Final endorsements of Athletes and Officials to the 2022 Saipan Pacific Mini Games will be made when the Justification Committee (JC) meets on February 28th. The JC is the committee under the Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC), that deliberates and endorses sports and their top athletes to take part as Team PNG in Olympic, Commonwealth and Pacific Games. Targeted sports that will represent Papua New Guinea at the 2022 Pacific Mini Games in Saipan, Northern Mariana Island, which is scheduled for June 17th to 25th 2022 are Athletics, Beach Volleyball, Golf, Tennis, Va’a and Weightlifting. “We urge National Federations to provide all requirements for the Pacific Mini Games preparations and accreditation purposes”, PNGOC Secretary General Auvita Rapilla said. Whilst the endorsement of the final team is pending, the top management for Team PNG has been appointed. Secretary General announced the General Management Team (GMT) today, with other members to be added subject to the overall team size. The GMT, like other sports officials on the team are made up of volunteers and these were: · Kila Dick, Chef de Mission · Anzillah Miro, General Manager · Ivan Ravu, Chief Medical Officer · Hendriella Vilosi, Head Physiotherapist Mr. Kila Dick, Chef de Mission for Team PNG to the Pacific Mini Games is also the Male Vice President of the PNGOC Executive Board and also chairs the Justification Committee. Prior to his appointment as the Male Vice President, he served as the President for the PNG Volleyball Association. A former athlete himself, Mr Dick has been in the sporting fraternity for more than 40 years. He is currently employed as the Manager for Sports Recreation and also Social Service with the National Capital District Commission. Assisting the Chef de Mission in the capacity of General Manager for Team PNG is Anzillah Miro. Anzillah had previously served in the same role for Team PNG to the 2017 Pacific Mini Games and 2019 Pacific Games, and also employed as the Volunteer Manager for the 2015 Pacific Games. Her Games experience together with her professional career as the Executive Manager – Operations for Vanguard International is welcoming. Chief Medical Officer, Dr Ivan Ravu has worked with various sports such as the PNG Kumuls, PNG Hunters, Gulf Isou Rugby League and Team PNG to the Vanuatu 2017 Pacific Mini Games and Samoa 2019 Pacific Games. Hendriella Vilosi is no new comer to sports. Appointed as the Head Physiotherapist to the 2022 Pacific Mini Games, Hendriella was previously employed by High Performance Sport PNG as a Physiotherapist. She has been engaged with sports such as Cricket, Rugby, Netball, Football, Hockey and was part of Team PNG to the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games and Samoa 2019 Pacific Games.

Our Capital City will be celebrating the first anniversary of the founding father of our nation Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare. This will be part of the many celebrations in our nation to commemorate and celebrate his life. The people of NCD including school children will do an evening of candlelight virgil at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium as the city comes together in remembrance and commemoration. This is a National event celebrating the life of the founding father so it’s equally a celebration of our country. The history of our country and our people has been shaped largely by the life of Grand Chief Somare. Without his vision, passion, dedication and commitment our nation and our people would not have traveled this far in the last 46 years. Though he has left us, his story and legacy remains. It is important that we embrace his guiding principles and values. Grand Chief Somare united our people of a thousand tribes, languages and cultures peacefully into independence. These are important values and lessons we must maintain and preserve. We must promote peace at all times as how he has taught us as we celebrate his life. Our program at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium will commence at 5pm on Saturday evening and will involve a virgil, speeches and a showing of videos and images of Sir Michael’s life including a documentary of his funeral program last year. Public is most welcome to attend. Mr. Sana Somare, a family representative will also give a speech and we are still waiting for confirmation our Prime Minister James Marape. Please come along in our PNG colours and let’s celebrate the life of this great man, our founding father, Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare.

The Chief of Defence Force has commenced his unit visits this week, visiting the Air Transport Wing today after commencing with the 1st Battalion, Royal Pacific Islands Regiment on Tuesday. The Unit visits is to allow the CDF to understand the challenges currently faced and how best to assist the units as PNGDF is undergoing preparations to support the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary during the 2022 National Elections Security Operations. Major General Mark Goina when visiting ATW received the unit briefing from the Commanding Officer of the Unit, Lieutenant Colonel Nancy Wii, the Director Air Preparations, Lt Col Eddie Miro and the Qualified Flying Instructor from the Royal Australian Air Force Wing Commander Tim Shaw among others. The Air Transport Wing with the help of partner from the Royal Australian Air Force has put in place the Defence Aviation Air Safety Framework which is critical to implement the Flight of Excellence concept. Among the challenges raised include the need for perimeter fencing around PNGDF establishments and the need for maintenance of existing facilities. Similar sentiments were shared by the Commanding Officer for 1RPIR, Lieutenant Colonel Heta Nombe and the Commanding Officer of Taurama Military Hospital, Major David Iamo earlier this week, when the CDF visited Taurama Barracks in the National Capital District. Major General Mark Goina has given his assurance that he will address the issues in-line with his priorities which include duty of care to the men and women within PNGDF, organizational reform, operational proficiency, infrastructure and nation building. “I will prioritize areas of immediate concern and direct the Director Engineers to do scoping so these immediate concerns can be addressed,” Maj. Gen Mark Goina said after an area tour of the Hangar at the Air Transport Wing. While visiting 1RPIR earlier this week, Major General Mark Goina also had the opportunity to witness troops from Alpha and Bravo Company of 1RPIR, the Force Support Battalion and ATW undergoing pre-deployment training for deployment to Porgera in the Enga Province. He also cautioned serving members to do what is right during the 2022 National Elections when supporting the RPNGC in providing a free, fair and safe election period. “We don’t want to see our men and women interfering with the election process. Our people should exercise their democratic rights to vote freely,” Major General Goina said. The CDF’s visit to the units will see him visit all Port Moresby units before completing all the Northern units before elections.

National Superannuation Fund (Nasfund) has congratulated Bank South Pacific Group on its’ 2021 performance. The 2021 Full Year Results, announced to the market this week, includes a Net Profit After Tax of K1.075 billion, and a dividend payment of K1.34 per share. Nasfund owns 9.7% of the largest and fastest-growing bank in the Pacific Region. Commenting on these results, Nasfund Chairman Charles Vee commended BSP Chairman Sir Kostas Constantinou & the Board, Group CEO Robin Fleming, Management and Staff for delivering sterling results for the 2021 year, in a challenging economic environment. “As one of the top 5 shareholders of the Bank, Nasfund is pleased with the achievements of this investment, and looks forward to continued positive returns. In the last 5 years, the Fund has received K275million in dividends from BSP, representing on average 14.78% of the Fund’s cash income. BSP continues to be Nasfund’s best performing investment in terms of yield (dividend) and capital value. These results continue to contribute significantly to Nasfund’s income stream and profitability. As a major shareholder, we are pleased with this performance for the 2021 Financial Year. These results auger well for the Fund, as some of these earnings will be passed on to our members, when the Fund announces our interest crediting rate to members in the coming weeks. We remain committed to supporting BSP in its role in providing efficient banking services to its customers, the majority of which are also our members.”

Founder of a local mental health awareness organisation Changing the Narrative is calling for more recognition of mental health issues by Papua New Guinea’s corporate community. Gaironedi Lavett, says that stigma is so big in the country that we feel anger and aggression instead of compassion towards those that are mentally ill. Lavett believes that the business community must take into account the fact that there may be employees suffering from mental health issues that they are not aware of. “Business houses must not treat their employees like robots; they need to be aware that sometimes performance is hindered because people are struggling mentally”, she said. Stigma around mental illness in Papua New Guinea, has become a norm within communities due to the level of awareness on mental health. Papua New Guineans need to know the harm caused by disparaging language and actions toward those living with a mental illness. With all the uncertainty brought on by the covid-19 pandemic, global suicide rates have increased significantly, and no doubt the effects of the situation have been taking their toll locally as well. The common age group that is impacted by mental illness ranges between 15 and 29 with the main causes being depression and drug use, stated by Dr Losavati Daugunu, CEO of the Laloki Psychiatric Hospital. The effects on individuals who experience trauma through all forms of violence, harassment or bullying can be seen through behavior. Mental illness in PNG is also viewed at a cultural perspective which could be a challenge for the awareness, diagnosis and treatment process (The History of Mental Health in Papua New Guinea, 2017). Lavett uses the example of a campaign led by Canadian electronics company, Bell Canada, which has united millions of people across Canada in promoting mental health awareness through an initiative which has also reached the international community. Since the inception of the “Bell Let’s Talk” campaign in 2010, an incredible $155m has been committed to organisations to provide support and services for mental health. In partnership with more than 1,300 organisations, Bell Let’s Talk has been able to support 5.5 million Canadians with access to mental health services and changed attitudes as reported by 82 percent of Canadians. Furthermore, the campaign has been the single largest corporate commitment in the country’s history. Central to the campaign are four guiding pillars; anti-stigma, care and access, research and workplace leadership. Guided by these pillars, the campaign’s main methods or outlets are social media, post-secondary outreach, community fund grants and celebrity support. The amount of attention this campaign has gained has led to its success to date, and should be an example for other nations. There is an opportunity for corporate organisations to consider, as in the case of the Bell Let’s Talk initiative, a way to contribute as part of their corporate-social responsibility. Stigma often worsens the condition of a person with a mental illness and is a major concern because of the barrier it builds, hence, this is the silence that the awareness campaign seeks to break. Alleviating stigma, supporting establishments focused on mental health and investing in proper research, paves way for a healthier population. Bell Canada saw the potential of initiating an influential campaign on mental health resulting in the immense support returned to the country. A better future and stability of PNG is resting in the hands of its people and through knowledge and awareness, this stability and future can be achieved.

The investigation into a report about foreign consultants engaged by the National Judicial Staff Services receiving millions of kina worth of payments is ongoing and has not yet been completed. Justice Minister Bryan Kramer revealed the status of the investigation upon a series of questions by Rabaul MP Dr Allan Marat during Question Time in Parliament yesterday. On January 27 this year, Minister Kramer released a statement regarding payments worth millions of kina being paid in Australian dollars to foreign nationals employed as consultants by the NJSS. It was alleged that some are paid K200 million a year and receive twice to trice the salary of National and Supreme Court judges as well as the government ministers, including the Prime Minister. Dr Marat asked Mr Kramer if the investigations have commenced and for its outcome if it has been completed. He further questioned if the payments are consistent with the Government of PNG’s salary scale and whether or not the relevant government agencies are doing anything to address it. Minister Kramer in response said the investigations are ongoing to determine whether administrative and legislative guidelines are complied with in accordance with the awarding of the contracts. “Investigations are not complete as yet but once it is done, the decision will be made as to what course of action will be taken,” Mr Kramer said.

Overcharging of school project fees is deemed illegal and school principals or teachers issuing these charges will face suspension if found to be practicing these. Education Minister Jimmy Uguro gave this undertaking in parliament yesterday when responding to Moresby North East MP John Kaupa to clarify on the project fees component required of parents. “For 2022, projects fees are allowed for parents and only the authorities concerned which are the National Education Board and Provincial Education Boards are responsible for that,” Mr Uguro said. “Schools and their principals are not the ones to charge project fees.” “Overcharging of project fees is illegal and not allowed.” said Minister Uguro. He said last year school principals and teachers who were investigated on this issue where suspended when they were identified. “I have instructed the Teaching Service Commission and National Education Department that school inspectors are the only legitimate authority to charge teachers and principals who do not follow the Education Act.”

The project fee this year for elementary schools is K20.00, primary schools K60.00, secondary schools K220.00, vocational schools K200.00, Special Education K40.00 and K20.00 for each subject for FODE programs. And the amounts remain the same for all the schools in the National Education System in the country. Education Minister Jimmy Uguro said the amounts mentioned is what the Provincial Education Board is supposed to apply in schools all over the country. Responding to a supplementary question in parliament yesterday on whether the fee amounts are the same in all the schools around the country, Mr Uguro said the project fees are paid using a guideline. “There are three set of guidelines used to determine the amount of the project fees,” Mr Uguro said. “Number one, the school must have a School Learning Improvement Program (SLIP) Plan, where parents, teachers and the school’s board of management discuss together and design a project. “Number two, there must be a project plan and number three, the school must have a scope and budget for that particular project.” He further said the SLIP Plan and the two other guidelines must then be approved by the authorities which is the Department of Education before it goes to the Provincial Education Board to apply charges.

Russian forces have launched a major assault on Ukraine, firing missiles on cities and military targets. The invasion by land, air and sea began after a pre-dawn TV address where Russian President Vladimir Putin demanded that Ukraine's military lay down its arms. Initial reports of casualties included Ukrainian civilians and soldiers, and Russian troops. Ukraine's leader said his country "won't give up its freedom". "Russia has embarked on a path of evil, but Ukraine is defending itself," President Volodymyr Zelensky tweeted. Ukraine has declared martial law and severed all diplomatic relations with Russia. It says weapons will be given to anyone who wants them. In the capital Kyiv, home to almost three million people, warning sirens blared out as traffic queued to leave the city and crowds sought shelter in metro stations. "We don't understand what we should do now," one woman called Svetlana told the BBC. "We're now going to a place where we can be safe and we hope we can leave safely." Mark, a 27-year-old sales executive, said he was ready to be called up to fight. "We don't have another way," he said. Several neighbouring countries have begun preparations to take in a large number of refugees. Moldova alone said more than 4,000 people had come over the border from Ukraine. Thursday's invasion followed weeks of escalating tensions, as Russia massed troops along Ukraine's borders. The UK, EU and other Western allies have vowed to impose tough new sanctions to punish Moscow, but say they will not send in troops. "These are among the darkest hours of Europe since the Second World War," EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell said. Dozens of people have been killed, including about 10 civilians. Six died in an air strike in Brovary near the capital Kyiv. A man was also killed in shelling outside the major north-eastern city of Kharkiv. A Ukrainian presidential adviser said that more than 40 soldiers had died and many more were wounded. Ukraine said it had killed 50 Russian troops and shot down six Russian aircraft, but this has not been verified.

On 22 February 2022, the Independent State of Papua New Guinea and the P’nyang Project co-venturers, including Esso PNG P’nyang Limited and Ampolex (Papua New Guinea) Limited together with affiliates of Santos and JX Nippon, signed the P’nyang Project Gas Agreement for the proposed development of the P’nyang LNG Project. Key takeaways: Gas Agreement execution provides a firm framework towards the P’nyang Project’s future development Gas Agreement reflects the Government’s desire for phased development of the Papua and P’nyang projects and its focus on provincial and national benefits The proposed ExxonMobil-operated P’nyang Project would deliver LNG by constructing new upstream facilities in Western Province linked to existing infrastructure. Subject to a final investment decision by the P’nyang Project co-venturers, the P’nyang development is proposed to commence after the Papua LNG Project in support of ongoing economic development in Papua New Guinea. The P’nyang Project would be an independent project, with landowner benefits to be provided under a future benefit sharing agreement to be negotiated by the State in accordance with the Oil and Gas Act. “The P’nyang Project Gas Agreement supports the Government’s vision to promote long term development in the country and for our people,” said Prime Minister James Marape. “On behalf of the country and our people, I am both pleased and proud to mark this milestone. ExxonMobil has demonstrated its continued commitment to Papua New Guinea through the outstanding operatorship of the PNG LNG project, and we look forward to continuing our partnership well into the future with the P’nyang Project.” Speaking at the conclusion of the signing ceremony, Minister for Petroleum Kerenga Kua noted that “the P’nyang Project is a key part of the Government’s integrated development strategy. We appreciate ExxonMobil’s collaboration and look forward to seeing benefits flow to the people of Western Province as well as the nation.” “On behalf of Esso PNG P’nyang Limited and the other co-venturers, I want to thank Honourable Prime Minister James Marape, Honourable Minister for Petroleum Kerenga Kua, the Western Province Governor Honourable Toboi Awi Yoto, the Gulf Province Governor Honourable Governor Haiveta and all of the members of the State Negotiating Team for their leadership and collaboration, ” said Peter Larden, Chairman of Esso PNG P’nyang Limited. “The execution of the P’nyang Project Gas Agreement marks a significant milestone and provides a clear framework towards the P’nyang Project’s future development.” The P’nyang Project would provide some four years of additional construction activity after Papua LNG, with this multi-billion Kina investment driving continued economic growth for the nation as well as provinces involved in the project. Infrastructure tax credit (ITC) projects in support of infrastructure needs in Western province and other involved provinces are expected to commence this year. Upon completion, the P’nyang Project would make available up to five percent of gas produced to the Western Province or another agreed location to support the government’s electrification efforts. The focus on national content would support local job creation in the Western province and other involved provinces, with the Papua New Guinean workforce and local businesses benefitting from economic opportunity as well as training and skills development programs. In parallel, social investment initiatives in collaboration with the provincial and national governments as well as community stakeholders are designed to further enhance community livelihoods. The P’nyang field is located within Petroleum Retention License 3, which covers 105,000 acres (425 square kilometers). The field is estimated to have 4.36 trillion cubic feet of gas. Esso PNG P’nyang Limited, a subsidiary of Exxon Mobil Corporation, operates the license and, together with Ampolex (Papua New Guinea) Limited, has a 49 percent interest. Affiliates of Santos and JX Nippon have a 38.5 percent interest and 12.5 percent interest respectively.

Public Motor Vehicle (PMV) buses designated to route 7 and 9 in NCD, went on strike yesterday leaving many commuters despaired and stranded. Many city residents were forced to walk from their place of work to their homes yesterday. The route 7 and 9 busline connects Gordons, Boroko and Gerehu for thousands of city residents. Acting Admin Sergeant Frank Sau attached to the Office of the Commander NCD Central led a police team in a mediation with the disgruntled PMV operators at Waigani yesterday. The strike occurred after police acted upon a barrage of public outcry by impounding several buses after they charged K2 for bus fares. The PMV operators said inflation affected their business and compelled them to impose the increased fare without the permission and consent of the Road Transport Authority. The authorised bus fare gazzetted by the NCD Road Transport Authority is K1 across NCD. Acting Sergeant Sau told the disgruntled PMV operators to resume operations and take up their grievances with RTA. Some of them resumed operations late in the evening while most of them agreed to take their grievances to the responsible authorities.

Work has commenced on the construction of a steel framed building at Semo Health Centre in Siassi LLG of Tewai-Siassi District Morobe Province. Tewai-Siassi MP Dr. Kobby Bomareo visited Semo Health Centre over the weekend and was impressed with the progress of work. The main outpatient and priority building is a steel structure funded by the Tewai-Siassi District Development Authority. Semo Health Centre is run by the government and serves thousands of people in the Kovai area of Siassi. “This will be a five years upgrade starting with the fencing and main outpatient building and will continue until 2026,” said Dr Kobby. The former medical doctor says health is an important sector in development and so his DDA has been allocating funding to ensure health facilities in the district are operational. “Our job at the district level is to ensure health facilities are operational, conducive and safe for the people to use. It is the prerogative of the Morobe Provincial Health Authority to ensure these facilities are staffed with specialties and adequate supplies of medical drugs and equipment.” Many of these health facilities have been neglected for many years by successive governments and some have become non-operational. “We are catching up on 40-years of neglect in service delivery to our people. We are delivering fairly across all our LLGs in Sialum, Siassi and Wasu."