Buk bilong Pikinini (BbPhas today concluded its annual Teacher Training refresher program for all the organisations’ Teacher-Librarians. The training also included 10 Teachers from ExxonMobil plant site supported schools. The training provided up-skilling and training in BbP’s Early Childhood Education program and has also included the distribution of tablets for each of BbP’s Library Learning Centres for the delivery of BbP’s digital learning program. BbP’s teachers received digital training in November last year and are now getting ready to fully implement a digital learning program for the children in the classrooms. The tablets feature BbP’s ‘learning app’, which includes curriculum-based learning games, audio books and stories developed to increase word recognition, spelling and reading. In addition to digital audio versions of BbP’s published books the app will also include PNG cultural stories collected across the country. The digital cultural stories featured will cover traditional practices and customs under the themes of the ocean, village-life, forest and animals. Thanks to the app the children will be able to read and learn about cultural practices which are different to their own and be able to increase their cultural knowledge through stories from across the country. Dorcas Lance, BbP Head Teacher-Librarian at Lae Showgrounds said: “We have learnt so much at this training. Introducing digital learning to children is still a very new thing in Papua New Guinea and we are very excited about the opportunity as we know it will greatly motivate the children and thereby lead to better literacy levels.” Judith Tom, BbP Head Teacher-librarian at Lae Unitech said: “After we received the new books in the “When I grow up I want to be …” series featuring PNG children in professional roles the children were so motivated to read the books because the children look just like themselves. We think the app – which also includes BbP’s audio books will have the same effect and really assist them with quickly mastering the different steps of becoming literate. Shameka Nelson – ExxonMobilPNG, Operations Manager gave the closing remarks and assisted with the presentation of certificates to all the participating teachers. Ms Nelson said: “I would like to thank Buk bilong Pikinini for 10 years of partnership and also thank the 47 teachers for their participation. I am very impressed with the training program and so pleased to see the inclusive aspect of the training with sign language being taught to the teachers. EMPNG is grateful for our partnership with BbP to support education across the country. Reading is fundamental and plays an important role in society and will determine the children’s future. We are also proud to have supported BbP with the creation of the country’s first children’s learning app which will support BbP’s digital learning program and are certain that this will open a world of knowledge for the children.” The Teacher Training has been made possible thanks to sponsorship from ExxonMobil PNG and tickets from PNG Air. The training included up-skilling in BbP’s Early Childhood Education program with topics such as: class management and behavior strategies, inclusive education and sign language, digital learning, early childhood development, assessment, child protection, library management, phonics, first aid as well as presentations from partners. Since 2011, EMPNG has generously sponsored Buk bilong Pikinini and provided support to Library Learning Centres, donated over 15,000 books, provided support for BbP’s teacher training, provided material support (teaching resources and videos) for the numeracy program and supported development of the first early learning childhood PNG app. EMPNG is committed to helping the organization grow and continue to build strong foundations for learning. BbP Executive Officer, Leanne Resson said: “We are so grateful to have been able to carry out this quality teacher up-skilling and training and also provide new quality teaching resources to our Library Learning Centres thanks to the on-going support of EMPNG. We are extremely proud to be able to continue to provide an Early Childhood Education program of the highest standard to children across the country.”

67 new active Delta variant cases have just been confirmed from 6 different provinces throughout PNG. 23 Delta variant cases here in NCD, 35 in West Sepik, 4 in Central, 2 in Milne Bay and Morobe respectively and 1 in Hela province. 2 Delta variant related deaths have also been announced in Western Highlands over the last 24 hours. Below update on 67 new Delta variant cases bringing cumulative total to 97. REPORT NEW DELTA VARIANT CASES Previous Known Delta cases 30 Provinces Cases Transmission Type Western 7 Local NCD 22 Imported Madang 1 Local   Newly reported cases 67 98% locally acquired transmission X1 imported cases detected in Central Province Provinces Cases Transmission Type NCD 23 Local West Sepik 35 Local Central 4 X3 Local     X1 Imported Morobe 2 Local Hela 1 Local Milne Bay 2 Local Data shows that there has being ongoing transmission in August 2021 to the earlier weeks of September 2021. On the 17th of August 2021 the one delta case from Central province was an imported case from the Philippines, Central Province also began detecting Delta cases first and second week of September 2021. Morobe and Miline Bay began detecting cases 1st week of September. NCD is observed to experiencing a delta surge beginning in late August into September. Distribution of the newly 67 detected Delta cases. Age Category Counts                   % <18 3                       4.48 19 to 30 14                    20.90 31 to 40 17                    25.37 41 to 50 15                    22.39 > 50 16                    23.88 Not Specified 2                       2.99 Total 67                      100 Hotspots for Delta Detected cases   % Alotau 2 2.99 Lae 2 2.99 NCD 23 34.33 Vanimo 35 52.24 Kairuku 3 4.48 Exon Plant site 1 1.49 Oil Search Moro 1 1.49 Total 67 100 Key point The data is suggestive of in country Delta transmission. Out of 67 cases 98% of the cases are locally acquired transmissions The 67 cases are from 21 days ago which mean these Delta cases are still classified as Active cases Note: Total Cumulative cases: 97 cases Total Delta cases in 24 hrs: NR                      Total Deaths in 24 hrs: NR *Detailed analysis will be provided upon receiving CIF’s from CPHL by tomorrow

This news just in! 67 new active Delta variant cases have just been confirmed from 6 different provinces throughout PNG. 23 Delta variant cases here in NCD, 35 in West Sepik, 4 in Central, 2 in Milne Bay and Morobe respectively and 1 in Hela province. 2 Delta variant related deaths have also been announced in Western Highlands over the last 24 hours. Keep practicing the new norm, listen in to the news on NAU FM, YUMI FM and LEGENDFM and follow our news website pnghausbung.com for more on this story.

The final leg of the Papua New Guinea Extractive Industries Transparency Commission Bill covering the Southern Region is underway in Port Moresby this week. Central Governor Robert Agarobe opened yesterday the workshop with the key message that honesty and transparency must be the cornerstone principle guiding the management of PNG’s resource to derive best value for development. Mr. Agarobe gave the backing of the Central Province on the proposed law to transition the PNGEITI National Secretariat into a statutory body to be known as the “PNG Extractive Industries Transparency Commission”. “The Central Provincial Government and its people recognize the need to have visibility of the various revenue streams and other benefits received from our extractive projects in the country, and particularly in our province,” Mr. Agarobe said. “Our government also recognizes the importance of supporting the work of the PNGEITI in transforming itself into a Statutory Commission to effectively administer and sustain EITI implementation in PNG. We also recognize the importance of having an efficient and an independent administrative body or a commission that would enable better management and governance of the extractive sector and the proposed EITI Commission law to transition the PNGEITI National Secretariat currently parked at the Department of Treasury is a step in the right direction going forward,” he said. PNGEITI Head of National Secretariat Mr. Lucas Alkan said: “The sustainability and effectiveness of implementing EITI in PNG is dependent on having it legally established”. Mr. Alkan said a NEC decision on which the PNGEITI operations rode held “no legal obligation to reporting entities to ensure compliance. “Furthermore, the NEC Decision that created PNGEITI holds limited powers in enforcing compliance therefore presenting risks susceptible to being made redundant and dissolved,” Mr Alkan explained. Voluntary compliance in EITI reporting is high, however, comprehensiveness in reporting is low. These incomprehensiveness results from the absence of EITI enabling legislation. To mitigate incomprehensiveness in the short term, the State Solicitors and MRA have prescribed EITI reporting and transparency undertakings in mining MOA agreements. So far EITI provisions are captured in the K92 and Woodlark Mining contractual agreement with all future mining MoAs to receive similar undertakings. Limited visibility in revenue reporting over the years have hindered informed decision making for effective governance in the extractive sector. The introduction of the EITI concept and the subsequent intervention of the PNGEITI National Policy now sets the framework for effective governance, not only in the mineral sector, but also in the non- mineral sector utilizing the EITI model for improved transparency and accountability. “Mr Alkan said.

The COVID-19 Vaccination Ministerial Task Force is now deploying Mobile Vaccine Units to business houses and government offices, commencing initially in Port Moresby, to be followed by Lae and rest of the other centres. Thirty (30) Air Niugini staff at seven mile in Port Moresby were amongst the first to have received vaccination yesterday, under this new initiative. PNG’s Pandemic Response, Controller David Manning who was present during the rollout highlighted the importance of increased vaccination and the benefits on the general economy. He said “The only way to keep the economy going, for businesses to survive and to create more jobs is to get vaccinated." “The vaccine stops people from getting really sick and dying, and it stops the spread of the virus.” The mobile vaccine unit initiative is being undertaken with Provincial Health Authorities, and partnership with St. John Ambulance and the private sector. Air Niugini Chief Executive Officer, Mr Bruce Alabaster commended the airline staff who turned up for vaccination yesterday. So far, up to 30 percent of Air Niugini staff have received the COVID vaccine. “This is all voluntary,  we are making these vaccines available on site for staff who wish to take them. Remember that being vaccinated helps, reduces the chance of catching or spreading the virus not only to your colleagues but also your families at home. ” Controller Manning has called on business houses throughout the country to call the National Call Centre no 1-800-200 to register your interest and arrange appointment for mobile vaccination. “ One of the biggest game changers for the fight against COVID-19 now is the new Johnson & Johnson vaccine. It is a respected name in Papua New Guinea having been in our court for decades. Johnson & Johnson is a single dose vaccine, so you just need one shot to be fully vaccinated.” Manning concluded.

Liamo Reef Resort in Kimbe, West New Britain Province, is now offering discount on accommodation to ncsl members under the Value Back Loyalty Program. Under the agreement signed between ncsl and the Resort, ncsl members will be offered 5 percent discount on standard rooms and get a 10 percent discount on Bungalows, Deluxe, Executive and Premium rooms upon presentation of their ncsl membership ID card. ncsl CEO Vari Lahui said it is pleasing to see that ncsl is extending the program to the provincial centers outside Lae and Port Moresby. The CEO further said the program will allow ncsl members in the provinces to access and enjoy discounts from service providers such as Liamo Reef Resort. “ncsl would like to see more business houses in the provinces to come forward because through this partnership service providers can easily attract our member base to grow their business,” CEO Lahui said. Sharing the CEO’s sentiment, Liamo Reef Resort Head of Operation, Sugu Muthukrisnan said the Resort is excited to partner with ncsl in offering its members a discount on accommodation. “This will benefit our Kimbe residents greatly and give an opportunity to those in other provinces to come visit our beautiful West New Britain,” Mr Sugu added. Liamo Reef Resort is among 100 service providers offering discounts ranging from 5 to 20 percent on products and services to ncsl’s 141,000 members. The discount is issued to a member upon presentation of the membership ID card at any participating service provider. The discounts come with terms and conditions and only applies to fully priced products or services. Members without a ncsl ID card can visit their nearest ncsl branch and get a card for a fee of K20.00.

Pacific Towing (PacTow) saved APEC Haus from likely and significant damage after it salvaged an abandoned vessel that had run aground within metres of the landmark building. The salvage of the ex New Zealand navy patrol boat ‘Hawea’ occurred last Thursday evening during strong winds and a rising tide.  The PacTow salvage team expertly manoeuvred the leaking vessel off the rocks it was lodged on, then towed it back to its dedicated tug base at Motukea. After receiving notification of the marine casualty from the National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA) and PNG Ports Corporation, PacTow rapidly despatched its tug ‘Wato’ and lifeboat ‘Buru’. Twelve crew and five members of PacTow’s commercial dive team were directly involved in the salvage; with additional support provided by senior managers and operational personnel located at the company’s headquarters. Upon arrival at Ela Beach at 7.00pm it was evident to the PacTow team that given the high waves and shallow water, the vessel was in imminent risk of breaking up. The divers quickly assessed the integrity of the Hawea’s hull and bollards for towing.  The vessel was then towed by its stern to dislodge it from the rocks and then by its bow once it was in safer waters. The Wato and her crew proceeded to tow the vessel back to PacTow’s tug base at Motukea, where she was securely moored shortly before 10.00 pm. The following day, when daylight permitted a thorough inspection of the vessel by PacTow marine engineers, it was discovered that the aging vessel was in exceptionally poor condition with several leaks.  PacTow reports that the vessel’s intake of water is currently mitigated by around-the-clock mechanical pumping. It is understood that the National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA) is in the process of trying to track down the vessel’s owners.  PacTow plans on disposing of the vessel if the owners can’t be located and the relevant authorities provide them with instruction to do so. PacTow has performed well over 50 salvages in the region and is Melanesia’s leading marine salvage and emergency response company.  General Manager Neil Papenfus described the most recent salvage as one of “patriotic duty given the significance of APEC Haus to our country.”

Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) has appointed a national female employee to head its Safety Department. Anna Ila is now the Manager Safety after her appointment on August 27th. Ms Ila brings to the Company a vast knowledge and experience in safety and occupational health having served as Superintendent in Safety Systems, Compliance and Statutory Training over the last seven years prior to her appointment, and with plans to continue the implementation and improvement of the Company’s safety performance. “At Ok Tedi, we ensure that applicants are appropriately qualified and experienced to be successful in their role. Ms Ila is well placed to lead the Team in the implementation of Ok Tedi’s plans to continue to improve our safety performance,” said OTML General Manager, People and Capability, Mark Stone. “Ok Tedi is an equal opportunity employer and in line with the Company’s 2025 Vision, diversity and inclusion is an important part of its strategy indicated by the aspiration to achieve 20% female representation in the Ok Tedi workforce as well as a 25% female representation in the leadership roles.” Ok Tedi now has four female national managers across the business, and it is currently developing other female employees for senior roles in the future. “I would like to thank the OTML management for the recognition and opportunity, and look forward to working with the team to deliver our plans to achieve OTML’s safety goal of zero harm,” Ms Ila said. Also, in line with the Company’s vision to nationalise all managerial positions by 2025, there have been other appointments recently of qualified nationals, including that of the Manager Mine Support Services in Mr Masket Siune. Mr Siune is no stranger to this role having started his career in the industry through Ok Tedi’s Graduate Development Scheme in 2005 and worked his way up the ladder and assuming superintendent roles in the Mining Business Unit’s Improvement, Training and Analysis sections of the Company. “Congratulations to these newly appointed managers and we look forward to their continuing input to the success of Ok Tedi going forward,” said Mr Stone.

The COVID-19 outbreak has left many in Papua New Guineans grappling with mental health issues, related to abuse and quest for correct information. According to a brief report from the 1-Tok Kaunselin Helpim Lain, the national helpline reported a 75 percent spike in demand during April 2020 to March 2021 compared to calls before COVID (2019 to March 2020). The 1-Tok Kaunselin Helpim Lain (Helpline) (715-08000) is a free, confidential phone counselling service providing information and support for anyone in PNG experiencing family violence or sexual violence issues and is supported by ChildFund PNG, Since 2017. 1-Tok Kaunselin Helpim Lain- ChildFund PNG Helpline Manager Kinime Daniel said they are expecting the rising demand for services to continue during the pandemic and and beyond, as many families and communities continue to be affected by the impacts of the pandemic including job loss, disruptions to basic services such as education and health especially for children, women and other vulnerable members of society. The status quo pre-COVID was that 2,089 calls were received per quarter on an average. This increased by 75% to 3,659 calls per quarter. This is in part due to an increase in callers wanting information about COVID 19, as well as increase in callers seeking information about the helpline services. This has in turn increased the number of return callers, especially those callers who received information in the first instance then contacted the helpline for further support. There was a huge increase in mental health and violence during the pandemic, with mental health calls increasing by 263%. Based on the evidence of calls, all three categories increased during the pandemic - Sexual Violence, family violence, safety issues and IPV increased significantly. This aligns with the global picture, where there has been an increase in mental health related issues and SGBV due to the primary and secondary effects of COVID-19. This also aligns with anecdotal data in PNG where mental health issues appear to be on the rise. Harmful traditional practices are also experienced to be on the rise. There has been a 60% increase in harmful traditional practice related calls (up from 29 calls on average per quarter pre-COVID, to 47 during COVID). This encompasses sorcery accusation related violence (SARV) among others. Sorcery accusations are mostly against women and girls. Escalations in violence can be triggered by stigma and misinformation around COVID19. The report also showed a 98% increase in calls from men (vs. 50% increase from women) This was due to an increase in men seeking information or as a witness to violence. Most survivors of violence were females. Pre-COVID, there were 1,089 calls per quarter from men, compared to 2,151 during the COVID period. This compares to only a 50% increase in women (975 per quarter vs. 1459 per quarter). The helpline also reported a 128% increase in calls from 11- to 15-year-olds, a 150% increase from 16- to 20-year-olds. This compares to an 89% increase amongst 26-40 year olds. This pattern holds across both male and female callers. In response to COVID-19 the Helpline expanded its services to meet the needs of children, by recruiting counsellors with experience in child focused support and increased promotions to this age group through partners and in schools. The helpline also expanded its operational hours and is now available 24 hours, seven days a week. This is the first GBV specialist service to operate 24 hours. If you know anyone experiencing violence or abuse, please call the 1-Tok Kaunselin Helpim lain on 7150 8000 for confidential support.

The National Pandemic Controller, Commissioner David Manning, by virtue of the National Pandemic Act 2020, issued new directives which will come to effect on 30th of September, 2021 for a month until 30th October, 2021. Under the new directives, wearing of face masks is now mandatory in any public domain and will be effective as of tomorrow 30th September, 2021. Other direction include: 1. REQUESTING APPROVAL FOR GATHERINGS OF MORE THAN 20 PERSONS  a) All organizations, whether private or public, shall request to host an event of more than 20 persons by writing in, copying the Deputy Controller and attention to the Niupela Pasin team; b) Request letters must indicate the following inform on; Type of event Date, time and venue of event Number of participants who will attend the event Focal person contact information for communication purposes Floor plans for the event c) Venue facilities ( hotels, clubs, Government buildings, etc) shall not host events unless approval from the National Control Centre is presented by the event requester/organizer d) All organizations, whether private or public, must liaise with the Niupela Pasin team to ensure due process of pre-event set up assessment and event assessment is adhered to 2. STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES a) All organizations, whether private or public, shall formulate standard operating procedures for COVID-19 safety within their organizations and submit to the Niupela Pasin team at the National Control Centre b) Private organization and businesses shall liaise with the Business Council and the Niupela Team in formulating their respective standard operating procedures 3. MANDATORY MASK WEARING a) Mandatory mask wearing is now effective immediately in public places as of 30th September, 2021 b) Public places include; public transport system ( buses, taxis), individual personal transport systems, shops, schools, offices, restaurants, bars, hair salons, hotels, lodges, sporting facilities, markets, churches, etc. [embeddoc url="https://pnghausbung.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Measure-3-Directives-Niupela-Pasin-28092021-1.pdf"]

National Pandemic Controller David Manning, by virtue of the National Pandemic Act 2020, has issued the following direction: 1. BANNING OF GATHERINGS OF MORE THAN 20 PERSONS FROM 30 SEPTEMBER - 30 OCTOBER, 2021 a) All gatherings of more than 20 persons are now ceased effective immediately commencing 30th September, 2021 to 30th October, 2021 b) Event/Gathering requests will not be approved from 30th September, 2021 till 30th October, 2021 c) Gatherings are inclusive of; social ( clubbing/bar activities, dances, dinners, parties, sporting competitions. etc) and religious activities ( church, fellowships, etc) d) All prior approvals granted for gatherings/events that will occur between 30th September, 2021 to 30th October, 2021 are now revoked e) Gathering/event requesters who have been granted prior approvals must liaise with the Niupela Pasin team at the National Control Centre. [embeddoc url="https://pnghausbung.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Measure-3-Directives-Banning-of-Events-28092021.pdf"]

The Voluntary Customary Land Registration (VCLR) system was developed to encourage landowners to register their customary land and lease it for development, the PNG National Research Institute’s latest publication reveals. The report by Sustainable Land Development Program Research Fellow Logea Nao states that this is essential for customary land to join the formal market and for landowners to engage in formal and legal transactions over the use of their land. “However, in practice, customary land leases derived from the VCLR system have been found to be unbankable due to risks concerning ownership and administration of land,” she says. “If the intention is to make customary land leases bankable, the government should consider minimising disputes, cutting unnecessary costs and steps involved in land registration, and improving title registry and management.” Ms. Nao said this would give confidence to lenders to extend credit, allowing business and investment to grow, create jobs, increase government revenue, provide revenue streams for landowners and safeguard customary land. It is hoped that this research report, titled “Understanding how customary land leases can be made bankable in Papua New Guinea”, will contribute to the discussion around retaining ownership of customary land but releasing it for development.