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GOVERNOR PARKOP: WE WILL PROTECT AND MAINTAIN PARK FOR PUBLIC BENEFIT

National Capital District Governor, Powes Parkop issued a Stop Work Notice and a Demolition Notice to Capital Centre Limited after the company was seen putting up a fence around Portion 2192 also known as Jack Pidik Park. “I want to assure our city residents that NCDC, under my watch, is determined to ensure that the park is protected and maintained for the benefit of the public.” “I want to say that we respect the TST Group of Companies, we respect the Tan family especially those associated with the TST Group and we have no personal grudges.” “The public space is diminishing,” said Governor Parkop who was speaking as the Chairman of the NCD Physical Board. Governor Parkop said that the Lands Department has created a situation where the NCD physical board had tried their best to manage the Jack Pidik Park Issue. He also said that the Department of Lands has not been helping NCDC to manage public recreational space as well as road reserves and drainage reserves. He added that the Jack Pidik Park was traded off to Boy Consultancy (now Capital Centre Limited) so that the government could build the new wing of the Port Moresby General Hospital at 3mile. NCDC successfully challenged that in the National court and TST Group took the matter to supreme court. In 2004, the Supreme court ruled in favor of TST Group. Governor Parkop also added that since then, they have been challenging the matter. After 2004, TST Group has been making submissions to develop Jack Pidik Park commercially but physical planning has been refusing their requests because it was gazetted as a public recreational park. Governor Parkop said that they may have the title but the zoning is public recreational space so that is why their submissions have been denied. He further added that there was no proper survey done to determine which area can be used for commercial purposes and which area can remain as a public recreational space before they (NCD physical Board) can consider TST Groups Submission for commercial development.

Published on August 17, 2021

TERRIBLE SCENES' AT KABUL AIRPORT LEAVE AUSTRALIAN RESCUE MISSION UNCLEAR

Australian Defence Minister Peter Dutton says it is not yet clear when it will be safe for Australian troops to begin evacuating citizens and local staff from Afghanistan. Australia is deploying 250 troops and several aircraft as part of a mission to rescue Australians, as well as Afghans who served alongside the ADF. Chaotic scenes unfolded at Kabul airport overnight, with Afghans who were trying to flee the Taliban clinging onto US military planes, and some apparently falling to their deaths after take-off. One image showed hundreds of people crammed into the hold of a US transport plane. Dutton described the events as "terrible" and said order needed to be restored before Australian aircraft could land. Dutton said troops are ready to rescue citizens, including New Zealanders from Kabul but only when it's safe. "Terrible terrible scenes there needs to be order restored to the airport so there can be safe passage of planes in and out so that we have the ability to move people whether they're Australian citizens, American citizens, Canadians, New Zealanders in and out of that airport so it's in a state of flux at the moment," Dutton said. "We won't be landing into Kabul in these circumstances," he told Channel Nine. "Obviously we've got a base close by which is safe and secure in the [United Arab Emirates] and that's where we'll stage from. But we'll work with the Americans and others, including the Turks, etc, to make a very difficult, a tragic situation, as best as it can be." The Pentagon has since said US forces have regained control of the airport and of air traffic control. Dutton also backed US President Joe Biden's defence of his decision to withdraw from Afghanistan. "Nobody was advocating that America should stay for another 20 years or her allies should stay for another 20 years, and withdrawal was always going to be difficult," Dutton said. "I think the surprising factor here was the rate at which the country was overtaken by the Taliban and surprise that, from the [Afghan] President down, tragically, people abandoned their post and left the country in an even more precarious position." Shadow foreign affairs minister Penny Wong said the people at Kabul should have been evacuated weeks or months ago. "I have to say I fear it is too little, too late," Senator Wong said. "We've seen calls from former prime ministers, calls from Labor, but importantly calls from veterans who have been warning we should urgently get people to safety, and now we're left waiting and hoping on a last-minute and high-risk operation." Government doing 'level best' to assist Australians and Afghans More than 130 Australians are believed to be in Afghanistan, and Foreign Minister Marise Payne said the government was seeking to support "several hundred more" local staff. "The security issues, the lack of arrangements on the ground in Kabul make this very difficult for everyone," Senator Payne told the ABC. "But we will do our level best to make sure that we are able to support those Australian citizens and their families, the permanent residents and visa holders and applicants through this process." The federal government said 430 local employees, Afghans and their families had been brought to Australia since April. Senator Payne said no Afghans who were already in Australia on temporary visas would be forced to leave "at this stage." "All the Afghan citizens who are currently in Australia on a temporary visa will be supported by the Australian government," she said. "And no Afghan visa holder will be asked to return to Afghanistan at this stage." Senator Wong said it was a "fiction" people might be able to return to Afghanistan, and a pathway must be established for them to remain in Australia. SOURCE: RNZ NEWS

Published on August 17, 2021

https://pnghausbung.com/new-practice-to-improve-pomgen-emergency-timing/

Published on August 17, 2021

NEW PRACTICE TO IMPROVE POMGEN EMERGENCY TIMING.

An initiative aimed at improving triage practice and data collection at the Emergency Department of Port Moresby General Hospital was launched today by members of the Australian College of Emergency Medicine and staff of the hospital’s emergency department. The Inter-agency Integrated Triage Tool is a revitalized practice to manage the admission of emergency patients into the hospital according to their degree of injury so as to provide an efficient and effective patient care. Emergency Acting Coordinator Dr Duncan Sengiromo at the launch says POM Gen receives 120 emergency patients on average daily and attending to that number has been a huge challenge for decades. However he says with this new practice, it will alleviate this issue for both the staff and patients. The new practice categorizes patients into three categories of emergency, priority and non-urgent with colour codes as well displayed at the emergency department to distinguish them. Chief Emergency Medicine Dr Sam Yockopua says the introduction of this new practice is very timely for the hospital that has been looking at different ways to address this issue as he called on all the parties involved to maintain the working partnership established. The practice was implemented in 2019 at Gerehu and Mt Hagen General Hospitals respectively and has proven to be effective in patient’s care.

Published on August 17, 2021

https://pnghausbung.com/6-new-covid-19-cases-for-png/

Published on August 17, 2021

6 NEW COVID-19 CASES FOR PNG

Papua New Guinea has recorded six new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday August 10 and Thursday 12, increasing the total number of cases to 17,812. On Tuesday one new positive case was reported while on Thursday another 5 new cases were reported. A 47-year-old male from Hela province is the latest positive case reported on Tuesday bringing the total number of COVID-19 positive cases in Hela to 189 and two deaths. The known COVID-19 death toll for PNG remains at 192 as there were no new deaths reported. The five new cases on Thursday were reported in the National Capita District (1); Madang (3); and East New Britain (1). To date a total of 150,388 people have tested for COVID-19. Of this 17,812 were confirmed positive. A total of 17,530 people have recovered from COVID-19 whilst 90 cases are considered active within the last 24 hours. A total of 399 samples have been sent to the laboratories for testing. As of August 11, 2021, a total of 94,419 people have been vaccinated. This includes 9,466 health workers, 55,340 essential workers and 29,613 people with comorbidities. Globally as of Thursday August 12, a total of 204,758,136 have tested COVID-19 positive. This includes 4,326,441 people who have died from COVID-19.

Published on August 17, 2021

TKATCHENKO PRESENTS NEW RUGBY JERSEYS TO MORESBY SOUTH BLACKS TEAM

Member for Moresby South Mr Justin Tkatchenko yesterday presented new sets of rugby jerseys to the Moresby South Blacks ‘A’ Grade team as well as the Senior Women’s team at the Moresby South Stadium in Kaugere. The jerseys were presented ahead of the Southern Super League tournament which is set to commence in a few weeks’ time. Minister Tkatchenko highlighted that his office is placing emphasis on rugby league because it is a national sport that is loved by everyone from the villages, to the settlements as well as the urban areas. “Rugby league plays a huge role in the development of sports in Moresby South.” “It (rugby league) allows us to develop the youths, especially the unemployed youth and give them opportunities that they would never have elsewhere,” the minister said. Mr Tkatchenko said that the Moresby South Blacks will pave a pathway for young men and women to continue to play and excel in the sport they love and will further enhance them and bring them up to Digicel Cup or even the Hunters levels for the men and the PNG Orchids level for the women. [caption id="attachment_13785" align="aligncenter" width="925"] The new jerseys being displayed by team members of Moresby South Blacks[/caption] The minister also took the time to announce that upgrade work on the only district stadium in the country, the Sir William Skate Oval will be commencing in the coming months. This upgrade work will be funded by NCDC and the Moresby South office. Chairman of the Moresby South Rugby League (MSRL) Mr Brown Murema upon receiving the jerseys thanked the governor of Moresby South for his continued support and commitment towards rugby league within the district and further commended the governor for the great work he has done so far not just for rugby league but on infrastructure development, basic services and law & order within the district as well. “Rugby league is one of the tools that will drive the young youths from Moresby South to actively participate in the activities that are been rolled out in the district by the office of the minister.” “The MSRL is not only running a competition here, we are also advocating for and promoting good citizenship,” Mr Murema added. The MSRL chairman said that Moresby South is looking at setting a standard in the country in terms of using sports to bring about positive development in the community and thanked the governor for a state-of-the-art district stadium and further assured him that the support given will not be going to waste. Mr Murema also acknowledged the hard work and efforts of his management team headed by Mr Bagelo Solien who is the Executive Manager of MSRL. He also congratulated the players on finally making the team and urged everyone to give their very best performance in the upcoming tournament. Photographs by David Elizah

Published on August 17, 2021

https://pnghausbung.com/fifita-in-an-induced-coma/

Published on August 17, 2021

FIFITA IN AN INDUCED COMA

Cronulla Sharks forward Andrew Fifita is in an induced coma after sustaining a throat injury in his side's defeat to Newcastle Knights on Sunday. The Sydney Morning Herald reports that the 32-year-old has been placed in an induced coma after being rushed to hospital at the Royal Brisbane Hospital. Fifita is reportedly in a stable condition but has been placed in the induced coma to assist with breathing due to severe swelling of his larynx. The Tonga and former Australia international is expected to need surgery, which will almost certainly end his 2021 season. On Sunday, Fifita lasted just 13 minutes, suffering an injury after making contact with Kurt Mann's shoulder late in the first half. He was assessed for a Head Injury Assessment, which he cleared and then subsequently returned to the field but was taken off minutes later and did not return. The Sharks are currently in 10th place in the NRL standings and will meet the Wests Tigers at 5pm Saturday. [Source: Newshub.co.nz]

Published on August 17, 2021

MORE COMPETITION, MORE INNOVATION AND MORE CUSTOMER CHOICE, KINA CHAIRMAN

Kina Securities Limited presented a vigorous strategy to PNG’s competition commission on Wednesday in support of its acquisition of Westpac PNG. Represented by Chairman, Isikeli Taureka, and Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Greg Pawson, Kina outlined a powerful vision for more competition in the banking sector, more innovation and more customer choice for Papua New Guinea if the acquisition is approved by the Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (“ICCC”). “Our mission is to constantly improve the prosperity of the people, communities and markets that we serve,” said Mr. Taureka in his opening statement. “We strongly believe that this transaction should be approved by the ICCC.” Mr Greg Pawson committed to a PGK25 million investment in technology and digital innovation, expanding the current Westpac PNG branch and instore network by 50% in the first three years after the acquisition, and to creating a pan-Pacific bank domiciled in PNG. “We will expand the distribution footprint of banking services across PNG to reach more Papua New Guineans,” said Mr. Pawson. “We will retain the existing Westpac corporate structure, banking licence, operations and technology – and simply rebrand as East West Commercial Bank. This exciting new bank brand will also be used for Westpac Fiji and positioned as PNG’s international bank brand.” This multi-brand strategy, common in many countries, will see East West Commercial Bank compete directly with Kina Bank, and will provide customers with a full range of competitive, innovative financial services. “Expanding the distribution footprint will ensure more competition in locations across PNG which are currently only served by one bank or not at all. It’s a huge commitment to reinvigorate financial inclusion,” said Mr Pawson. Kina also sees a medium-term prospect of securing banking licences in Australia and Singapore to improve PNG’s access and reach across the region. These commitments were part of seven major and significant public benefits Mr. Pawson outlined to increase competition, improve access and provide more jobs for Papua New Guineans. “Kina will prevent job losses and retain all existing Kina Bank and Westpac employees. We will create 50 new PNG based jobs within the first 12 months following the acquisition. All of Westpac PNG’s existing senior management and executive positions will be nationalised and given to PNG local talent, including the Country Head position. ”Mr. Pawson continued to explain that Kina’s proposition was a game-changer for PNG as they aim to help smaller banks, savings and loan societies, and non-bank financial institutions compete. “We will give them access to our infrastructure. We will facilitate fee free access to our ATM and POS networks; extend our USSD services to give them a white label mobile presence in the market; and allow them to operate from our branch network where they are unrepresented,” he said. Mr. Taureka also took the opportunity to address head-on the contention by the ICCC that the acquisition would lead to tacit collusion and reduce competition: “While the concepts of a duopoly and tacit collusion will be addressed in detail in our final economic and legal submissions, the significant disparity in market positions between Bank South Pacific and Kina indicate that such a result is impossible.” In his closing remarks, Mr. Taureka confirmed Kina’s commitment to improving banking services in PNG for the benefit of all Papua New Guineans. “This transaction is in the best interests of the people of PNG, and the banking and financial services industry more broadly. The significant public benefits to PNG will be entrenched in the binding commitments by Kina Securities Limited, and enable increased competition with the current dominant force.”

Published on August 16, 2021

HAITI EARTHQUAKE: RESCUERS SEARCH FOR SURVIVORS AS DEATH TOLL CLIMBS TO 1,297

Officials in Haiti have confirmed at least 1,297 people are dead after a powerful 7.2-magnitude earthquake hit the Caribbean nation on Saturday. Rescuers are picking through rubble in a desperate search for any survivors. Homes, churches and schools were among buildings flattened in the quake. Some hospitals were left overwhelmed and in need of supplies. An unknown number of people are missing and about 5,700 have been injured, officials say. The disaster compounds problems facing the impoverished nation, which is already reeling from a political crisis following the assassination of its president last month. The south-west of Haiti appears to have suffered the worst of the damage, especially around the city of Les Cayes. Footage on social media showed residents desperately trying to pull victims from ruined buildings. "The streets are filled with screaming," Archdeacon Abiade Lozama, head of an Anglican church in Les Cayes, told the New York Times. "People are searching, for loved ones or resources, medical help, water." The epicentre of Saturday's quake was about 12km (7.5 miles) from the town of Saint-Louis du Sud, the US Geological Survey (USGS) said. But the tremor could be felt in the densely-populated capital of Port-au-Prince, some 125km away, and in neighbouring countries. Prime Minister Ariel Henry declared a month-long state of emergency and urged the population to "show solidarity". "The most important thing is to recover as many survivors as possible under the rubble," he said on Saturday. "We have learned that the local hospitals, in particular that of Les Cayes, are overwhelmed with wounded, fractured people." The international community has promised to help. US President Joe Biden said he had authorised an "immediate US response" through USAID. The UN also said it was supporting the rescue effort. The neighbouring Dominican Republic has offered to send food and medical equipment, with Cuba also reportedly deploying more than 250 doctors. Jerry Chandler, the head of the Haiti's civil protection agency, said on Sunday that in the South department, where Les Cayes is situated, about 1,500 houses had been completely destroyed and 3,000 damaged. "In Nippes [department], there are 899 houses destroyed and 723 houses damaged. In the Grande'Anse department, there are 469 houses destroyed and 1,687 houses damaged," he added. He warned that Tropical Storm Grace, which is approaching the country, is "likely to make matters worse" in the coming days. The Pope offered prayers for the victims during a Sunday address and expressed hope that aid would arrive soon. Aftershocks were felt after the initial tremor, with the USGS initially warning the earthquake could result in thousands of fatalities and injuries. A 2010 earthquake in Haiti killed more than 200,000 people and caused extensive damage to the country's infrastructure and economy.

Published on August 16, 2021

https://pnghausbung.com/good-results-for-covid-vaccination-in-gulf/

Published on August 16, 2021

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