Health services in Kerema, Gulf Province have drastically dropped at this time with services at the provincial hospital declining because the Provincial Health Authority (PHA) in the province is not running the health system effectively according to Health Advisor Mr Ben Bal. Mr Bal said all their specialised doctors have been sent to Port Moresby General Hospital to assist with Covid-19 operations while still on Gulf PHA payroll. He also mentioned that other clinical health workers are out of the province and no one is doing anything about staff absenteeism. “Patients have been sent home without proper medical checks and there is no one available to provide urgent medical attention,” Mr Bal said. “The provincial hospital was level 5 and now has been reduced to level 3 due to the absenteeism of health workers in the province,” Mr Bal added. Mean while Mr Bal stated that shortage on the supply of medical drugs is a nationwide problem but common drugs that are supposed to be available at the aid posts, health centres, the health sub-centres, the rural hospitals and the provincial hospital like Panadol and high-way fluids are not available. Mr Bal is calling on the Gulf Provincial Health Authority board to see to this matter and stop turning a blind eye because the people of Gulf province are paying the price with their lives.

National Superannuation Fund Limited (Nasfund) joins the World in commemorating International Women’s Day (IWD) 2022. With the Global theme “Break the Bias - Gender Equality today for a sustainable tomorrow“, Nasfund celebrates the contribution of our women in playing a leading role in promoting retirement savings through superannuation. Chief Executive Officer Ian Tarutia says celebrating IWD is important, as more women are now breaking the glass ceilings and entering into fields usually dominated by men, on their own merit. “At Nasfund we are proud of our female colleagues for their contribution towards the success of our organization at all levels, from the Board room, management and operations in the delivery of services to our members. We are proud that the gender mix of our workforce is 56% female, and 44% male. Our women colleagues have contributed significantly to the continued growth and success of the Fund. Current data from the superannuation industry indicates that approximately 10% of 8 million Papua New Guineans contribute towards superannuation retirement savings. For Nasfund, female contributors makes up 24% of our total membership. This includes women within the formal sector (22%) and voluntary contributors through our Eda Supa product (2%). What is even more pleasing is that we have close to 20 women who have accumulated retirement savings of close to a million kina each – these are women who have understood to the importance of saving, and are a shining example of what can be achieved. We celebrate their perseverance, and encourage more women to start savings more today, so that you can be ready for tomorrow.” In line with this year’s IWD theme, the Fund will engage with all-girls Secondary school to celebrate the barriers women within the Fund have overcome in society and businesses, as well as drive the message of financial inclusion and superannuation awareness.

Passengers travelling to Australia are required to complete a new “document” being the Australian Digital Passenger Declaration (or DPD). This replaces the earlier Passenger Travel Declaration (or ATD) that was required. The DPD is a mobile phone App and available for download at the Apple iPhone Store for iPhone, and Google Store for Android phones, by searching Australia DPD. An initial one off entry of set-up information takes about 15 minutes, and you need your passport and vaccination information to enter, so it is recommended this is downloaded and updated prior to coming to the airport. Manual paper forms will be available at check-in if required. Passengers flying into Australia, must complete a negative rapid test within 24 hours of scheduled departure. This can either be conducted at the airport, or the passenger can bring a compliant certificate with them issued by a doctor. A negative PCR test within 3 days of departure is also acceptable. Passengers arriving with their own compliant PCR or negative Rapid Test certificate conducted independently from the ISOS testing site can progress directly to the Departures Check in through the Main Terminal Entrance. Passengers are reminded that they cannot be checked in without a certificate of vaccination valid for travel. Vaccination Certificates valid for international travel includes (amongst others) the PNG International Certificate of Covid Vaccination (ICCV) , the WHO yellow card, the Australian Covid-19 Digital Vaccination Certificate, as well as compliant certificates issued by other countries. The PNG International Certificate of Covid Vaccination is available from PNG National Department of Health (NDoH) upon production of a copy of your green vaccination card and passport either to email: intvaccinecertificate@gmail.com or by visiting the NDoH office- Level 3 Aopi Centre in Waigani. The Green Card PNG Vaccination Certificate is not valid for international travel, as it does not include either the persons Date of Birth or their Passport Number.

Morobe Governor Hon Ginson Goheyuc Saonu, today (Friday 4th March 2022) presented K5 Million to the Lutheran University to help kick off ground work for the Institution. Governor Saonu made the presentation on behalf of Prime Minister Hon James Marape and the Pangu Party led Government. The presentation was done at Ampo ELC-PNG Headquarters witnessed by ELC PNG Head Bishop Dr Jack Urame, Deputy Bishop ELC PNG Lucas Kedabing, ELC PNG Secretary Bernard Koisam, Lutheran University Chairman Dr Eric Kwa & Deputy Chairman Dr Komolong, Lutheran University Council Members and Morobe Provincial Administrator Bart Ipambonj. Morobe Governor Hon Ginson Goheyuc Saonu today returned from Finschhafen (Qoronko & Fioo) where he attended the ELC-PNG 130th Anniversary of John Firierl to the area (Ward 6, Kate LLG, Finschhafen). The presentation is a fulfillment of commitment stemmed from Prime Minister Hon James Marape from 2019 at Boana Synod and then fulfilled by endorsing the Lutheran University Certificate during the Papua Synod in Port Moresby this year, then ultimately passing the Lutheran University Bill in Parliament last week (Presented by Dr Kobby Bomareo- Tewaii/Siassi MP) and today the K5 Million support. The Lutheran University Council has been actively working behind the scene since 2010 to fulfil the proposed institution into reality. According to Governor Saonu the Lutheran University can incorporate the Morobe Provincial Government Education Reform System (Early Childhood & Learning) into the roll out of Education System. These pillars are: 1. Communication Development 2. Financial Literacy (Money Learning) 3. Positive Character Development 4. Personal Health Development 5. Christian Principles Governor Saonu said under his leadership no political interference will happen and the wisdom of the Church Leaders for the establishment of the institution will proceed. Lutheran University Council Chairman Dr Eric Kwa explained the Lutheran University will be unique amongst the other existing University’s in the country. Dr Kwa said Lutheran University will incorporate the Martin Luther Seminary, Balop Teachers College, and Lae Lutheran School of Nursing and institutions such as Ludaweng & Ogerlbeng Institution’s. The Chairman further clarified that the Institution will have 17 satellite campuses all around the 17 Districts of ELC-PNG in Papua New Guinea. “The idea is to bring the University right into the village level.” Dr Kwa said Balop Teachers College now will graduate students with University Accreditation following the passing of the Lutheran University Bill in Parliament and he thanked all the Parliamentarians involved so far in seeing the Institution come into reality. ELC-PNG Head Bishop Dr Jack Urame, whilst thanking the Pangu Party led Government and the efforts of Governor Saonu, stressed that Lutheran Church is a church that contributes to the development of the country apart from its religious duties. He said with the establishment of the Lutheran University, ELC-PNG is setting its stance to educate Papua New Guineans at Tertiary Level on the same standard that other University’s in the country can offer. With the K5 Million presented the Lutheran University Council now will begin to set its course for ground work to begin.

The National Football Stadium has been given a boost of K1.3 million with Santos now continuing the stadium naming rights sponsorship for 2022. Santos Executive Vice President and Co-Head PNG Leon Buskens said Santos is pleased to announce its partnership with PNG's National Sport - Rugby League through the naming rights of the National Football Stadium following the merger with Oil Search, the inaugural naming rights sponsor. “Santos is proud to be part of the ongoing development of Rugby League, a sport that many Papua New Guineans love, and the naming rights sponsorship of the country’s world class stadium will go a long way,” Mr Buskens said. “Sports is an important component of integral human development and Santos’ positive contribution to sports such as rugby league including sporting facilities is lifting the standard of rugby to global expectations. This is also pertinent to other sporting codes that use the facility (the National Football Stadium). “We have held world class events at the Stadium particularly the FIFA under 20 Women’s World Cup, the 2017 Rugby League World Cup matches, QRL games and other international games such as the Great Britain men’s and women’s tour where PNG made history by beating both teams on home soil. “Santos’ attainment of the National Football Stadium naming rights is about helping to advance an iconic rugby facility for Papua New Guineans to appreciate and see this as a catalyst for sports development at all levels and furthermore, providing spectators and families a safe environment to watch games. “Santos is committed to creating positive and long-term impacts in the communities where we live and work.” National Football Stadium - Lloyd Robson Oval Trustee (LROT) member and Port Moresby Rugby Football League Chairman Dr. James Naipao thanked Santos for supporting the home of Rugby League by continuing the naming rights sponsorship for 2022. Dr Naipao also acknowledged Oil Search for its support since 2016. “We welcome the continued Santos naming rights sponsorship for 2022 because this will greatly boost the development plans and objectives for rugby league and the overall administration of the sporting code throughout PNG especially in this challenging economic and social environment resulting from the impacts of Covid-19,” Dr Naipao said. Since 2016, Oil Search Limited and now Santos have supported Rugby League in PNG with over K30 million in naming rights sponsorship, and support in cash and kind towards Rugby League organizations: PNG Rugby Football League (PNGRFL), Port Moresby Rugby Football League (POMRFL) and Oil Search PNG Orchids, the first national women’s rugby league team. The support also included the allocation of free office space to PNGRFL and POMRFL and the stadium revenue sharing arrangement between PNGRFL and PNG Hunters during home games.

Prime Minister Hon. James Marape, MP, farewelled the PNG Kapuls on their campaign for the 2022 FIFA World Cup with a funding assistance of K500, 000  on Thursday. Prime Minister Marape challenged the team to make Papua New Guinea proud by not just doing their best but to give their all with no fear. He said not only Papua New Guinea football but all Papua New Guinea sporting codes should not only aim to do their best, they must aim to win. “If Jamaica and Fiji can bring back Gold and win for their country, so can Papua New Guinea teams.” The Prime Minister also called on sporting code administrators to put in proper systems to grow and export sporting talents from the country to overseas sporting competitions. He said a way to do that and sustain the program is to start in schools’ development programs. Prime Minister Marape urged the PNG Football Administrators to work together on that program as the Government is willing to work with them to create an avenue that will provide employment opportunities for the youth through sports. The Papua New Guinea Kapuls will leave our shores on Monday, 7th March 2022 to start their World Cup campaign in Doha, Qatar.

Among the continued efforts by the national government to ensure the 2022 National General Elections is successful, the Joint Security Taskforce have been given a working space to operate in. The Joint Security Taskforce Command Centre was officially opened today by the Police Minister William Onglo, Police Commissioner David Manning, Deputy Chief of the PNGDF Commodore Philip Polewara and representatives from the PNG Correctional Services. Located on the 2nd floor of Morauta Haus at Waigani in Port Moresby, the centre will play host to the coordination of the security forces personnel in the election period. Minister Onglo said one of the lessons learnt from past elections is the importance of Joint Security Forces being coordinated properly in a structured manner. “Unlike in the past where there is no control and structure within the security forces to seek assistance, this election will see a different picture in the way security issues are addressed,” Mr Onglo said. “The government has also taken a different approach in terms of providing funding straight to the Joint Security Forces instead of providing funding only to the Electoral Commission who then allocates it to the security forces as seen in the past.” “This enables the security forces, who remain an important stakeholder in this exercise to do early planning and preparations for the election.” The centre is opened as of today until the conclusion of the election period when the writs are returned.

The Association of Superannuation Funds of Papua New Guinea (ASFPNG) is calling for the State to repeal the K190 million Market Concentration Levy slated to be imposed on BSP Financial Group Limited (BSP) in July this year. The Levy is indexed to grow each year by 5%, affecting only BSP as the major bank in PNG. As a tax on profits, it is a tax on the shareholders and not BSP as a company. This means that the K190 million, +5% year on year, will be deducted from the dividends due to be paid to the shareholders. Over 90% of BSP’s shareholders are hardworking Papua New Guineans. Members of the three major Superannuation Funds that make up the ASFPNG own 25% of BSP shares. As a result of the new Levy, the more than 800,000 members of Nambawan Super Limited (NSL), the National Superannuation Fund (Nasfund) and Comrade Trustee Services Limited (CTSL) can expect to lose over K317 million in asset values and reduced dividends, in just the first year of the Levy’s implementation. The Funds will also lose value through their shareholding in other companies who are also significant shareholders of BSP. NSL’s over 208,000 members will lose nearly K26 million in dividends as well as an additional K131 million estimated in valuation losses from their 12% direct shares in BSP which is another major shareholder of BSP. Nasfund’s 600,000 members can expect to lose more than K21 million in dividends and over K107 million in valuation losses through their 9.7% direct BSP shares and indirectly through shareholding in other companies who are also significant shareholders of BSP. The 4,700 Defence Force members of CTSL will lose over K5 million in dividends and close to 5% in asset value with an expected K27 million in valuation losses. ASFPNG believes the Levy is contradictory to the State's efforts to improve PNG’s investment appeal to investors. In addition, BSP already meets significant tax and community service obligations. Shareholders who are impacted may force BSP to scale back on some of their market shares to fall below the Levy threshold of 40% to ensure stabilised profit and dividends. If BSP is forced to do this, then it would mean a reduction in the availability of credit in the Country. This will result in a reduction of loans being extended to regular Papua New Guineans that are looking to start up a business or even purchase a home. The Levy was conceived without any consultation with ASFPNG and as such, the repercussions on working-class Papua New Guineans and the PNG economy as a whole have been drastically understated. In the first year it is introduced, the tax of K190 million is estimated to reduce NSL and Nasfund crediting rates by 2-3% and CTSL’s crediting rate by 5%. This is a significant burden for members of the Super Funds who are the hard-working and already highly taxed workers of PNG. As the Superannuation Funds finalise their audited accounts for FY 2021, the Funds have a duty to explain to its members how their funds performed and contributions to its success or otherwise for 2021. Members will be informed that they will receive less from BSP dividend payments and consequently a lower interest rate in 2023 as a consequence of this levy. ASFPNG remains committed to supporting the State’s endeavours to raise revenue internally to aid sustainable budget repair and economic growth, however, not at the expense of our members. Without any established welfare safety net, superannuation remains the only means for most Papua New Guineans to ensure a comfortable retirement and it is the duty of the Superannuation Funds to protect their savings. ASFPNG strongly recommends the repeal of this Market Concentration Levy to rescind the aforementioned repercussions. We call on the State to continue an open dialogue with BSP and the Superannuation Funds to discuss recommendations of alternative means for increasing the State’s current revenue streams. The repeal of this Levy would not only encourage increased performance and market value of BSP but more significantly, it would address the State’s pursuits to attract investors and grow the PNG economy for the benefit of all Papua New Guineans. We reiterate, the levy is a decision that lessens the prospect for growth, investment returns and is not in the interest of our members. We respectfully ask that Government rescind this decision and look at other revenue raising options.

Trukai Industries has come forward to help villagers affected by a recent landslide in Bulolo, Morobe Province. The company has given a tonne of rice as well as storage buckets to the villagers of the Ward 4 Nami Area, to help them after their homes and food gardens were destroyed last month. Trukai Industries Marketing Manager, Maryanne Tom says the company was happy to assist communities in their time of need. “Trukai continues to be a shining example of a leading corporate citizen in PNG doing our part in the communities under our TruCare initiative. We continue to respond to our communities in their time of need especially during natural disasters and have been doing so for years. “We hope that this donation of rice and storage buckets will help the villagers who have lost everything, as they slowly rebuild their lives. The storage bucket is multipurpose and can be used to store rice, store water and other foods too”, said Mrs Tom. Ward 4 Counselor, William Beebe thanked Trukai Industries adding that this support would mean a lot to the affected villagers. “We did not expect this help but we appreciate it. This rice and buckets will go a long way to help the impacted families, most of whom are left without homes and food gardens,” said Beebe. Mr Beebe explained that the 300 families impacted by the February 19th disaster have been sheltered by nearby families of the mine village and are now slowly trying to rebuild their lives

Australia cricket legend and the greatest leg-spinner of all-time, Shane Warne, has died, aged 52. The 708-Test wicket great was found unresponsive by friends in a villa he was staying at in Koh Samui, Thailand. Warne’s management released a brief statement in the early hours of Saturday (AEDT) saying that he passed away of a suspected heart attack. “Shane was found unresponsive in his villa and despite the best efforts of medical staff, he could not be revived,” the statement reads. “The family requests privacy at this time and will provide further details in due course.” According to the Herald Sun, attempts by Warne’s close friend and associate Andrew Neophitou to revive him were unsuccessful. Neophitou was an executive producer behind the recently released documentary SHANE, which documented Warne’s rise as a controversial sporting star who enjoyed a Hollywood lifestyle. Staff at the Thai International Hospital told AFP in Bangkok that Warne’s body was taken to their facility around 6:00 pm local time (1100 GMT) from Samujana Villas, a luxury resort in the northeast of Koh Samui. It came just days after Warne had declared he was aiming to return to peak fitness again. “Operation shred has started (10 days in) and the goal by July is to get back to this shape from a few years ago! Let’s go,” he captioned a topless photograph of himself. The news is the second devastating blow for Australian cricket in 24 hours with fellow great, Rod Marsh, also dying on Friday having suffered a major heart attack last week. Just hours before his death was made public, Warne tweeted his sadness over the death of Marsh who was one of his cricket idols. Warne, credited with reviving the art of leg-spin, was part of a dominant Australian Test team in the 1990s and 2000s and helped his country win the 1999 limited-overs World Cup. Australian captain Pat Cummins, currently leading the team on a tour of Pakistan, said Warne was “a hero” to the current generation of cricketers. “The loss that we are all trying to wrap our heads around is huge,” he said in a video message. “The game was never the same after Warnie emerged, and the game will never be the same after his passing.” Warne’s inestimable impact was reflected by his inclusion in a list of the Wisden Cricketers of the 20th Century, alongside Donald Bradman, Garfield Sobers, Jack Hobbs and Viv Richards. Bursting onto the scene as a brash young player with a shock of blond hair, Warne became almost as well known for a colourful life away from cricket as he was for his exploits on the field. The first bowler to take 700 Test wickets with an assortment of leg-breaks, googlies, flippers and his own “zooters”, Warne retired from Australia duty in 2007 following a 5-0 series win at home to arch-rivals England. He played 145 Tests in total over a 15-year career, taking 708 wickets, and was also a useful lower-order batsman, with a highest Test score of 99. In addition to his international exploits, Warne also enjoyed a successful career with his Australian state side Victoria. And while his private life effectively ruled him out of captaining Australia, for all his acknowledged tactical acumen, Warne did skipper English county team Hampshire. - ‘An honour’ - Following his international retirement Warne continued to star on the Twenty20 franchise circuit, appearing for Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League and his home town Melbourne Stars in Australia’s Big Bash League before quitting playing altogether. He subsequently became a highly regarded television commentator and pundit, renowned for his forthright opinions. Warne was also involved with team coaching -- most recently at London Spirit in England’s new Hundred competition -- and he worked individually too with current-day leg-spinners. Warne was divorced from wife Simone Callahan, with whom he had three children. He also had high-profile relationship with British actress Liz Hurley. India batting great Sachin Tendulkar wrote on Twitter of his ex-rival: “Shocked, stunned & miserable... Will miss you Warnie. There was never a dull moment with you around. Will always treasure our on field duels & off field banter.” Former Australia team-mate Adam Gilchirst wrote: “Numb. The highlight of my cricketing career was to keep wicket to Warnie. Best seat in the house to watch the maestro at work.” Former England Test player Kevin Pietersen, a great friend who had numerous on-pitch duels with Warne, said “#RIPKing” along with a number of crying emojis as the tributes poured in -- including from Richards and Sri Lanka’s Muralitharan Warne is survived by his three children Brooke, Summer and Jackson. SOURCE: FOX SPORTS

The University Council and Management of the premier PNG University of Technology finally responded seven (7) days after, strongly and unreservedly condemning the actions of Unitech students who harassed a colleague student of theirs, then broke and entered his room, and stole items. "This is unbecoming of highly educated students of a premier University," said Dr Ora Renagi, Vice Chancellor of the Morobe institution. Unitech Management is actively engaged in developmental programs guiding the University to a world class institute. "We are also making every effort to create a peaceful and conducive study environment for staff and students alike." Dr. Renagi said the reputation of Unitech is founded on values of high ethical standards, diversity and inclusivity, pride and passion. Unitech is drawing praise from parents and stakeholder support from Industry, multi and bi-lateral partners to grow Unitech academic capacity and this type of behavior affects the PNGUoT reputation and will be addressed. "The management will not tolerate student harassment, bullying and disrespect for one another, let alone involve in criminal activities." Unitech management has policies and codes of conduct, which staff and students have signed up to protect its reputation. "Internal investigations into the incident have begun and that our disciplinary procedures will be applied and students found guilty will be penalized accordingly. The matter of the case of damaging property and theft will be referred to the police to lay appropriate charges according to law. At this juncture, I sincerely apologize to the victim and his parents for the pathetic act by other students and will take measures to discipline the culprits," said the Vice Chancellor.

Stranded passengers from the grounded MV Ialibu were evacuated to Kimbe and Rabaul yesterday afternoon after having to shelter on Umboi Island following the incident on Tuesday night. Lutheran Shipping, the company who owns MV Ialibu evacuated the passengers using their other vessel MV Momase. National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA) Chief Executive Officer Paul Unas said the vessel was carrying 140 passengers and 13 crews on board at the time of the incident. The vessel ran aground on Umboi Island in Siassi, Morobe Province following the flooding of its starboard engine, and strong winds and swells dragged the vessel ashore despite its captain dropping the stern anchor. Following the incident, all 140 passengers were offloaded on the Island with sufficient amount of food and were sheltered while the crew remained on board. Lutheran Shipping had engaged Pacific Towing Company (Pactow) to assist in salvage operation and is currently on the island awaiting verification of her seaworthy condition.