenger and baggage screening. NAC Managing Director Rex Kiponge while witnessing the graduation of these new officers, challenged them to take pride in their work and do it diligently. “You are privileged to be coming in as new officers to serve in the new terminal buildings and airport facilities,” Mr Kiponge said. “You are not any other security; you are aviation security officers. We have trained you well and we pay you well so I expect high work standards from you. You must know and understand Civil Aviation Rules Part 139 and Part 140 by heart and perform your role effectively guided by these rules.” Mr Kiponge said. In addition to the eight Aviation Security Officers, NAC has also recruited three additional staff at Vanimo including an Admin/Customer Service Officer, Terminal Attendant and an Aerodrome Maintenance Officer to boost the current staff strength there. Meanwhile, the new Momote Airport in Manus Province which is scheduled to officially open on April 8, 2022 also graduated its' first 8 Aviation Security Officers on March 3 with three additional staff.

Small & Medium Enterprise Corporation members participating in micro and small scale commercial activities will now have access to financial services through the Mama Bank after a Memorandum of Agreement was signed between SMEC and Mama Bank on Friday 11th March 2022. “When we educate or when we support women through such partnerships like this, we are educating or supporting the entire family, the community, district, province and the country.” “That is the foundation of development.” “We are viewing that supporting women is the way forward for the country,” said Managing Director of SMEC, Mr Petrus Ralda. The SMEC has given funding of K100, 000 as cash Security Guarantee to the Mama Bank to operate as security deposit for on-lending to the people that have undergone training and graduating through SMEC. The Mama bank through its branches around the country will offer lending products for micro, small and medium enterprises operating in targeted areas in the country. Both parties have agreed that lending will only be made available to income generating businesses such as tailoring, trade stores, fishing, poultry and arts & crafts selling. Mr Ralda said that 80% of mothers are living in the rural areas and SMEC will be providing capacity building programs to them starting from the wards. Once these mothers receive the training then they can have access to finance through the bank. They will be able to get a minimum loan amount of K1, 000 to a maximum loan amount of K5, 000. He added that they (SMEC) are excited to start this partnership and expand and perfect it along the way. Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer of Mama Bank, Mr Gunanidhi Das said that this will help make way for people to have access to funds to enable them to play a more active role in the development of the economy.

LeBron James unleashed his second 50-point performance in a week to spark the Los Angeles Lakers over Washington 122-109 but missed a historic NBA milestone. James scored 50 points on 18-of-25 shooting, including 6-of-9 from 3-point range, and was 8-of-8 from the free throw line while contributing seven rebounds and six assists to power a Lakers team that had lost nine of its prior 11 games. The 37-year-old forward, a four-time NBA champion and four-time NBA Most Valuable Player, scored 56 points last Saturday in a home win over Golden State. James had the first back-to-back 50-or-more Laker totals at home since the late Kobe Bryant in 2007. “We missed a lot of chippies, but we kept fighting, we kept defending, and I was able to hit a hot streak at one point,” James said. James was in a “zone” after hitting 17 in the first half, scoring 12 points in a row for the Lakers at one stage in the third quarter. “I just try to stay in that zone as long as possible,” James said. “I was able to hit a couple.” It was the 14th career 50-point game for James, tying him for sixth on the all-time list. But James finished two assists shy of becoming the first player in NBA history with 30,000 career points, 10,000 career rebounds and 10,000 career assists. James was pleased to get a hug during the game at one stage from his mother Gloria. “The fact she was here tonight was a treat for me,” James said. “She’s my biggest supporter, my biggest inspiration and my biggest love.” POP’S BIG MILESTONE San Antonio’s Gregg Popovich won his NBA record 1,336th regular-season coaching victory, with Dejounte Murray scoring 27 points to lift the Spurs over visiting Utah 104-102. Popovich, 73, has guided the Spurs to five NBA titles and was coach of the US Olympic squad of NBA stars that won a gold medal last year in Tokyo. He thanked former players, coaches, mentors and those who have backed the club during his tenure. “It’s just a testament to a whole lot of people. Something like this does not belong to one individual,” Popovich said. “All of us share in this record. It’s not mine. It’s ours.” The Spurs made 6-of-8 free throws in the final 14.2 seconds to hold off the Jazz (41-25). San Antonio improved to 26-41, one game behind New Orleans for the last play-in spot for the playoffs. Toronto’s Gary Trent Jr. scored 42 points and Pascal Siakam added 25 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds to lead the Raptors to a 117-112 victory at Phoenix, dropping the NBA overall leaders to 53-14 on the season. Cameron Payne led the Suns with 24 points while Devin Booker added 22 for Phoenix, who still lead the Western Conference by 7 1/2 games over Memphis. Bam Adebayo scored 30 points and grabbed 17 rebounds while Jimmy Butler added 24 points to spark the Eastern Conference-leading Miami Heat over visiting Cleveland 117-105. The Heat improved to 45-23, stretching Miami’s lead in the East to 2 1/2 games over idle defending champion Milwaukee. Ja Morant scored 37 points and dished out eight assists to rally the Memphis Grizzlies from a 15-point second-half deficit to defeat visiting New York 118-114. Morant delivered his 24th 30-point game of the season and scored 15 in the last 12 minutes for his 12th double-digit fourth quarter of the campaign. Slovenia’s Luka Doncic had 30 points and 14 rebounds to lead the Dallas Mavericks to a 113-110 victory at Houston. Boston’s Jayson Tatum had 31 points, eight rebounds and six assists to spark the Celtics over visiting Detroit 114-103. Jaylen Brown returned from a right ankle sprain to score 22 points for Boston (41-27). Trae Young had game highs of 27 points and 11 assists to spark Atlanta over the visiting Los Angeles Clippers 112-106. Miles Bridges scored 26 points and Terry Rozier added 25 to lead Charlotte in a 142-120 triumph at New Orleans. Orlando’s Mo Bamba scored 27 points and grabbed 12 rebounds to spark the Magic over host Minnesota 118-110. SOURCE: FOX SPORTS

It is now four days until the K10, 000 Toti Soccer Cup kicks off in Lae City. The 2022 Lae Biscuit Company sponsored Toti Invitational Soccer Cup puts up a total of K10 000 prize money to the top four finishers. The cup winner cashing out K5, 000 followed by K2, 500 to the runner up and is scheduled to start mid next week on 16th March 2022. Third and fourth placings gets K1, 500 and K1, 000 prize money respectively at the end of the weeklong tournament. And interested teams are urged to pay up their K500 registration (per team) now and no later than next Monday-14th March 2022. Toti Soccer Cup Tournament Director Edrish Kumbruwah announced today reaffirming the tournament starts on 16th - 20th March 2022 at the Lae Football Association soccer grounds. Kumbruwah reminded that entries are limited and to avoid last minute hiccups all teams interested to participate have no later than Monday to pay up registration and get approval to take part. He said on the eve of the tournament (15th March 2022) all registered teams must meet up with the tournament Committee for orientation and presentation of sponsorship items at the LFA by 1pm in the afternoon. He said the actual tournament begins the next day (16th March 2022) to the end of the weekend. Given the registration deadline just days away, interested teams can pay cash at the Lae Biscuit Company head office along Unitech Road in Lae. Simply ask for Lorraine Gulopau at the front reception to make your payments. You can as well call Kumbruwah on mobile number 7069 6534 or email edrishkumbruwah@yahoo.com to register.

A total of 115 grade 12 FODE students from remote Middle Fly villages in Western Province recently graduated from the Balimo College FODE Centre after successfully completing their grade 12 studies under the FODE program. Now in its third year of operation, Balimo College offers a second chance at education for those who (for various reasons) have slipped out of the school system. The College provides a pathway for those wishing to upgrade their exam results in order to pursue tertiary studies. This PNG Sustainable Development Program (SDP) education initiative is managed by the Kokoda Track Foundation (KTF). The successful partnership has enrolled 300 students from the Balimo catchment area in grades 9 to 12 each year. The College also operates two sub-centres in Morehead and Kiunga. The Balimo College FODE program is registered under the PNG National Department of Education. During the recent graduation ceremony, successful Grade 12 students proudly received their matriculation certificates from an official delegation including Mr Daniel Imowa, Middle Fly District Education Coordinator; Mr Kawe Biyama, Balimo Mayor; Mrs Juddy Aoae, SDP Program Manager; Dr Genevieve Nelson, KTF CEO; the FODE program’s inaugural Principal, Mr Nauli Duwaba and current Principal, Mr Brian Wafia. SDP representative, Mrs Juddy Aoae, remarked: “Our vision is to see that all our programs have a lasting benefit for the people of Western Province. We work with our partners to empower the community to take ownership and do what they are capable of doing to improve their lives." "Today, the students have committed themselves to work hard to achieve recognised certificates that qualify them entry into higher education institutions in the country, including the Balimo College Teacher Training program." "Given this second chance of entry into secondary education, students and parents are encouraged to take this program seriously and work towards achieving their dreams. Many people from Western Province, especially in the Middle and South Fly districts have never heard of the FODE pathway, so it was a challenging time for our students who worked so hard to achieve what we are witnessing today.” During the graduation ceremony, the students performed a celebratory dance before the 2021 College Awards were bestowed, including: · Principal’s Award – Ms Helen Mowagi and Mr Abilo Dibo · College Dux – Mr Abilo Dibo, Ms Shebby Kutika, Ms Helen Mowagi and Ms Jessica Siwaeya · Most Improved Results (for upgraders) – Ms Gloria Melesa and Mr Kabase Paiwa · Community Peer Support Award – Ms Mudato Somono and Mr David Didiga Community Peer Support Award recipient Mudato Somono is one of two grandmothers who graduated yesterday. She said that graduating Grade 12 is “the best achievement of my life”. She also encouraged others “don't let your age hold you back”. As well as her academic performance, Mudato inspired staff and fellow students alike with her commitment to the College community, and volunteering to help maintain College facilities over the past two years. Balimo College graduates now have the opportunity to progress to tertiary studies in teaching and other professions, explains KTF Head of Education, Martha Bentley. “In an incredibly exciting development, those graduating from the Balimo College FODE program are now able to undertake tertiary studies right here at Balimo College. Thanks to SDP’s commitment to creating education opportunities in Western Province, the partnership worked closely with DHERST throughout 2021 so that Balimo College can now offer the PNG Diploma of Primary Teaching to students, the first institution in Western Province to offer this course. Our inaugural intake of 40 tertiary students, includes graduates from our FODE program. They have now embarked on a three-year study program in pursuit of their dream to become teachers in Western Province…. Balimo College is providing opportunities for people from Western Province to serve their communities as properly trained teachers.”

When people from the Carteret Islands began to relocate to the Bougainville mainland it meant more than just leaving their homes and communities, they also needed to find new livelihoods. Life on Bougainville presented different challenges and opportunities compared to their native atoll, which has become less habitable due to rising sea levels and reduced access to fresh water. Gardening was one activity that required new skills – both for subsistence farming and agricultural cash crops like cocoa. Undeterred, a group of women from the Carteret came together to form a cocoa farmers cooperative called Bougainville CocoNet. In 2017, Bougainville CocoNet was among 25 farmers groups awarded a grant through the first phase of the Bougainville Partnership Commodity Support Facility (CSF), supported by the Australian and New Zealand Governments. “We are women from the Atolls,” said CocoNet member Rose Samsi, “we did not know how to manage or how to work in cocoa blocks.” “The project has really helped us as individual mothers to be able to fend for our families.” “We are able to make extra money to pay school fees for our children and our families’ diets have changed because we have extra money to buy food.” The CSF grant provided much needed training in cocoa farm management and financial literacy. It also brought new equipment and seedlings to help the farmers apply their new knowledge. CocoNet chairperson Ursula Rokova said the CSF grant encouraged the executives and farmers to work collectively. “I'm a woman and am happy that the community is working with me, especially men,” Ms Rokova said. “We have the support of other women, men and youths and the people within our community are working together.” Maria Kamin, also a CocoNet member, said women who received training on cocoa block management are more independent and are sharing their knowledge with other women, men and youths. “This project has brought many good things in our families,” she said. “There is great respect from both men and women for the executives that are leading the cooperative and among men and women members.” While the first phase of CSF grants concluded in 2021, a second round of grants totalling K10 million commenced this year which prioritises the creation of economic opportunities for women. Through the project, families are supported to increase their incomes which can be invested in businesses, property and children’s education. This, in turn, can help improve livelihoods for individuals, and build stronger communities and broader based economic development in Bougainville.

Minister for Information and Communications Technology Timothy Masiu has welcomed news of the National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA) decision to give formal written consent on the transfer of license rights to Telstra as a result of the proposed acquisition of Digicel Pacific, and particularly on Digicel Pacific’s associated companies namely, Digicel PNG Limited and Hitron Limited. “The procedure to arrive at the decision by NICTA is governed by the enabling legislation and is done without ministerial influence or input. I am pleased to note that the procedure has now been exhausted and that a decision has been made and that the government and our people and Digicel and Telstra for that matter can now move forward with the business of delivering telecommunications goods and services to all corners of the country.” Minister Masiu took note of Telstra’s commitment to continue to maintain all existing services and networks, and to continue to maintain all existing services and networks, and to continue the charitable work in early education delivered through the Digicel PNG Foundation. “It would be ideal to anticipate a change of ownership without disturbing the standard and level of service required and I would like to think that our people and the businesses that rely on Digicel’s goods and services will not even notice anything.” “I understand that with the NICTA announcement, the due diligence process leading to full acquisition and transfer of ownership to Telstra is now well advanced and nearing completion. Until then, Digicel will remain until the acquisition is completed.”

The Department of Education has congratulated Jiwaka Province for achieving 100% retention rate in both Grade 9 and 11 this year. The current National Education (NEP) Plan target is that by 2029 all children should complete 13 years of uninterrupted education or training and that major identified barriers are gradually removed. According to the NEP 2020-2029, there is now no institutional barrier, such as a public examination, in place to stop any child who has entered the preparatory grade from completing grade 8. “The national examinations will be phased out over time however, a standards monitoring test will be given to help monitor the progress of students, or lack thereof, so teachers can also improve or adjust their teaching,” Dr. Kombra explained. Secretary for Education, Dr. Uke Kombra said Jiwaka Province has expanded its secondary school sector which has resulted in this achievement. “On behalf of the Minister for Education, Hon. Jimmy Uguro, MP, I congratulate Jiwaka Province for this important milestone. I also call on other provinces to do likewise so that we can improve the quality of education attained by our people,” the Secretary said. He also congratulated Western Highlands, Enga, Hela, Simbu, Eastern Highlands, Central, and East New Britain for close to achieving 100% retention rates in Grades 8 to 9 and 10 to 11. Meanwhile, Dr. Kombra also congratulated all the other provinces for close to achieving 100% retention rate in basic education but challenged them to do more for secondary education. “I appeal to all our political leaders and other development partners and stakeholders to assist provinces to build more infrastructures to accommodate the increased number of students in the next 10 years. The more infrastructure developed will also reduce class sizes and improve teaching and learning standards,” Dr. Kombra said.

Up to six million citizens throughout the country are expected to vote in the upcoming 2022 National General Elections. The six million people are those of the voting age and those whose names are update on the common roll. PNG Electoral Commissioner Simon Sinai said that will be confirmed when the preliminary roll is produced from the current common roll update of new and existing enrollment at the end of this month. “A total of voters in the last election was 4.7 million so now we’re expecting 5 to 6 million based on the fact that about 15 percent of Enrollment Form 11, which is the new enrollment form were given out to provinces during the roll update,” Mr Sinai said. “Addressing the youth gap is a top priority the Electoral Commission is addressing in this current common roll update.” Mr Sinai further said that the preliminary roll be displayed once it is being updated for public consumption before the Issue of Writs on April, 28. Meanwhile the roll update is currently underway in all the wards throughout the country.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Anthony Wagambie Jr has assured the extended family and relatives of the young victim of police brutality and members of the public, that he has directed the matter to Internal Affairs Directorate to handle. ACP Wagambie said he had spoken with Metropolitan Superintendent NCD, Supt CID Boroko and Director of Internal Affairs Directorate, Superintendent Emil Alpha earlier this week and issued a written directive for IAD Investigation Team to take charge of the matter. “For this incident, whatever the circumstances were, the level of injury inflicted on the young man is not warranted at all. This is way beyond.” The investigation team has been tasked to establish what led to the matter and what actually happened. “I would also like to make it known that this does not reflect the majority of hard-working Police personnel.” He said the individual unit implicated had been identified and are now being dealt with by Internal Affairs Directorate Police. “Policemen and women have been constantly reminded about ethical conduct and performing duties within the rule of law.” “We are trying our best to rebuild public confidence in the Constabulary, and such actions by individuals only hinders the progress.” “I make assurance that this will not go unattended. Police Internal Affairs Directorate Officers in collaboration with CID Boroko, are already on it as this is being posted.”

Ok Tedi Mining Ltd (OTML) has denied agreeing to pay additional compensation to landowners for the use of water from Dablan Creek following a demand by a group of landowners as reported in last week’s Post Courier. There is no basis for OTML to entertain this demand. OTML has met all its obligations to pay compensation for the extraction of water from Dablan creek under the Ok Tedi Act, the Mining Act, the Ok Tedi Environment Management Act (OTEMA) (which has yet to be gazetted) and the current benefit agreements signed by OTML, the landowners and the State. This position is consistent with the advice given to the landowners by the Conservation & Environment Protection Authority and the Office of the State Solicitor. A Company spokesperson said, “OTML will not pay compensation outside the existing agreements since it will expose the company to other unjustifiable demands and would be unfair to the other landowners who honour these agreements.” “The landowners have not been denied any compensation. In fact, they have received over K54 million in compensation from OTML through the various benefit packages for the use of their land and extraction of water and they will continue to receive these benefits while the Mine continues to operate. This is in addition to other benefits such as dividends and contracts with OTML”, the spokesperson said. The landowners are claiming that OTML only applied for an Environment Permit after the matter was raised in court by the landowners. “This is not true. The landowners have been misled since it was the Government’s directive for OTML to have its own Environment Act and Permit that captures the current Ok Tedi Environment Regime of 2001. The OTEMA and Permit have no provisions for payment of compensation for the extraction of water and therefore there is no basis for additional compensation to be paid.” The landowners have challenged this matter in Court 5 times over the last 11 years without success but can still do so if they have new evidence to present. Meanwhile, and following recent actions by the group to divert water and disrupt operations, OTML has identified alternate reliable water sources that will significantly reduce reliance on the current extraction site.

Papua New Guinea’s national Family and Sexual Violence Action Committee (FSVAC) have marked International Women’s Day with the launch of Pathways to Justice: Strongim Sindaun Bilong Femili. The production of this documentary – supported by the Australian Government – outlines the services available to family and sexual violence (FSV) survivors. Such services include the FSV referral pathway in PNG - a network of service providers who provide support and care to survivors. These comprise Family Support Centres located in health facilities, Family and Sexual Violence Units (FSVUs) in police stations and Village Courts, located across the country. The documentary, commissioned by the Consultative Implementation and Monitoring Council (CIMC) also outlines the help available to survivors, and the laws and processes in place to ensure survivors receive the protection and care they need. The CIMC-FSVAC National Coordinator, Marcia Kalinoe, said, “The documentary provides practical information for survivors about the support and services that are available and how they can access them, but it also seeks to advocate for increased services for survivors of FSV.” Australian High Commissioner, Jon Philp, who attended the launch, said that although FSV remained a significant problem, progress was being made. “Whilst there is a lot more that still needs to be done to reduce family and sexual violence, today we recognise the achievements and continued efforts of our partners who do the hard work every day, driving change and improving outcomes for women and children.” Mr Philp said. The Australian Government’s long-standing commitment to improving FSV responses in the Law and Justice Sector include supporting the establishment of 27 FSVUs across the country, strengthening the FSV referral pathways to improve the coordination of services, providing FSV investigation and prosecution training to police, prosecutors and court officials, as well as assisting in the review and development of FSV laws.