PNG Haus Bung

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.

The University of the South Pacific's (USP) Institute of Applied Sciences (IAS) and the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF) signed an operational arrangement to strengthen Fiji's capability in detecting marine invasion and enhancing marine environment by monitoring high-risk marine invasive alien species (MIAS). This forms an integral part of the Pacific Islands Marine Bioinvasions Alert Network Project (PACMAN Project). The signing of the Pacific Islands Marine Bioinvasions Alert Network (PACMAN) Project Operational Arrangement Agreement took place on 10 November 2021 at USP’s Marine Science Conference Room. The PACMAN Project is a collaboration of USP's - IAS, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) through its coordination team at the Ocean Biodiversity Information Systems (OBIS). BAF’s Acting CEO, Surend Pratap, said BAF would collaborate with USP-IAS to strengthen this research further by providing its high-class quantitative Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) facility for use to improve the PACMAN Project's planned outcomes. The qPCR machines enable real-time identification of multiple DNA regions or genes to identify an organism in a sample. The application is widely used in pathogen and virus diagnostics, e.g. for COVID-19 screening and gene expression studies to find out disease markers for research into potential therapeutic drugs that inhibit them. He said the USP - IAS team would utilise this equipment to identify target MIAS priority species consolidated from literature review and extensive consultations. "Because the qPCR analysis is such an important part of a scientific technique, it would necessitate the appropriate equipment for this trial study," he said. According to Mr Pratap, this relationship will result in a win-win situation for both institutions to build technical and management capacity in the early detection, identification, control, and where necessary, the implementation of appropriate eradication measures of marine invasive alien species. "Most importantly, it will significantly increase the ability to detect marine invasive species and to quickly deploy appropriate mitigation measures to address the problems caused by these species," he added. He stated that BAF was pleased to join USP- IAS on this initiative. USP-IAS Acting Director, Dr Isoa Korovulavula, thanked BAF for their cooperation and support, noting the signing was in line with USP's continuous support of BAF’s activities such as the processing of research samples sent and received, including initiatives like the GEF 6 Fiji Invasive Alien Species (IAS) Project. "Implementing PACMAN (Project) entails not just the project itself, but also capacity building with BAF, particularly when it is required and data analysis sharing," he explained. Dr Korovulavula expressed his gratitude to the USP team who have been part of implementing the PACMAN project. "I believe our team is championing groundbreaking work, and we will continue to work with BAF and other partners on the implementation of this project and any future projects in biodiversity conservation and protection of marine and terrestrial environments", he added.

While a lot of activities have gone on hold due to Covid restrictions, the Port Moresby Nature Park, utilizing the advantage of its 30 acre land space, has come up with a fun yet educational activity to reward its visitors and supporters. The Nature Park’s current promotion connects people to wildlife through a Locate & Win Selfie Sticker challenge, which is Covid Safe and self-directed. There are four exclusive wildlife stickers placed in various locations around the Park for visitors to locate and take ‘selfies’ with in order to participate in the promotion. Participants are required to upload their ‘4 Selfies’ infront of the wildlife stickers onto Port Moresby Nature Park’s Facebook Page, tagging as many friends as they can. The activity has fast become a favourite among kids; hence parents and guardians are welcome to enter the promotion with their kids’ ‘selfies’ using their Facebook profiles for parental consent. This weekend will be the final weekend where families can participate in the activity. All four wildlife stickers will be up at their various locations until 12noon on Monday 22nd November when the draw will be done at the Port Moresby Nature Park. The Nature Park thanks its supporters Holiday Inn & Suites and Enzo’s Express Takeaway for being the promotion’s Prize Sponsors. Participants and supporters of the promotion are encouraged to follow the Port Moresby Nature Park Facebook page to find out who the 4 Lucky Winners will be.

The NGO-sponsored protest march, which is set to be staged tomorrow in National Capital District, can only be allowed by the Peace and Good Order Committee of the city if the organisers not only restrict it to 20 participants, but also they comply with Niupela Pasin Protocols to present their petition on ‘No Jab, No Job, policy to the National Government. If they exceed 20 participants, they must get the approval of the Pandemic Controller as there is a protocol in place restricting public gatherings to 20 or less and no protest or demonstration. During a press conference today at the City Hall Annex, NCD Governor Hon. Powes Parkop made this known when commenting on the planned peaceful demonstration led by activist Noel Anjo and other NGOs. He said whilst respecting the rights of the people to dissent, fundamental rights to life must also be respected. Governor Parkop told media that the Peace and Good Order Committee, which he chairs, met and resolved that the request for a peaceful demonstration be approved by the Pandemic Controller. He clarified that the committee lacked authority to approve it, saying the Pandemic Act prohibits such gatherings comprising over 20 people due to the issuance of the protocols. All other public gatherings initiated by NCDC Management and Governor himself get approvals from the Pandemic Controller, he said, urging Mr Anjo to do the same. “Everyone including myself gets approval from the Controller and Mr Anjo cannot be exception. However, Governor Parkop made a commitment to receive the petition on behalf the legislative arm of the government and read it in Parliament when it meets this week if the Controller grants approval or the organisers limit their gathering to 20 or less people. “I will receive their petition and read it in Parliament if only 20 people gather.” Huge public gatherings, he said, threaten lives as they have been proven to be superpower spreader for community transmission of Covid-19, citing Independence gatherings and Late Sir Michael Somare’s funeral helped spread the spike of Delta Variant Corona-Virus which has wreaked havoc and is causing mysteries on people’s lives. Alternatively, he said it was appropriate for the NGOs to leave the matter to be dealt with by the Workers Union bodies or challenge it in court. “It is not appropriate for people who are unemployed taking up this matter as it does not directly affect them. What the NGO groups need to realise is the citizens have lost their jobs because the economic activities which are critical for employment creation, consumption, revenue generation and overall economic growth which have plummeted or slowed down due to Covid-19 impacts. “It was not Covid-19 vaccines that put our people off their jobs. Our people are losing their jobs because of adverse economic impacts induced by Covid-19 Pandemic. That is why in order for us to recover and open up the economy like everyone else, everyone should be vaccinated,” said Governor Parkop, a pro-vaccine advocate. Meanwhile, Governor Parkop called on fellow Parliamentarians to become steadfast and show leadership during this Covid crisis with uniform messaging.

Kopkop College Grade 12 student, Jamie Lape decided at an early age to pursue law, because he feels the system had failed his family, and that by becoming one, he hopes to inspire honesty and integrity. Jamie is the outgoing head boy of Kopkop College and a quiet, strong-minded young man who finished as the second highest academic achiever at the recent 11th grade 12 graduation of Kopkop College. “There was an incident that occurred when I was a small boy and my family had to go through the trouble of hiring different types of lawyers. We wasted a lot of money. “I was 12 years old at that time and it really affected me because I had to watch my parents come and go and sometimes, they came late at night. At times some of the lawyers they hired weren’t truthful. I decided that this was something that needed to be corrected,” recalled Jamie. Learning from this experience Jamie is determined to prove he could bring change by helping others. To Jamie, not everyone is always right, but a lawyer in his opinion must make an effort to be committed and honest. “You, as a lawyer, have to make an effort to be always available to assist people and especially when they trust you and entrust their legal matters into your hands.” “And that’s one of my ambitions that if I become a lawyer, I will make sure my clients receive my full service and attention. I will leave no stone unturned.” The 21-year-old is inspired by his mother, Ms Morrissa, a secondary school teacher at Kopkop College. Jamie says his mother is a strong woman who is unafraid to stand up for what is right. With pride, Jamie’s father, Willie Lape describes his son as a determined young man, saying he is glad Jamie wants to join the legal force, an area he formerly served as a police officer for 14 years. “As an ex-policeman I’m proud of Jamie and proud that he is determined to take up law and I’m very thankful to Kopkop College. The school has molded him to be who he is, to study hard and to be confident. The school offers subjects at one grade-level up from other schools and is very competitive,” Mr Lape said. For Jamie, the support he has received from his teachers, the administration and his friends over the last seven years has certainly helped him to come out of his shell and take on leadership duties which he says will inspire him towards his journey.

Provinces in the Southern Region will be experiencing more rainfall in the coming months as the wet season had arrived two weeks earlier than expected. National Weather Service acting Director Jimmy Gomoga said that whilst Southern region will see more rainfall, Highlands and Momase regions will experience normal rainfall condition and the New Guinea Islands region will see below average or dry condition. In updating on the country’s weather forecast, Gomoga also said Western, Gulf, Central, NCD, Milne Bay and Northern provinces will be experiencing severe thunderstorms and lightning in the coming days. “This is mainly due to the transition from dry season to wet season where the warm air and cold air giving off this severe sparks we see in lightning,” Mr Gomoga said. “People will need to stay clear off power poles and trees at this time.” “Also those living near rivers must be cautious and move to higher grounds.” He further urged everyone to be informed with the current weather forecast at this time.

Under the 2021 Graduation theme “Mask Up. Roll Up. Graduate.” Kopkop College successfully graduated its year 12 students on Saturday November, 6th, 2021, as it stands in solidarity in the fight against COVID-19. Kopkop College, a permitted private school, has proven academic records which annually sees most of its Grade 12 students successfully entering their choice of institution. The students will be amongst some 30,000 others vying for spaces at tertiary level next year. The school’s 11th graduation was held under strict COVID Protocol and included just the parents, grade 12 teachers, supporting staff, the executive director, school board chair and the keynote speaker Cardiologist Professor Sir Isi Kevau. Leon Buskens, chairman of the school board said the school was fortunate enough to have held its graduation amidst such an unprecedented time where impacts of COVID 19 are felt globally. He encouraged students to be strong, to depend on each other for support and to always seek help. Female student, Eva Aimas took out the most outstanding academic award followed by male student, Jamie Lape. The school also recognized two long-time students termed as Kopkop College Babies, Petronella Buskens and Annieosciller Turi who have been with Kopkop since pre-school. Jamie Lape who intends to study law, said the past two years under covid-19 have been tough but they all have remained resolute. There was not a dry-eye at the graduation as he joined his friends to sincerely thank parents and teachers for their continuous support. Kopkop College Executive Director, Maria Kopkop told the graduands: “Nothing comes easy, all things come with hard work, passion and commitment. Every one of you must have a mindset for next year.” She said Kopkop College is all about family and thrives on that relationship to ensure both the children and parents get the best alternative education. “There are opportunities everywhere for education but at Kopkop College we take in-depth insight into learning. We believe in our children and we believe in nation-building through our children.” Ms. Kopkop urged parents to begin saving up for next year, in preparation for the worst that may come from COVID-19. The college continues to emphasize on the importance of hygiene and cleanliness and aims to follow all COVID protocols while recently making sure both its academic and non-academic staff are provided testing. “There is a daunting database regarding corona-virus. Families, it is not a joke anymore,” Ms. Kopkop said, urging those who have yet to be vaccinated to follow protocols so that everyone is kept safe on campus.

Mitchell Pearce has officially been released from the final year of his contract with the Newcastle Knights to take up a Super League deal. Pearce has been strongly linked to an immediate move to French Super League club, Catalans Dragons, to finish out his professional career. The 32-year-old formally asked for a release from the Knights last month after meeting with club power brokers. Newcastle announced that Pearce had been released effective immediately, so he could take the French deal with a reported $1.8 million over three years. “The Newcastle Knights have agreed to grant Mitchell Pearce a release to join English Super League Club, Catalans Dragons,” a club statement read. “Pearce requested a release from the final year of his current contract in late October, with both parties working through the process, making it effective immediately. “The Knights would like to thank Mitchell for his significant contribution since joining the club in 2017, celebrating many highlights including 300 NRL games and back-to-back finals series.” Pearce will replace James Maloney, who officially retired after a two-year stint with Catalans. The development comes after Foxsports.com.au revealed that the Knights are expected to request a transfer fee as part of the release conditions. Pearce leaves the NRL after playing 309 first grade games over stints with the Roosters and Knights. He is a premiership winner and played 19 games for New South Wales. Wests Tigers halfback Luke Brooks was touted as a potential replacement for Pearce but his club are determined to keep him. Newcastle re-signed young playmaker Phoenix Crossland last week.

Today, the U.S. government—through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)—announced $4 million U.S. dollars in urgent COVID-19 assistance for Papua New Guinea as a part of the American Rescue Plan Act. This emergency funding will support the Government of Papua New Guinea (PNG) as they battle the recent surge in COVID-19 cases due to the deadly Delta variant. Support includes the procurement of critical commodities to support oxygen delivery and clinical care, and provision of training and wraparound technical assistance to ensure the prompt distribution and use of the oxygen across PNG’s health facilities. “The Government of Papua New Guinea has had to respond to dynamic and uncertain challenges as this devastating pandemic evolves,” said U.S. Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu Erin E. McKee. “This additional funding is an example of the United States’—and the American people’s—commitment to providing quick and agile support when and where our partners need it the most.”  With this additional assistance, the U.S. government, through USAID and the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), has provided more than $16 million U.S. dollars to address COVID-19 in PNG. USAID support 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 U.S. is the largest vaccine donor in the world, recently marking the major milestone of 200 million COVID-19 vaccine doses delivered worldwide to more than 100 countries and territories. PNG has received 302,400 Johnson & Johnson vaccines donated by the U.S. government through the COVAX Facility—a global initiative to provide safe and effective vaccines—to which the U.S. is the largest donor. The U.S. is committed to partnering with PNG 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. Earlier this month, USAID observed its anniversary, marking 60 years of development partnerships globally. USAID has worked hand in hand with the Government of Papua New Guinea since its founding to tackle pressing issues such as climate change, economic development, energy, good governance, disaster risk reduction, and health challenges such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and COVID-19.

Japan's former princess Mako has arrived in the US with her new "commoner" husband, Kei Komuro, after leaving the royal family. There was minimal pageantry as the college sweethearts, who wed last month, left from Tokyo airport on Sunday morning. They will rent an apartment in New York where Mr Komuro works at a law firm. Under Japanese law, female imperial family members forfeit their status upon marriage to a "commoner". The pair were heavily guarded by police and airport security as they strolled through the departure terminal. They passed about 100 journalists who were there to witness them leave, but did not respond to questions. Footage broadcast in Japan showed the couple arriving in New York and walking through the airport with security guards, before getting into a waiting vehicle. Their move to New York had long been rumoured and Mako, who took her husband's name when they got married, is reportedly expected to find a job in the city. However, the couple faced a set-back to their plans last month when Japanese media reported that Mr Komuro had failed the New York state bar exam. Prospective lawyers have to pass the tests to practise law in the state. Mr Komuro is currently working as a legal clerk. The move to the US has drawn comparisons with British royals Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, earning the newlyweds the nickname "Japan's Harry and Meghan". The couple faced significant opposition when they first announced their engagement four years ago and their relationship has been subject to tabloid gossip and controversy over claims that Mr Komuro's mother had reportedly taken a loan from her ex-fiancé and not paid him back. The coverage led to the then-princess developing post-traumatic stress disorder, according to the Imperial Household. When the couple married last month they skipped the usual rites of a royal wedding and turned down a payment offered to royal women upon their departure from the family. Former princess Mako, who is the niece of Emperor Naruhito, is the first female member of the royal family to decline both. SOURCE: BBC NEWS