Papua New Guinea now has an operating Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) Oxygen Plant at the Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) that will allow for oxygen to be produced safely on site at medical quality standards with a higher production capacity. The plant was officially commissioned on Monday, 15 November, 2021, and is the only operating plant in the country. Minister for Health Jelta Wong, said this will meet the demand for oxygen with the current surge in COVID-19 cases, announcing plans for an additional three plants to be installed in strategic parts of the country under the Marape-Basil government. Oxygen is a major component of COVID-19 treatment as the virus affects the lungs and causes breathing difficulties in moderate to severe cases. COVID-19 patients who are admitted to hospital in these categories will require oxygen. “Due to the current surge of COVID-19 patients, the requirement of Oxygen has increased by almost 200% in most hospitals. As part of meeting this demand, we have tried to look for other ways to supplement oxygen,” said the Minister. The PSA plant, constructed in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) through its donors and the Government of Papua New Guinea, will produce 40 to 50 cylinders per day. WHO Country Representative Ms. Anna Maalsen speaking at the launch said this was a direct result of a conversation last year between Hon. Prime Minister James Marape and WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in Geneva. The PSA Oxygen Plants have been identified by WHO as a strategy to address oxygen shortage which has been a worldwide issue during COVID-19 surges. “To meet the demand of the current surge Papua New Guinea is experiencing, WHO is very pleased to be able to support Port Moresby General Hospital and the country with its first operating PSA Oxygen Plant,” said Ms Maalsen. "The plant will also offer PMGH an alternative source of supply which will reduce the dependence on suppliers in the long term as well as help reduce oxygen bills,” she said. WHO has been working with partners to fund the setting up of this plant as well as to provide the technical expertise and training to build up local capacity and maintain this plant. “If maintained properly, this facility can last up to 25-years,” said Ms. Maalsen. Hon. Jelta Wong thanked WHO for this initiative, which he said will help save lives, while urging Papua New Guineans to do their part to ease the burden on hospitals, by following Niupela Pasin measures and taking the vaccine available to them. PMGH Chief Executive Officer Dr. Paki Molumi on behalf of the Board and Management of PMGH, thanked WHO for their support, as well as the Minister, the Government and all those involved in PMGH having the first oxygen generation plant.

Kandep MP Don Polye commended Prime Minister James Marape for taking time to listen to the issues raised by the protesters in Port Moresby this week. Polye said Mr Marape has shown the quality of good leadership in doing what he did, adding that in his 15 years of being a member, another good leader who displayed such quality was late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare. He added that what turned out during the protest could’ve been nasty as seen in past protests that led to clashes with police. He said in the midst of the ongoing debate on COVID 19 vaccination, credit must be given where it is due.

The Chinese Government through its embassy in Port Moresby has donated K2.78 million to Papua New Guinea to support its COVID-19 response efforts. The cheque was handed over to the Controller of the National Pandemic Response and Police Commissioner Mr David Manning by Chinese Ambassador Zeng Fanhua last Friday. This took place in a small ceremony, following a meeting he had with the Prime Minister James Marape, and Minister for Health and HIV/AIDS Jelta Wong. Mr Zeng said China extends its sincere sympathy to the government and people of PNG who is going through a new wave of COVID-19. “Papua New Guinea is a good friend and a partner of China. Mutual help in difficult times has built a deep friendship between our two countries,’’ he said. Mr Zeng also said China will never forget that at the beginning of the pandemic in China, Prime Minister James Marape sent a letter to President Xi Jinping on behalf of the government and people of PNG to express their support to the Chinese Government and people. He said Mr Marape had also hosted a luncheon for people to donate and raise funds to support China’s COVID response and this donation is to reciprocate that help as well as to express China’s friendship to PNG. “To express our friendship to PNG and reciprocate your help, today on behalf of the Chinese government, I present a donation of 5 million RMB (about 2.78 million Kina) to Prime Minister, to support PNG’s COVID-19 response efforts,’’ said Mr Zeng. Mr Zeng said in addition to the funding, China would be also donating medical equipment to PNG including ventilators, oxygen generators and oximeters which will arrive in PNG soon. “China will continue to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with PNG in areas such as fighting pandemic and public health governance, and promote the building of a global community of health.’’ This year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and PNG. Mr Zeng said in the past 45 years, the two countries have always treated each other equally and with respect, and supported each other on issues involving the respective core interests and major concerns, maintained peace and stability in the Pacific region, and promoted regional development and prosperity. “China firmly supports PNG in taking a development path that suits its national conditions and will continue to provide assistance for PNG’s economic and social development as we can,’’ he said. “China’s relationship with PNG is at its best history, with a solid foundation and broad prospects. Standing at a new historical starting point, China is willing to work together with PNG to increase the benefits for our peoples, promote common development and prosperity.’’

Twenty managers from various agencies in the transport sector have been empowered with new skills to communicate effectively, be innovative and drive change as leaders in their organisations. This follows the successful completion of a pilot leadership training program by a nationally owned firm, WINGS Education, supported by the Papua New Guinea-Australia Partnership through the Transport Sector Support Program (TSSP). The Certificate IV Leadership and Management program on Leading for Change in the Workplace was designed for the PNG transport sector to help managers address today’s leadership challenges during a time of so much change and enhance their capabilities as leaders in their respective areas of work. As the first group to pilot the program, the 20 participants were challenged to unpack communication strategies, reflect on drivers of change and indicators of success. Participant Javero Kefe, a manager at the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, described the course as an added skill enhancer that will empower her to make a greater impact in the way she builds and retains motivation in her team. “Training is a part of my leadership role, and it must be inclusive so one’s team is equipped with the right tools for their job engagement. This training has seen an improvement in my communication skills where [I have recognised] that feedback is a positive enhancement, and it increases staff motivation by realising the value they hold in the team,” said Kefe. The Leadership and Management training enables Papua New Guinean public servants like Kefe to boost their leadership skills and consequently influence innovation in their agencies. The PNG-Australia Partnership is supporting agencies in the sector through a range of capacity development programs including the Leadership and Management course. Following TSSP’s open tender of the program, WINGS Education was successful against an international field in getting the contract to implement the program. This enabled WINGS Education to gain accreditation of the course making it the first ever Leadership qualification to be recognised through the National Training Qualifications Framework in PNG. Previous TSSP trainings in PNG have been delivered through international companies. With support from TSSP, WINGS Education has designed the Certificate IV Leadership and Management program for the PNG transport sector and its local staff, ensuring that the content fits the Papua New Guinean public service context. “We are breaking boundaries, as PNG women who are writing our own courses and designing and facilitating training; and asking our participants to think differently about possibilities to drive change. Our training is participatory, and we aim to build accountability, ownership, and sustainable practice through it. We are proud of our partnership with TSSP who was prepared to pilot this innovative leadership course,” said Karen Mitchell, Founder and Director of WINGS Education.

Abau MP Sir Puka Temu has called on the government to fix the underlying issues PNG Power is faced with amidst the ongoing power outages experienced in the National Capital District and provincial centres around the country. He made this call in parliament this week based on a report by the media highlighting the issues that he said needed answers to. Sir Puka asked the Prime Minister James Marape for his government to attend to this issue by appointing a board for the State Owned Entity, carry out an internal audit and offset the debts PNG has with independent power producers. He said while there are so many other issues that need to be attended to, he believes the Marape government can attend to this issue now and ensure this issue is resolved. Mr Marape in response said since taking office in 2019, his government has placed its focus on four SOE's, inclusive of PNG Power, to carry out reforms and improve their business operations. He described PNG Power as a “sick organization” that requires special care and the government is well aware and working on addressing its issues.

Eastern Highlands students attending tertiary institutions in East New Britain Province have made a purchase of 50 oxygen cylinders for the Goroka Provincial Hospital through a fundraising drive they had initiated in mid-October this year. The payment of K9, 354 was made to BOC Limited in Lae on Monday through Bank South Pacific. Leader of the student group Mr Hako Fuke told this newsroom that his fellow students at Vudal initiated the idea and the other students from Vunapope Nursing College and Kokopo Business College joined on board in their wheelbarrow push initiative. Mr Fuke who is a 3rd year Bachelor of Sustainable Tropical Agriculture student at the University of Natural Resources and Environment said they started the wheelbarrow push in Kokopo, then to Rabaul and to Kerevat where the police, community leaders and NBC East New Britain provided support and assistance in making the campaign possible. Although requests to business houses for help did not turn out positive, the students thanked the public throughout the province for their contribution to a worthy cause. Mr Fuke said the student body came up the initiative after some of them lost their relatives and friends to the COVID 19 outbreak back in the province.

During the 92nd meeting of the USP Council, held virtually between 11th and 12th November 2021, the USP Council farewelled its Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Council, Mr. Winston Thompson. Mr. Thompson was presented with a plaque as a token of gratitude for his longstanding service to the University. USP Vice-Chancellor and President (VCP), Professor Pal Ahluwalia speaking from Nauru wished the outgoing Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Council well on his departure on the conclusion of his second term on 31st December 2021. “I speak on behalf of the senior management team and want to thank you for your service at the University. It is a small gift that we want to present to you on behalf of the Council and management and I hope the next phase of your retirement will be fruitful,” he said. The Pro-Chancellor, while addressing his last Council meeting as Chair, said he was honoured to serve the University as its Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Council. “This is my last meeting in the Council and I honour the privilege to chair the Council for the past six years. It has been progressive during this period with the University’s considerable challenges. I wish the future Pro-Chancellor every success in the role of Chair of Council,” he said. The Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Council expressed his sincere gratitude to the Council and Senior Management Team. “That was completely unexpected but it is greatly appreciated. I would like to thank the Vice-Chancellor and the Senior Management for this gesture. It is a memento that will find a prominent place in my accommodation,” he said. The Deputy Pro-Chancellor & Deputy Chair of Council, Professor Pat Walsh thanked the outgoing Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Council for service to the University. “Chairing the University Council is always challenging and it has been a particularly challenging one as you have noted over the last year or two. Thank you for your contribution and I wish you well for the future,” he said. USP Students Association Representative, Mr. Viliame Naulivou said, “We acknowledge the Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Council, Mr. Winston Thompson and the Council for working closely with the Association to ensure that we are all well informed on the matters relating to the University”. Mr. Thompson was first appointed in 2016 and re-appointed as Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Council of USP on 1st January 2019, for a further three-year terrm. He also served for 9 years as Chair of the University Grants Committee from 2006 to 2015

The University of the South Pacific at its 92nd Council meeting on Friday 12th November, 2021 unanimously appointed the Honourable Dr. Hilda Cathy Heine to the Office of the Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Council for a three-year term commencing 1st January 2022 until 31st December 2024. The Hon. Dr. Hilda Heine is a renowned Marshallese educator and is no stranger to the University of the South Pacific having served as its 26th Chancellor from 1 July 2019 to 12 January 2020. Dr. Heine was the first female President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands serving from 2016 to 2020. She attained an Educational Doctorate from the University of Southern California in 2004 and is the first person from the Marshall Islands to attain a Doctorate degree. Her Master’s degree is from the University of Hawaii and her undergraduate degree from the University of Oregon. She has had an illustrious career and has a particular passion for Climate Action and Women’s Rights. Dr. Heine is the recipient of an array of Awards, Honorary Achievements and has published widely on Education in the Pacific. Dr. Heine is currently one of five international members to the East-West Centre in Honolulu representing the Pacific Islands. She serves as an advisor, officer and member of multiple task forces, committees and working groups such as the Club DeMadrid International, 1Million Women and Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN) International to name just a few. The University of the South Pacific is extremely fortunate and honoured that such an eminent educationalist and politician with impeccable credentials will assume the role of Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Council as the University embarks into the next phase of its development.

The Police Crimes Division launched on Monday a new police clearance certificate with security features. Assistant Commissioner Crimes Hodges Ette said the issuance of the new certificates will prevent false police clearance certificates from being issued. The new Police Clearance Certificate which was launched at the Crime Division conference room at the police headquarters in Port Moresby was witnessed by senior police officers as well as staff from the Crimes Division and the Interpol. Mr Ette said the new police clearance certificate came into effect on Monday 15 November. Certificates issued prior will remain valid until March, 2022. He said the RPNGC is changing the old police clearance certificate that has been used for the last 46 years since independence. “The old format of producing police clearance certificates has been abused, and fraudulently used. People are printing them outside of the actual established system. We have fraudsters producing police clearance certificates fraudulently. The constabulary has been accused of facilitating or fraudulently producing false documents,” Mr Ette said. Mr Ette however said that the police clearance certificate was previously done at a small administrative fee of K10.00 which was increased to K65.00 this year. He said Police make about K9,000.00 per day especially from the applications received in the National Capital District. He added that so far this year the Constabulary was able to collect K800,000.00 in police clearance fees. “This particular certificate comes in three categories one for citizens, another one for expatriates and we also developed for PMVs as well. I am sure Motor Vehicle Insurance Limited (MVIL) and the transport sector will also be interested,” Mr Ette said, adding that certain categories would be put in with a reasonable fee at a future date. For instance, a person trying to get a job as a security guard will pay K65.00 but if they are trying to become the head of a government department they may pay up to K1,000.00 for the certificate. Mr Ette said police are in the process of developing a work base system that can be accessed anywhere in the country. This system will also be of interest to various stakeholders including the National Statistical Office (NSO), Foreign Affairs and others. Mr Ette said the new certificate with the security features will cost zero kina to develop.

Located North off Kavieng on the Island of New Hanover is Meteselen. It takes two hours by speed boat to get  there. An isolated part of New Ireland, the people there often have to travel long and expensive boat trips to access basic services. Even the simple pleasures like rice, milo and coffee have often been hard to come by. But that’s all about to change thanks to a local called Baslogo Silaubara. Silaubara undertook specialized agriculture training in East New Britain where he learned how to cultivate rice and downstream commodities like Cacao, Coffee and Cassava. Before long he was back on New Hanover and teaching his people how to cultivate rice and process Cacao, Coffee and Cassava. “Now my people don’t have to travel long distances to look for rice, milo or coffee, we can make it ourselves now,” said Silaubara. To mark this milestone achievement a special launching ceremony was held on Thursday 11th  of  November.  Present to witness the occasion was New Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan, Deputy Governor and Chairman for Natural Resources Sammy Missen, Chairperson assisting the Governor in Finance Misbil Nelson, Education CEO Apelis Benson and special Guests, Veteran Broadcast Journalist John Eggins with EMTV News Director Sincha Dimara and Cameraman. With the area also being a trouble zone with inter -group fighting resulting in many lives lost, Sir Julius Chan was encouraged to learn that the locals had now decided to re-direct their energy to something more worthwhile like rice cultivation and other Agriculture projects. “I congratulate you all for your bravery to take back Lavongai and cement lasting peace by reintroducing self-reliance and autonomy in Agriculture and the cash economy. You must make New Hanover great again, “said Sir J. To encourage the farmers the New Ireland Government through its Division of Primary Industries assisted the Lerina farming association with two rice mills. “Agriculture is our backbone and with today’s challenges like climate change food security is an issue we need to address. We want to work with you so that you can help yourselves. The extra you have, you can sell to others,” said Director DPI Gideon Bogosia. It was impressive to note up to six, 60kg bags of rice displayed at the front of the stage before the ribbon cutting ceremony which also saw a rice milling demonstration using the new mill. A close to 20 minute walk from the main village brings you to the first 2 hectare rice plot owned by farmer Salatiel Suirule. He was very happy to show off his well nurtured rice plot. There are at least 20 other rice plots scattered throughout the wards. Local and CEO for Education Apelis Benson also encouraged the locals to take education seriously and to uphold the Malagan and New Ireland Declarations as a  guide to move New Ireland forward. The visitors were also able to taste the cooked rice, with Veteran Journalist John Eggins giving his vote of confidence about how great the rice tasted.

After losing her mum at age seven, Sister Helen Gando started caring for her two younger siblings on Misima Island, Milne Bay Province. She was the first to wipe away tears and bandage wounds using traditional remedies – early signs of the caring nature that would eventually lead her to become a nurse. “Many people found cleaning wounds appalling,” Sr Gando recalled, “but for me it was through seeing my little ones smiling again after I tended to a grazed leg or a scratched arm that I knew I wanted to serve others.” For more than a decade Sr Gando has served as a nurse at Milne Bay’s East Cape Health Centre – a major referral point for Alotau General Hospital from East Fergusson, Normanby Island and Losuia. The health centre provides important medical triage for patients before they can get to the hospital, but for many months staff were challenged by insufficient water supply for the outpatient clinic, labour room and patient laundry. Water was often fetched in bowls for handwashing and cleaning medical equipment which presented a major risk to the transmission of diseases, including Covid-19. Today Sr Gando and her team are seeing positive changes through a United Church of PNG project that included installation of a 9,000-litre water tank. The upgrade was supported by the Australian Government through the Church Partnership Program and includes gutters, water pipes, sinks and a solar powered pump to provide clean, safe and efficient access to water throughout the health centre. “The new equipment has helped us immensely. It cuts down on time as we no longer have to go out and fetch water to attend to the sick, including mothers giving birth,” Sr Gando said. “In our job every minute saved can also save a life”. This project also included vital community awareness on COVID-19 with church leaders, health workers and community leaders. East Cape Health Centre is among 80 institutions – including schools and health centres – across the country which have received Church Partnership Program supported water, sanitation and hygiene facilities to promote COVID-19 safety measures and protect communities from the potentially devastating impacts of the pandemic. The Church Partnership Program is a partnership between PNG and Australia that supports churches to improve their capacity to deliver crucial services, including health care in remote areas, and strengthening resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic.

More than 800 teachers in West New Britain have taken part in professional development and are better able to support their students to improve their reading and writing. To support more effective teaching, the Pikinini Kisim Save (PKS) project has provided teachers at 353 West New Britain schools with professional development, teaching and learning materials, and other classroom resources. The PKS project is supported through the Papua New Guinea - Australia Partnership and delivered by CARE international and the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA). Among those trained was Philomina Morris, head teacher at Kapore Elementary in Talasea District, who said there have been great changes in student learning since the trainings were delivered. “Our preparatory classes can read and identify words through sounding,” she said. “Teachers use different teaching strategies to teach their students reading and writing, and students are now more confident to sound out and blend words to form sentences”. “This is the result of teachers using their scripted lessons and applying literacy teaching strategies.” The PKS project addresses gaps in education by strengthening skills of teachers and supporting community leaders, education stakeholders and service providers to promote quality early grade education. It includes professional development for teachers, teaching and learning resources for schools, school leadership training and adult literacy programs. “The training made a big impact on both the teachers and to the students,” Ms Morris continued. “We have improved our ways of setting up our classrooms for teaching and learning and using our Standards Based Curriculum daily lessons and programs.” Since 2019, more than 5,200 teachers have received training through the PKS project, benefitting more than 82,000 children across Western Highlands, Jiwaka, Simbu and West New Britain provinces.