The Head of the PNG Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) Mr. Lucas Alkan has issued a strong challenge to stakeholders in the extractive industries to embrace and promote the work of EITI in Papua New Guinea to derive best value from the industry. Mr. Alkan spoke of this last week in Wabag when he opened the upper highlands regional consultation on a proposed law to transition the PNGEITI into a statutory authority. “PNG EITI is a government driven initiative to promote transparency and accountability in the PNG mining and petroleum space which has been driving the PNG economy for a sustained period of time. “But there is this misconception about proceeds from mining and petroleum activities not being translated well into development on the ground and this sentiment is shared by many at both the provincial and national level. “What PNGEITI is doing is to shed light on the leakages on revenues and proceeds from the mining and petroleum activities with the ultimate aim of improving governance in the mining and petroleum sectors using international best practice standards to see the desired development outcome from this important sector. “Seven years into PNGEITI implementation in PNG, we’ve now seen the need to make the PNGEITI administrative body, the PNGEITI into a statutory body to see more improvement in the EITI reports to enhance good governance in the sector to derive the best development outcome. “We’ve covered two regions; the New Guinea Islands and Momase regions and we are now conducting consultations in Enga and Eastern Highalnds to cover the big highlands region. “I encourage the best knowledge and views from all stakeholders from the stakeholders in these consultations so that we give birth to a law that truly reflects the genuine views of all stakeholders for better development outcomes. A State Technical working group comprising the Department of Petroleum, State Solicitor, Internal Revenue Commission, Department of Personnel Management, Department of Treasury, the National Economic Fiscal Commission and Department of Finance were in the Enga capital, Wabag for a four days consultation for the Upper Highlands region” “PNGEITI has been in operations since 2014 effected by a NEC decision and now we are moving into the next step in anchoring this extractive industry reporting process into PNG’s legal and administrative \system. PNGEITI published 7 reports detailing activities taking placing inn the PNG mining and petroleum space,” Mr. Alkan said.

The Carbon Trade initiative has already reached Papua New Guinea with New Ireland’s Konoagil LLG the first in the country to pilot Carbon trading. Spearheading the project is company NIHT Topaiyo in partnership with REDD+. New Ireland through the Konoagil LLG has put PNG on the world map by becoming the 15th Country out of 4500 projects world wide to start paying out carbon credits. CEO of NI Holdings Essrom Toligur gave an update of the project so far during the opening of the Todave Council Chamber at Silur, Konoagil LLG on the 25th of August. “It’s taken us six years to get to where we are today. And this has been made possible through the endorsement of our Chiefs and people of Konoagil. This is about preserving our forests and resources. We don’t have to destroy our forests to make money anymore,” said Toligur. Managing Director Stephen Straus said, “We want to be a member of the community here and preserve your resources, because you preserving your resources helps the entire world.” Former President of the Konoagil LLG and current Ward 3 Member James Pandi confirmed that the registered Incoporated land groups have already received initial payments. NIHT acts as an intermediary between carbon credit buyers and landowners of the land on which the forests sits on. They negotiate prices according to the amount of carbon credits found in the area in line with how much the carbon the carbon producers will be emitting into the atmosphere. So far 258,000 carbon credits have already been sold to buyers in industrialized nations. NIHT has held consultations with landowners and during this Monday’s Provincial Executive Council meeting updated the New Ireland Government expressing its intent in the province and like other impact projects relayed that the Provincial Government be part of the Benefit Sharing. The NIHT Topaiyo REDD+ Project was endorsed by the Ministry of Environment and Conservation and Climate Change. In a letter dated 12th April 2021, the Minister Wera Mori wrote, “ I am pleased to provide my endorsement for this project if the ILGs choose to do so. We think the way forward is to piggy back on your project.” He ordered the department to provide all necessary support and in return asked NIHT to provide data that maybe useful for the COP 26 Climate Summit in Glasgow, November, 2021. Carbon Trading has come about due to industrialized nations emitting too much carbon dioxide into the atmosphere resulting in Global warming, causing temperatures to rise, melting ice glaciers and sea levels to rise.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) continues to advance the protection of Papua New Guinea’s rich biodiversity with $466,983 in new grants. These funds will reduce threats to biodiversity, strengthen traditional landowners’ rights, and promote women’s economic empowerment. “Conserving PNG’s natural heritage comes at a critical time when biodiversity faces grave threats around the world, with critical species and habitats threatened at alarming rates,” said U.S. Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu Erin E. McKee at an event to announce these awards. Each grant recipient will receive resources and support under USAID’s Lukautim Graun biodiversity project. Activities will be implemented in the Bismarck Forest Corridor, which includes the provinces of Eastern Highlands, Jiwaka, Madang, Morobe and Simbu. Grant recipients include the Centre for Environmental Law and Community Rights Inc. (CELCOR), Outspan PNG Ltd, and three other organizations yet to be announced. In January 2020, the U.S. government launched the five-year, $22 million USAID Lukautim Graun project to reduce threats to Papua New Guinea’s rich biodiversity with a focus on customary lands and waters in exceptional biodiversity areas. The project is designed to equip and empower women entrepreneurs with the skills to run their own businesses, particularly in natural resource-based industries. These small grants to local and international civil society organizations will protect biodiversity, enable and empower women in natural resource management and entrepreneurship, and strengthen the ability of traditional landowners to manage the natural resources under their care. These grants will complement efforts in current project sites and additional geographic areas. In Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Islands, USAID partners with host country governments, development partners, the private sector, academia, civil society, and others to have a greater development and humanitarian impact. Today, USAID focuses on combating COVID-19, public health, climate change, biodiversity, good governance, economic growth, energy, infrastructure, disaster risk reduction, and digital connectivity. Please visit us at: https://www.usaid.gov/pacific-islands

The Justification Committee (JC) under the Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) will be holding Justification Meetings (JCs) with National Federations from September 20th – 24th 2021. The JC is the body responsible for endorsing sports and their athletes and officials to be a part of Team PNG for respective Games. Sports on the programs of the 2022 Commonwealth Games and Pacific Mini Games, 2023 Pacific Games and 2024 Olympic Games have been scheduled to meet with the Justification Committee to justify their athletes and officials; and sport. Official notice and schedule for the JC meetings has been issued to all sports from the PNG Olympic Committee. These JC meetings are mandatory for the Justification Committee to subsequently endorse the following: Justifying your Sport 2023 Pacific Games 2024 Olympic Games Justifying your Officials 2022 Pacific Mini Games 2022 Commonwealth Games 2023 Pacific Games Justifying your Athletes 2022 Pacific Mini Games 2022 Commonwealth Games JC Chair Kila Dick re-iterated the call to remind all sports to ensure they submit the required information and nominations for their athletes and officials and attend the scheduled JC Meeting. He stated that “It is important that National Federations meet the JC requirements and deadlines so their athletes and their sport don’t miss out”. For any information on the Justification Committee Meetings and Schedule, National Federations on respective Games programs can contact Ms Asiani Vagi on email avagi@pngoc.org.pg

X-Ray and Pathology units are important components of health service delivery. They enable healthcare providers to diagnose, monitor, and treat medical conditions. Having experienced health professionals to deliver care and treatment is equally important. The Koroba District Hospital in the Hela Province now has a containerised X-ray and Pathology Unit and for the first time ever, has a doctor at this District Hospital. After the 2018 earthquake, and during a joint visit to inspect earthquake damage across the province, Member for Koroba, the Hon Petrus Thomas, Hela Provincial Health Authority (HPHA) Chair Peter Botten and Oil Search Foundation (OSF) Executive Director Stephanie Copus-Campbell, along with the previous Australian High Commissioner, Bruce Davis, visited Koroba Hospital and committed to work together to improve it. Excited about the initiative, HPHA CEO, Dr James Kintwa said, “Working together with our partners, we have all been able to deliver on our promises. The establishment of this containerised X-Ray and Pathology unit is a big boost for the hospital and the community. Together we undertook repairs to the water supply, renovated the maternity ward, and repaired other buildings at the hospital.  We will be able to diagnose and treat people very quickly now with these new services available in Koroba.” “We are also excited to have the first ever Doctor located in Koroba to serve the community. Dr Regina Nagiria is a very experienced medical practitioner and having someone like her here in a rural area is vital for everyone. It is especially important for our mothers and the safe delivery of babies, the prevention and early treatment of childhood illnesses, and addressing communicable illnesses like TB, HIV and malaria,” added Dr Kintwa. Koroba Hospital’s success today is an outcome of very strong partnerships. A community leader from Koroba, Yawas Komiapu said, “I am grateful on behalf of the people of Koroba-Kopiago District to see the fruition of good partnership. This important infrastructure will greatly benefit us, especially our mothers and girls who can access services close to home.” During the recent opening of these facilities, The Australian High Commissioner to PNG His Excellency Mr Jon Philip said he was happy to be a development partner in PNG under the Wok Bung Wantaim strategy and thanked the Oil Search Foundation, Oil Search Limited and other partners for their contribution to delivering great results The Hon. Petrus Thomas on behalf of the people of Koroba-Kopiago District, thanked the High Commissioner for supporting the redevelopment and for being there at the launch of the X-Ray & Pathology Lab.  He asked that his gratitude and appreciation be extended to the people of Australia. He congratulated the Hela PHA CEO Dr Kintwa for recognising and supporting women’s leadership in the Province with Koroba District Hospital having two women now leading health services for the District- Rebecca Murama and Dr Regina Nagiria. OSF Executive Director, Stephanie Copus-Campbell said, “We have been a partner with the HPHA and the Hela Provincial Government for many years.  Together with Oil Search Limited, we have a deep commitment to supporting PNG and Hela Provincial Government to achieve development outcomes. We look forward to continuing to work with partners and achieving such good results.”

The Daru hospital in the Western Province has closed as of Tuesday this week following an influx of COVID-19 patients into the hospital. Deputy Controller Dr Daoni Esorom said the hospital is currently treating 80 COVID-19 patients and they don't have any more beds to cater for patients. Meanwhile a senior doctor of the hospital is very sick with symptoms of Delta Variant. "The doctor that is looking after the emergency department and the clinical services of the hospital is currently in a critical condition." "We are planning to medivac her to Port Moresby and we are pretty sure that it is the Delta Variant with symptoms quite peculiar and specific to the Delta Variant. " Dr Daoni said it is likely that Western Province will see more of such cases in the coming days. "We will see more of this in Western province while we are already seeing it us spreading in West Sepik." " If the country is not careful, we night have a severe surge and a massive outbreak that can easily get out of control and we will have a lot of people dying." said Dr Daoni. He called on the people in high risk provinces to strictly adhere to the new normal and volunteer to be vaccinated to protect themselves, their families and communities from the deadly strain of the virus.

Transparency International Papua New Guinea (TIPNG) and the Constitutional and Law Reform Commission (CLRC) earlier this week in Port Moresby have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop an agency-level anti-corruption strategy for the CLRC. This initiative is part of TIPNG’s Promoting Anti-Corruption and Integrity Strategies (PAIS) Project funded by the European Union to strengthen public trust in national integrity institutions. “TIPNG commends the leadership demonstrated by the CLRC in signing an MoU to develop an agency-level anti- corruption strategy. This decision speaks to the foresight of the Commission in ensuring that it is further equipped to fulfil its constitutional role. It is auspicious that this signing is happened on the eve of Independence Day when all Papua New Guineans should reflect on their patriotic duty to oppose corruption wherever it occurs. To that end, the CLRC has a vital mandate to safeguard the integrity of our National Constitution, so that the rule of law is not compromised in our country. As a key part of the legislative consultation process, the CLRC ensures that laws in Papua New Guinea are of the people, by the people, and for the people,” said Chief Executive Officer of TIPNG, Ms. Arianne Kassman in a media statement. CLRC’s mission is to provide the Government with high level, independent advice on the Constitutional Laws and other law review and reform activities, and the state of the laws, as well as to promote community awareness and understanding of laws and the legal system in Papua New Guinea. The CLRC has a special constitutional responsibility to monitor the development of the Underlying Law and provide regular reports to the Parliament on the appropriateness of the application of the Underlying Law principles (Schedule 2.14 of the Constitution). In addition to this, the CLRC Chairperson is tasked to refer any decisions of the lower courts, which may be inconsistent with the proper development of the Underlying Law, to the National Court, as set down in Sections 8 and 13 of the Underlying Law Act 2000. TIPNG through the PAIS Project will be working with state agencies to develop internal anti-corruption strategies in 2021, that will be shared with citizens and journalists so that they can more effectively engage with the public sector to take action against corruption. This work has been informed by TIPNG’s 2021 National Integrity System Assessment (NISA) Report which found that all 14 National Integrity pillars in PNG were less than adequate. Furthermore, the NISA identified a clear integrity gap between the existing laws and practice by agencies. The internal anti-corruption strategies developed by TIPNG in partnership with selected agencies will go towards bridging this integrity gap.

Eleven new COVID-19 control measures issued by the Police Commissioner and Controller of the PNG National Pandemic Response David Manning came into effect this week. However, a seven-day grace period will apply for all passengers. To clarify, passengers boarding an aircraft on and after Wednesday 22 September, 2021, will be required to have been tested for COVID-19 within a 72-hour period prior to boarding their first port of departure. Also, tracking of individuals for the purposes of quarantine is for people in designated approved quarantine facilities as well as home quarantine. They will be subject to the Tracpro tracing. The main changes to the measure are to international and domestic travel as well as social and business. Domestic travel, social and business have been placed into Measure No. 3. Domestic Measures. For international travel, the new measure are as follows: 1. New Quarantine periods - seven days quarantine for incoming persons who are fully vaccinated and 14 days quarantine for partially vaccinated persons. PNG citizens and permanent residents who are unvaccinated are to be quarantined for 21 days. Any foreign national who is unvaccinated will not be allowed entry into PNG. Children under the age of 18 years who travel with a parent or guardian will be quarantined for the same period as their parent or guardian. Children under the age of 18 who are unaccompanied will be assessed and quarantined on a case-by-case basis. Children under five years are exempted; 2. These new quarantine periods do not apply to all persons currently in quarantine - unless provided an exception which will continue to apply; 3. Approvals to arrive in PNG are valid for 60 days rather than the previous 90 days; 4. Approvals to enter PNG shall not be provided to persons travelling to PNG for the principal purpose of holidaying, vacationing or similar activity; 5. All persons travelling to PNG must have a valid COVID-19 test 72 hours prior to their original port of departure, rather than 7-days prior to departing for Port Moresby. For clarity and as an example, if a person initiated their travel in the United States of America and their flight transited through Singapore to Port Moresby, they would need to be tested 72 hours prior to their flight departing the United States of America, not the flight departing from Singapore. Children aged five years and under are exempted from being tested; 6. All people arriving into PNG must be tested upon arrival and whilst in quarantine. This is the responsibility of the facility hosting quarantined persons. The cost may be passed onto the individual by the facility, but it is the responsibility of the quarantine facility to organise the tests and pass the test results onto the NCC; 7. If an individual refuses to be tested, they will be quarantined for an additional 14 days; 8. There is no restriction on which medical providers may conduct these tests, except that the medical providers and their staff must be properly licensed. The NCC will accept results from all such medical testing providers; 9. Tracking of individuals for the purposes of quarantine is for people in designated approved quarantine facilities as well as home quarantine. They are subject to the Tracpro tracing; 10. All Charter Flights must - in addition to the normal approvals - have the Controller’s written approval. This power has not been delegated.

Prime Minister James Marape acknowledge that much progress has been made to reopen the giant Porgera Mine. He said that since the signing of the Framework Agreement on 09 April 2021, there has been a lot of activities in preparation for the reopening of the mine. He said that while opening the Porgera Mine is an important outcome we are all looking for, getting to that point required important regulatory and commercial arrangements to be in place. He recognised the commitments that the regulators, Barrick and Kumul Mineral Holding Limited have demonstrated to progress important milestones. He said that the engagement with landowners on the details of the benefits and the presentation of the framework agreement in Porgera on the 4th of June 2021 was an important milestone. So was the Land Owner Consultative Meeting’ which was held in Wabag on the 8th July where SML, LMP, Riverine footprint landowners came in large numbers to be informed of the benefits of the New Porgera. On the basis of that strong support, the Mining Department and the Mineral Resources Authority were able to successfully conduct clan validation exercise on the SML and LMPS. The validation exercise to appoint the SML Landowners was completed on the 5th August. This was followed by the validation of LMP and Riverine Foot print which saw the nomination of LMPs agents on the 27 August 2021. The Prime Minister said that it was important that all milestones are concluded properly and according to set processes and law to ensure that the pathway is cleared for the reopening of the mine. There are key legal agreements & commercial discussion and exchanges with the state, Kumul and the Barrick Team which need to be concluded correctly. “I am obviously disappointed that our set deadline has now surpassed us. But I am absolutely committed to ensure that the important commercial arrangements under the key agreements are concluded correctly so that all our collective interests as reflected in the framework agreement are fully captured in the commencement agreement and other important agreements. We cannot afford to miss anything by rushing through these agreements and unfortunately, there are no short cuts to this.” He acknowledged that apart from the Commencement Agreement which is currently being discussed for finalisation, the teams have been working concurrently on the Operatorship Agreement and the Mining Development Contract, which would secure the commercial arrangements for the new Porgera and its ownership structure going forward. It took a lot of effort to get this far. “Kumul & Barrick and the State Team are progressing this body of work well and it is about 80% complete. There are obviously key issues which both parties will be discussing in the next two weeks with a view of finalising the Agreement for signing.” He said that the conclusion of the commencement agreement will trigger off all other agreements. These includes the Operatorship Agreement, the Shareholders Agreement, the Fiscal Stability Agreement and the Mine Development Contract (MDC). Following that, it is also expected that key service contracts including employment, supply and procurement contracts will be concluded and the mine will then be able to recommence operations. The Prime Minister also acknowledged very strong support from the Enga Provincial Government and the people of Porgera to help finalise the clan agents. These important support from our key stakeholders will ensure that there is project security. “In recognising that, he foreshadowed that in principle his government would consider supporting further equity adjustments possibly up to 40%-60% for the landowners/provincial governments and the State. This is the same principle my government believes in by empowering provinces and land owners just like we have passed on 40% of Eda Ranu to landowners and provincial governments." He also accepted that any eventual equity ratio for Porgera will be subjected to important technical and policy discussions, given that important commercial arrangements and economic benefits are based on the current agreed split and upon which the framework agreement was concluded. He also proposed that those consideration must preferably also include any other stakeholders within the foot print of the project as a minimum consideration. He expressed hope that at the time of the development forum those key discussions will be held. Those discussions could be built around the revised policy led by the Department of Mineral Policy and Geohazards to guard future equity discussions. These are important discussions which have implications on not just Porgera but other mining projects. We have to understand the technical details that would guide questions on equity for now and into the future. “The Government has decided that we are in partnership with Barrick and therefore we remain committed to full terms of the framework agreement, and would like to ensure that all the subsequent agreements and arrangements are concluded within this month.” He called on the State Team and the Barrick to stay focussed on the important milestones at hand to ensure that the intentions of the Framework Agreement are realised to their fullest extent.

The Amazing Port Moresby Street Festival combined with the NCD SME Vendor’s Market continued to display a variety of festivities and attractions for city residents to enjoy at Ela Beach this week leading up to the 46th Independence celebrations. It commenced on Sunday, September 12th and continued through September 16th. Surrounded by vendors selling an array of goods from fresh produce, to homemade soaps, to dresses and crafts, the Amazing Port Moresby Street Festival continued to entertain and amaze onlookers. The vision of the Amazing Port Moresby Independence Festival combined with the NCD SME centre’s had an objective to display Port Moresby as a safe, healthy and united city that celebrates the many different ethnicities, tribes, languages and cultures represented in the city and in throughout Papua New Guinea as a whole. This vision comes to life daily through the varied display of goods, talents and smiling attendees. One of the objectives is to support the growing micro-economy that is in Port Moresby. This event has accomplished this objective by providing a platform for performing artists and over 250 market vendors simultaneously. The up and coming artists staged at the Amazing Port Moresby Festival are professionals in their own right. About 6 artists and/groups have performed every evening during the Street Festival. Many of whom could easily perform around the country but perhaps are not widely known as of yet. The Amazing Port Moresby Street Festival in this way, are expanding the brand awareness of these artists through the evening shows and through Social Media. While the artists perform onstage, lining the streets colourfully are the SME market vendors. On the first day of the event more than 178 vendors participated. On the second day, as word continued to spread throughout the city the space housed more than 250 vendors. In addition to city vendors, there are several from the Western Highlands Province with fresh fruits and vegetables. In the lead up to Independence, these vendors have undergone training prior to the event to ensure the quality of their goods and services. What makes this section of the event successful is that vendors continue to report that they are earning money daily to support their living. Day two and three showcased an array of musicians, singers, dancers, both traditional and modern alike, magicians and comedians along with guest performer and contortionist Naomi, all the way from Kimbe. There was also a large bouncy castle for the children and face painting all at no cost to the attendees. The Independence Festival attracted lots of people, expat communities, families, MP’s, public servants including those who have somewhere to go to after work. The expectation was fulfilled on Independence Day 16th September, with the place packed to capacity. "We encouraged everyone to visit the stalls, purchase your favourite t-shirt, fruit or homemade craft item." "Then find your way over to the performance area, where you can enjoy the entertainment." There was so much happening at Ela Beach to celebrate Independence. "Happy Independence everyone and hope you and families enjoyed the festivities."

Oil Search PNG Orchid No.9, Maima Wei will coach the Northern Confederate Under 18 Open girls team when they attend the 2021 Kumul Petroleum National Schools Rugby League Championships in Port Moresby next week. The 22- player squads for the U18 Open girls and the Under 14, Under 16 and Under 18 Boys were selected following a successful two-day Kumul Petroleum Northern Confederate school’s trials held at the Lae Rugby League grounds last weekend. The Northern Confederate squads are: Under 18 Girls                              Under 18 Boys                        Under 16 Boys                   Under 14 Boys 1 Yolanda Kita                              1. Jeremy Gimbo                     1. Terence Dawa               1. Jeffery Bagelo 2. McClaudia Paul                        2. Carlos Lung                          2. Benjamin Atua              2. Noah Tuksy 3. Stepahanie Langi                     3. Cedrick Misiren                    3. Emmanuel Miall            3. Randaison Yassa 4. Kenisha Beeps                          4. Ravu Vui                               4. Mondo Joffe                 4. Joshua Kiandu 5. Renifa Joseph                           5. Felman Esrom                      5. Marley Patrick               5. Foster Ravinnie 6. Daniella Tapu                           6. Ferman Laku                         6. Reuben Lakau               6. Franky Kiandu 7. Gorethy Julius                          7. Jordan Miopa                        7. Matthew Yawa              7. Ghalie Geana 8. Bella Pwesei                             8. McEmmanuel Geofferson     8. Bryan Penale                 8. Magau Kapi 9. Georgina Moses                       9. Maya Tusa                            9. Aaron Mark                   9. Kalas Jack 10. Charmaine Maliaki                 10. Joshua Papa                        10. Nigel Willie                 10. Brie Kaupa 11. Lenitha Koral                          11. Israel Napi                           11. Joshua Miall                11. Jack Buindal 12. Sandra Tepra                          12. Sebastine Benson               12. Matthew Mesmin        12. Paisy Gese 13. Rosana Arnold                        13. Andy Muchael                    13. Manu Tenbon              13. Ben Eremas 14. Miria John                              14. Brando Vali                          14. Simon Maimo              14. John Philip 15. Michaella Roger                     15. Tyron Maima                       15. Daniel Tantop              15. McTyson Palangan 16. Rachael Paulus                       16. Patrick Gebore                     16. Nawe Kevin                 16. Steven Enga 17. Meivin Kasaring                      17. Kalo Wemin                         17. Willie Matthew            17. Norman Joseph 18. Havilah Eliah 18. Manu Kola   18. Manu Kola                           18. Rocky Pamundi           18. Jacob Dalibe 19. Julian Las                                19. Frank Joe                             19. Ezrah Kapi                    19. Theodore Thed 20. Wamila Miopa                        20. McKenzie Joe                      20. Tonny Aseneo              20. Jacob Isaac 21. Kamalyn Yure                          21. Pridely Mai                          21. Makas Hunjefri            21. Jadu Emika 22. Latisha Mohnah                      22. Joe Paka                              22. David Bobby                22. Kenedy Timothy Coach: Maima Wei                       Coach: Moses Paita                  Coach: Ben Umba               Coach: Fadox Inna PNGRFL CEO Stanley Hondina said the Kumul Petroleum NSRL championships will kick off on Monday September 20, 2021 at 10.00am with the Under 14 Boys at the Oil Search National Football Stadium in Port Moresby. “Under 16 Boys play on Tuesday, Under 18 Boys on Wednesday and the Under 18 girls on Thursday,” Hondina said. “The best 20 players in each division will be selected at the end of each day and will remain in Port Moresby an extra day to attend an elite training camp.”

The U.S. government—through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)—announced $3.8 million in urgent COVID-19 assistance for Papua New Guinea as a part of the American Rescue Plan Act. This assistance will help accelerate widespread and equitable access to and delivery of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines, strengthen health systems, and support other public health measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 and the recent emergence of the Delta variant in Papua New Guinea. “Papua New Guinea is working hard to address the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic within its communities,” said U.S. Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu Erin E. McKee. “This assistance from the American people underscores our enduring partnership and commitment to combat this unprecedented global health crisis together.” With this assistance, the U.S. government, through USAID, has provided more than $9.2 million to address COVID-19 in Papua New Guinea. USAID assistance has helped the country implement internationally recognized infection prevention and control strategies, strengthen laboratory systems, case management, and surveillance tracking, and communicate effectively about COVID-19 prevention and care. Additionally, the United States has already contributed $2 billion, as part of its $4 billion pledge, to support COVAX — a global effort to provide safe and effective vaccines for 92 countries, including Papua New Guinea. The country has already received 580,400 vaccine doses from the COVAX Facility, including 302,400 Johnson & Johnson vaccines donated directly by the U.S. government. The U.S. is committed to partnering with Papua New Guinea and other Pacific Island countries to end the COVID-19 pandemic, mitigate its devastating social and economic impacts, and build back a world that is even better prepared for future outbreaks. These efforts build on decades of life-saving work and U.S. leadership in tackling global health crises. For the past 60 years since its founding in 1961, USAID has saved millions of lives from diseases such as Ebola, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and now COVID-19.