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MARAPE HAPPY WITH PROGRESS ON PORGERA CLAN AGENTS’ CONFIRMATION

Prime Minister James Marape expressed satisfaction at the progress of confirmation of clan agents for the Porgera Landowners Association. Prime Minister Marape recognized that the confirmation of the clan agents is the first step towards reorganising the PLOA, an important party to the Mining Development Forum. He noted that as of this afternoon, eighteen (18) clan agents out of the required 25 agents have been confirmed or reconfirmed. It is anticipated that this process will be concluded today or Thursday. Prime Minister Marape expressed satisfaction that the multi-agency State Team on the ground and led by the Mineral Resources Authority is doing an excellent job in progressing this matter in the last week and a half of non-stop consultations with all the landowners. “I want to appreciate the State Team for being very proactive after the Wabag consultations to come this far in the confirmation of the agents. This process involves the validation of the clans, their popular interests and the conduct of an official selection and election of the agents by popular vote. It is very important to our processes.” The Prime Minister was also pleased to learn of the strong support and participation of all land-owning groups during the validation and confirmation process. There have been no reported security incidents, which means that the landowners have held true to their assurances and word in Wabag that they will secure this process for all of us. “I note with satisfaction the demonstration of good will, and deep respect and understanding of the required support by the landowners to do their part to ensure that this process is handled with due diligence and without a single incident reported thus far. This represents an enormous spirit of good will and a willingness to support the government and the joint venture entity in this process.” The Prime Minister reiterated his intention to ensure that the Porgera Mine is opened on or by 16 September 2021. He assured all stakeholders that the State Negotiation Team has been empowered to negotiate and complete the Mine Commencement Agreement, the Mining Development Contract and ensure that the operating entity is incorporated and the joint venture is established at the earliest possible opportunity to ensure that the Government fulfills its intention to reopen the mine in September 2021. “The State Negotiating Team is working extremely hard to meet the required time frame to ensure that the mine is reopened in September 2021. Indeed, a mine reopening plan has been discussed by Barrick, the operator of the new joint venture, and while parts of the milestones proposed are slightly delayed, we believe it is still possible to achieve our timetable.”

Published on August 4, 2021

ST. JOHN AMBULANCE UNVEILS NEW WEBSITE WITH A RENEWED PROMISE

St. John Ambulance, in partnership with Be Pacific Digital Agency, is delighted to commence a new chapter in its story by unveiling a new website dedicated to their continuous commitment to Papua New Guinea's ambulance services and the introduction of e-commerce, where its customers can carry out payments online. St. John’s is heavily dependent on funding from the community and availing online payment will help generate much needed funds, due to the fact that St. John’s social enterprise helps them raise funds to subsidies any funding they get from the PNG Government, hence, the answer in the form of a new website. “We are intending to add an e-commerce platform so our supporters can buy new first aid kits, restock their kits, or purchase ambulance membership each year. E-commerce is going to become more common in PNG especially as we see a savvy middle class expecting more quality online services. We are even adding a donations page where people can make a donation to St John using their credit or debit card online,” said Matt Cannon, CEO, St. John Ambulance, PNG. The website is crisp and very easy to navigate for our users, the site is also used for education and awareness purposes and we have made information very easy to access via the site. The fact sheets, in particular, purposely designed for referencing before and during a first aid emergency. The only way to sustain a professional and reliable charity emergency ambulance service, according to Mr. Cannon, is to have a fundraising social enterprise arm. He said when people buy a first aid kit, or do a first aid course with St John, the money from these purchases is utilized in maintaining an effective and reliable ambulance service, and sometimes turbulent grant funding. St John thrived in offering an entirely free (no cost to patient) emergency treatment and transportation to around 9,020 (82%) of the 11,432 patients we served in 2020. “In that same period, the national and provincial government collectively provided around K6m in funding to St John which helped cover around 80% of the cost of providing free services. St John raised around K2m through social enterprises to keep reliable ambulances service free to those in need,” added Mr. Cannon. “We are proud of the high-quality services and products we can offer people. From being the only free public emergency ambulance, operating a reliable air medical retrieval service, to having social enterprises like first aid training and kits that help us raise funds for the charitable work we do. We know that people chose St John because they see the great social benefit of how we use the money we raise, it’s not just because our products and services are good.” Mr. Matt Cannon also said that a logo must be recognisable, but a brand must be relatable. When people talk about St John in a way that implies a great element of trust, respect, and appreciation towards its work, the team at St. John knows that they are doing the right thing. Accordingly, an organisation needs to remain relevant too. “I’ve seen and heard people say, ‘what would we do without St John?’ To me, that is placing great value on the organisation and its work,” concluded Mr. Cannon.

Published on August 4, 2021

NAMBAWAN OFFERS MASSIVE SAVINGS WITH MORE DISCOUNTS

Nambawan Super is offering members massive savings in 2021 at over 160+ Discount Partner Program providers across Papua New Guinea. The Discount Partners include retail and wholesale product and service providers ranging from health, haircare, homeware and hardware, to a whole heap more. Nambawan Super CEO Paul Sayer said that he was pleased that more than 200,000 members could lower their shopping costs at more locations this year, during especially tough times, with the addition of more new Discount Partners. [caption id="attachment_13279" align="aligncenter" width="946"] Nambawan Super CEO Paul Sayer[/caption] “Members love it when the Brian Bell Double Discount comes around – and for the month of August our members are going to enjoy a massive 30% discount at Brian Bell outlets across PNG,” Mr Sayer said. “To address member health, we recently partnered with the Pacific International Hospital where members can save (20% discount) on the cost of laboratory, radiology and Inpatient services, and also claim special prices for consultation. “Members can also save (20% discount) on the cost of total medical services provided at Kambual MDCS Limited Medical Clinic for members,” he said. “One of our most exciting new partnerships for member savings nationwide, has been with Air Niugini Cargo (10% discount). Members can also save on costs at 2 Fast Motors in Port Moresby (10% discount).” Nambawan Super’s also recently added more accommodation savings options by partnering with the Golden Medallion Hotel in Vanimo (10% discount), Rapopo Plantation Hotel in Kokopo (15% discount), the New Sanctuary Hotel Resort and Spa in Port Moresby (10% discount), and Holiday Inn & Suites and Holiday Inn Express (10% discount) in Port Moresby. Other Discount Partners members can access are KTL Hardware (15% discount) in Wabag and at Chantique Hair and Beauty in Port Moresby (10% discount). “As a Nambawan Super member, you are entitled to all the discount privileges available at our Discount providers throughout the year, when you present your valid membership ID card before purchasing your items,” he said. “The value of discounts can range from 5% to 30% of the cost of purchase, depending on where you shop, and that’s quite a significant cost saving for our members,” said Mr Sayer. “Members should note in general you cannot claim further discounts on already discounted items, unless specified by the Discount Partner, however, usually discounts cannot be used together with any other offer, discount or promotion,” he added. “Members can access the full list of Discount Partners nationwide on the website, or by contacting us through a Free Call on 180 1599 or email: CallCentre@nambawansuper.com.pg or get a poster at their nearest branch.” “We have some members who are avid savers who are using our discount poster as a reference guide to plan where they will shop to save more throughout the year.” “I encourage all our Nambawan Super members including those in Retirement Savings and Choice Super, to take advantage of their discount offers.” Members without ID cards can visit their nearest NSL branch to get a membership ID card printed or FREE CALL180 1599 or email: callcentre@nambawansuper.com.pg to enquire, in order to participate in the Discount Program.

Published on August 4, 2021

NASFUND OPENS NEW KIMBE BRANCH

The National Superannuation Fund (Nasfund) is pleased to announce the opening of its new Kimbe office. Located on Level 1 of Hamamas Plaza in the heart of Kimbe Town, the Kimbe branch was officially open to members on Monday (August 2, 2021). This location now offers members a more spacious, secure and convenient access to services offered by the Fund. Nasfund CEO Ian Tarutia was present to meet members for the first day of operations, and spoke of the work being done by the Fund to ensure member services continue to improve. "The opening of our new Kimbe Office is a testament of our commitment to our growing membership in West New Britain Province. Our operations will be scaled up for both superannuation and savings & loan services in anticipation of growth in Kimbe and the NGI region. Only a week and half ago a new service centre was opened in Maprik, East Sepik Province. While formal employment is trending downwards we are confident new membership growth will come from Agriculture, the MSME and the informal sector in the not too distant future." In addition to the new Kimbe branch, the Fund is also carrying out refurbishments at its Madang and Alotau branches, to better serve our membership in these centres.

Published on August 4, 2021

LAUNCHING OF HUGGIES/KOTEX SAMPLING KIT PROGRAM

SESAGO Health Care Limited and Kimberly-Clark, the manufacturer of Huggies products, through its local supplier Brandforce Limited have joined forces to launch the Huggies/Kotex Sampling Program at Port Moresby General Hospital. Sesago Pharmacist Duri Herry said the program is part of the company’s corporate social responsibility and as of today, sampling kits will be given to mothers who have given birth at the PMGH Labour Ward. “Every mother knows that every pregnancy is a challenging journey. But behind every successful delivery is a team of midwives who work tirelessly and effortlessly to make sure that mothers deliver successfully and babies are healthy. On behalf of the Kimberly-Clark team and Sesago, I would like to commend the midwives of POMGEN,” said Ms. Herry. The kits will be issued today until October and some of the items inside the kit include a packet of Huggies wipes and diaper each, a Kotex maternity pad and a baby bodysuit. “We also have a congratulation card from Huggies and a 25 per cent discount from our Discount Pharmacy which is a retail of Sesago Health Care which comes together as you can see in our nicely packed kit,” said Ms. Herry. Director Medical Services Dr. Kone Sobi said many mothers come that deliver their babies at the hospital do not the essential items to take care of themselves and their babies so the kits will support them. “We have approximately 1, 200 deliveries a month,” said Dr. Sobi. “That gives you an idea of what sort of support you are providing to our mothers.” On average, about 60 babies are born per day. Sr. Annette Semo, acting coordinator for the Obstetrics & Gynaecology Unit expressed her thanks and said, “A lot of mothers are very unfortunate, they come without nappies for the babies and this should be a very useful thing for them at birth.”

Published on August 4, 2021

BUTUKA RECEIVES LAPTOPS FROM FONE HAUS

Secondary school teachers of the Butuka Academy School in the nation's capital were given a boost in donations of Mintt brand laptops worth K21, 000 from Fone Haus, a technology company under the PNG Namba Wan Trophy Ltd. The PNG Namba Wan Trophy Ltd Group Managing Director, Mr. Jim Gui when making the presentation of 20 laptops said that Education is a priority for their company and under their community service program, they were pleased to make the donation to improve the quality of education in whatever way they can. He says this is the first time they have helped the Butuka Academy and he looks forward to working with the academy to see how else they are able to assist the school. Gui says Nambawan Trophy has been around for almost 20 years and with 50 retail shops spread in major Provinces in the nation, they have been eager to help in developing PNG in giving donations towards education and religion. Meanwhile the Chairlady of Butuka Academy school, Lady Ni Cragnolini; who mentioned the teacher's need for laptops to the Fone Haus company, was also in attendance at the presentation and in her address encouraged the teachers to "Learn as much as you can to improve on yourself to give the children the best quality of education." She said Butuka Academy is known for its state of the art facilities but she also would like to see it known for its academic achievements hence she is grateful for the timely donations. The Principal of the Secondary school, Miss Jean Ifuda in receiving the laptops said it was a privilege to have such a donation of equipment especially during the COVID-19 times when the teachers are unable to go out and use other resources, she says this will help improve the teachers’ knowledge in doing research online and will in turn boost their ability to bring about quality content for the students.

Published on August 4, 2021

https://pnghausbung.com/imr-patron-lashes-out-at-pm-marape-over-research-funds/

Published on August 4, 2021

https://pnghausbung.com/former-secretary-for-defence-arrested-and-charged-over-k3-6-million-fraud/

Published on August 4, 2021

FORMER SECRETARY FOR DEFENCE ARRESTED AND CHARGED OVER K3.6 MILLION FRAUD

Former Secretary for Defence Trevor Meauri was arrested and charged on Monday this week with one count of abuse of office by the National Fraud and Anti-Corruption Directorate. Detectives from NFACD arrested and charged Mr. Meauri after he was alleged to have written to L&A Construction Limited to give him estimated costing to re-construct the run down Guard House at Murray Barracks. The company provided the costing to be at K3.6 million. On 20 November 2017, Mr Meauri then wrote to L&A Construction Limited to advise the company that its offer of K3.6 million was accepted. Mr Meauri’s financial authority limit was K500, 000.00 as per the Public Finance Management Act. Mr Meauri entered and executed the contract with L&A Construction Limited in excess of his financial powers. Later when Mr Meauri requested CSTB to grant approval for special contract, CSTB refused to issue or approve special contract. Despite the request being refused, Mr Meauri being Section 32 Officer made payments to the company which exceeded K3.6 million as the work had already progressed when his request was refused. The Defence Engineering Division estimated the project to be valued at K1.8 million. The complaint in this matter was lodged with the NFACD by Officers of the Department of Defence, for investigation. At the concluding of the investigation, Mr Trevor Meauri was invited to the NFACD office, where record of interview was conducted. After the interview and charge procedures were completed, Mr Trevor Meauri was taken to Boroko Police Station where he was placed in the cells. He was allowed bail. He will appear in Waigani Committal court next week. Trevor Meauri was the former Secretary for Defence when he committed the offence. He served in the position between February 2017 and July 2019. Mr Meauri, aged 44 comes from Rapa village, Bereina, in the Kairuku Hiri District in the Central Province.

Published on August 4, 2021

IMR PATRON LASHES OUT AT PM MARAPE OVER RESEARCH FUNDS

The Patron of PNG Institute of Medical Research (PNGIMR) Sir Peter Barter has raised grave concerns over the recent statement made by Prime Minister James Marape related to IMR failing to undertake research into the COVID19 virus. "It appears that the Honorable Prime Minister has been misled which in turn reflects on the PNG institute of Medical Research credibility," said Patron Barter. He claimed IMR had not received any funding from National COVID19 Control Centre or the National Government to undertake research into the COVID19 virus or current pandemic, "The only funding received is to support testing which is being undertaken in Goroka and Port Moresby who have been limited by the shortages of testing kits and other consumables, not least the need to adequately fund on going research projects into other diseases that are of importance to the public." According to PNGIMR records more than 30,000 tests from all 22 provinces have been performed in Goroka and Port Moresby by IMR. Since May due to decentralisation of testing to provinces and global shortages of laboratory consumables IMR has responded in several other ways. PNGIMR scientists have developed and sourced funding from eleven COVID-19 research projects covering key biomedical, laboratory and socio-behavioural issues in PNG, some of the research activities begun with preliminary results expected in late 2021 and early 2022. "It is not correct for the Prime Minister to ask research institutions and universities to go to him with a proposal. First of all, the correct approach would be for scientific proposals to be screened, peer-reviewed and assessed for their eligibility for funding based on scientific appropriateness, merit and credibility. It is also important to understand the difference between public health research or applied research which PNGIMR does compared to Research and Development (R&D) which multi-billion dollar drug companies do." The patron said most of the time the multi-billion dollar companies do not find a hit drug, chemical or diagnostic tool and they end up spending a lot of resources and time in refining their search. Sometimes their search can take up to 20 or 25 years. PNGIMR does not have this level of resources and is not in the R&D space. "If the government is serious about R&D it will need to seriously invest a significant amount of money every year instead of being misled into thinking we can develop drugs and vaccines overnight." The under-resourcing of health system in PNG is highlighted by the lack of laboratory capacity to diagnose SARS-CoV2. More than 17, 000 cases and 192 deaths have been reported today, many more are likely to be recorded in the months ahead with the new “delta” variant already identified in PNG which will further impose real challenges for our health systems. The current death rate in Indonesia, our closest neighbour is over 2000 per day, in Fiji, a brother Melanesian country, with 60% vaccination is seriously being challenged with the delta variant and in Australia, the cities of Sydney and Melbourne are in full lockdown for what is being reported for at least 4 weeks. "A leading PNG physician thanked me and Team for the strong stance to paving away forward for all Business and Public to follow. When we do not have the capacity to contain such outbreaks, epidemics and pandemic, the only option is vaccination." He said we in PNG have less that 0.06% of our population vaccinated and testing as all but came to a standstill which has prompted the notion that the spread is declining when the exact opposite is occurring. Those provinces indicating the highest positive cases indicate that more tests are being carried out as opposed to the provinces with lower positive cases and not undertaking testing which is providing false data. The issue of blood clots with the AstraZeneca Vaccine indicates 0.004% in 1m vaccinations; the Birth Control Pill indicate 500-1200 cases in 1m women representing 0.05% to 0.12%; Smoking 1763 cases in 1m smokers representing 0.18% and the Unvaccinated COVID Infection shows 165,000 cases in 1m represent 16.5%. Given these facts one should not question being vaccinated with AstraZeneca. "In my capacity as former Minister for Health and HIV/Aids and later as Chairman of the National Aids Council we failed miserably in testing to really know the prevalence and even today, whilst emphasis is on COVID19, the spread of HIV/Aids remains rampant to what extent, we do not know as it appears to have gone off the radar, we cannot afford this to happen with COVID19." In Madang, the PNGIMR base has been struggling to obtain their laboratory functioning due to lack of funding, all testing was taken by road to Goroka, others to Port Moresby and the turn-round rate extended beyond 14-21 days. "Madang airport is now closed for 3 weeks which is further hampering testing, even if the GeneXpert, and rapid antigen (RDT) tests consumables were available." The reality is with such low testing data, it is impossible to know with any certainty how many people test positive and without this information there is no way in which we can predict the future and hope for PNG in the future. The Melanesian Foundation published two editions of the COVID Q&A booklet written by Professor Glen Mola with help of OTML and Kumul Petroleum, the Australian Government, a total of 200,000 copies have been sitting in Port Moresby awaiting the release of funds from NCC or the NDoH to send to the Province – such information if badly needed to provide accurate information and put an end to all the misinformation being disseminated on social media. These books have now been waiting to be air freighted for more than a month during which time, questions are being raised about the help the private sector is assisting with the Pandemic. The protocols in place in PNG which include masking, distancing, washing hands, placing people in isolation have largely failed and the only real hope is to implement vaccination on a massive scale, if necessary, through a less democratic system whereby the public must recognise it is not just their lives, but the lives of their family and wantoks that could be infected. This is a personal view, which is not necessarily endorsed by PNGIMR but offers a solution which will restore the economy and normalcy we once enjoyed prior to COVID19. "What infuriates me as a citizen is the criticism of the PNGIMR which since established as the Institute of Human Biology in 1968, later the PNGIMR on the excellent research that has been undertaken which has saved countless lives throughout PNG which include Malaria, Kuru, Measles, Chicken Pox, Whooping Cough, Hepatitis A&B, Tetanus, influenza, Rubella, Mumps, Diphtheria, Elephantiasis, Pneumonia, Tuberculosis, Polio, Cervical Cancer, HIV/Aids and other sexually transmitted infections. All of which have been controlled thanks to vaccines through research not only in PNG but internationally. PNGIMR is one of the success stories, it has won international recognition for the research carried out and in the case of Kuru Disease, have won the Nobel Prize. Each year they hold a symposium attended by scientists from all over the world, due to COVID Pandemic this year it will be a virtual symposium to be held on 12th August which will highlight some of the impactful research that has been conducted in recent years. The PNGIMR has invited the Prime Minister to attend and open the Symposium. "As Patron of the PNGIMR, I do not profess to be a scientist, but I have worked alongside the Institute for more than 50 years in Goroka, Maprik and Madang. I have witnessed what has been achieved and trust the Prime Minister and other leaders will take time to learn more about the wonderful achievements and ways in which we can handle similar pandemics in the future together and provide us all a brighter future."

Published on August 4, 2021

https://pnghausbung.com/outgoing-indian-high-commissioner-to-png-pays-farewell-call-on-pm-marape/

Published on August 4, 2021

OUTGOING INDIAN HIGH COMMISSIONER TO PNG PAYS FAREWELL CALL ON PM MARAPE

The outgoing Resident High Commissioner of India to Papua New Guinea His Excellency Sushil Kumar Singhal has paid a farewell call on Prime Minister James Marape at the Sir Manasupe Haus recently. H.E. Singhal is leaving after the successful completion of his two years tour of duty as the Ambassador of India to PNG. In farewelling H.E. Singhal, Prime Minister Marape informed him of the excellent bilateral relations between both countries and requested that the High Commissioner also act as an advocate for PNG in India, in terms of promoting PNG as an investment destination for Indian businesses. In furthering discussions, the Prime Minister thanked the Government of India for extending a line of credit of USD 100 million ( K331,016, 219. 79 ) for various infrastructure projects which is yet to be successfully drawn down by the Department of Treasury. He informed the outgoing High Commissioner that he would write to the Treasurer to look into it and ensure the successful draw down of this line of credit. Prime Minister Marape also used the time to request for assistance on biometric technology to be availed to the PNG Electoral Commission to assist in our election processes and procedures going forward to help us minimise challenges associated with electoral fraud and double voting. The Prime Minister also requested for the Indian Government to expand the existing military training in India to include medical training for Papua New Guinea Medical Students as well. Prime Minister Marape also brought forward discussions for the creation of a travel bubble with India which is aimed at promoting the continuity of economic, political, business and trade and investment between both countries. In response, the outgoing High Commissioner informed Prime Minister Marape that he would remind his successor to work closely with the PNG Government on this matters when he formally assumes office. High Commissioner Singhal also raised concerns on visa on arrival for Indian nationals entering PNG which he claims has not been applied on a reciprocal basis as per the Visa Agreement between the Government of Papua New Guinea and India. Another concern that the outgoing High Commissioner raised was in relation to COVID-19 restrictions in PNG as they apply to India visitors coming into PNG.

Published on August 4, 2021

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