PNG Haus Bung

HANDMADE LOCALLY: SME SUPPORTING LOCAL ARTISANS IN GOROKA

Handmade Locally is a local SME owned and operated by 42-year-old Entaipy of Eastern Highlands Province who buys creatively carved and woven basket bowls, trays and placemats from local artisans in the Lufa District of Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province and sells them to her customers here in Port Moresby. Entaipy started up her local business out of a hobby which she fell in love with handmade Baskets bowls and trays created and produced by these artisans. Despite having a full-time job, this is a side hustle which she began just last month. She said back in Goroka, these artisans would carry around their products from home-to-home walking around the streets looking for customers and that was when she first met them. “It was getting late for them, and they told me to pay whatever I wanted to purchase at any amount, I took them into my home and showed them all the baskets and trays that I purchased over the years." She added that oftentimes theses artisans sell their products in front of the Bird of Paradise Hotel in Goroka and often people do not buy and so it is very hard for them to bring back home their products. “Upon my request of items, they carefully weave and varnish the items and after it is completed, it is sent down to Port Moresby at my own cost which is why I add my own price to the item and sell it." Entaipy proudly aid that her home is filled with many baskets, bowls and wall hangers and it came to a stage where she couldn't buy anymore because there was no space at home. “Many basket artisans in Goroka know me because I buy from them and at times they bring their goods directly to the house and I would bring them in to show them that my house indeed was full and I couldn't buy anymore." Evelyn added on saying that out of her desire to assist these artisans, she decided to bring some items to Port Moresby to sell on Facebook. “All thanks to Facebook, I sold quite a number of items and I have realized that there is a demand out there for handmade items that are beautiful." “The artisans can make laundry baskets, baskets, trays, stationery holders, bowls, and many other items, they are very creative and if customer requests for a certain item, they can create it." The vines used are found deep in the jungle and it is quite a distance to travel. Once the vines are brought to the village, they are left to dry then used to weave the desired items and according to the artisans, she said that the reason why the finished item of the product is dark is because it is kept in mud for approximately 3-4 days to get the different types of shades for the finished item. “Currently I am promoting handmade items and I hope to get Kainantu clay cups and other items later on but currently since I just started, I am assisting bilum weavers and jewelers sell their products also." Evelyn said a challenge she faces is that it is quite expensive to bring the stuff over to Port Moresby from Goroka via freight. “That's why our price is priced as it is and currently this is our biggest challenge, and we have to cover all costs involved but we are satisfied that we are assisting these artisans sell their products to earn something." Entaipy has had individuals living in Australia buy an item or two from her and she would like to directly import the items overseas. “We understand there are fumigation requirements and a lot of other requirements and for sure it will be an added challenge." She will be at the POM City Markets this Sunday 9th May under her stall ‘Handmade Locally’ to showcase her items and products. “Because it is be Mother’s Day, everything I sell will be discounted by 10%."

Published on May 7, 2021

https://pnghausbung.com/new-public-announcement-systems-installed-in-major-markets-around-the-country/

Published on May 7, 2021

NEW PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT SYSTEMS INSTALLED IN MAJOR MARKETS AROUND THE COUNTRY

Major markets around the country will now be using large screen television to disseminate notices and information to vendors and customers who access markets. This is a improvement that ensures public announcements are delivered in a safe manner through audio and visual aids and is inclusive for all people who access markets. The first of a series of public announcement systems including television screens - was recently set up at the Lae Market in Morobe Province - under the Market Economic Recovery Inclusion (MERI) program supported by the Papua New Guinea- Australia Partnership and UN Women. Lae Market Coordinator, Ben Maipa said, “The installation of the public announcement system is an improved and effective means for communicating COVID-19 awareness and daily market announcement while at the same time keeping the market administration team safe as they are stationed in one location instead of moving around the market to pass on notices." “We thank the Australian Government for their support in enabling this critical safety measure for our markets which are the lifelines of our communities” said Mr. Maipa. The public announcement systems have been installed in Gordons, Kokopo, Wewak and Goroka markets. For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100

Published on May 7, 2021

https://pnghausbung.com/pngcci-statement-on-law-order/

Published on May 7, 2021

PNGCCI CALLS ON GOVERNMENT TO PLACE EMPHASIS ON SECURITY

The Papua New Guinea Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PNGCCI) is calling on the Government to place more emphasis on internal security, especially during this covid-19 pandemic. This follows a recent spate of attacks against individuals, communities, businesses, and even the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC). As the body representing Papua New Guinean Business, PNGCCI is gravely concerned about the apparent breakdown of law and order across the country, and is calling on the authorities to work together to address these issues as a matter of urgency. In the capital Port Moresby, clashes between different ethnic groups in the Badili / Koki area have escalated over the past week, which has affected many city residents, who now feel unsafe to move around freely. In Alotau, an evening attack on its Police Barracks by armed gangs again shows the lack of respect in the rule of law by armed groups, intent in instilling fear on the lives of law-abiding citizens. There are also reports of ethnic clashes in Mount Hagen (Western Highlands) and Kainantu (Eastern Highlands), which have affected business operations in these areas. There are similar incidents that are also occurring in Porgera, Kokopo and other major towns and cities. These incidents have had a negative effect on businesses; many have been forced to shut down temporarily. The cost to businesses as a result of these incidents has been immense. With many businesses not operating, in fear of looting, businesses stand to lose much needed revenue, with their employees in danger of not being paid. Having our towns and cities held to ransom over these incidents is not acceptable, as there is always a need for a safe environment, for businesses to operate freely. The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) as the agency responsible for maintaining law and order should be provided the necessary support during this time. Businesses have, and will continue to support the work of authorities, including the RPNGC, to ensure that that peace and order is maintained.

Published on May 7, 2021

https://pnghausbung.com/nasfund-partners-with-isezdcl-for-savings-opportunities/

Published on May 7, 2021

NASFUND PARTNERS WITH ISEZDCL FOR SAVINGS OPPORTUNITIES

With progress being made on the Ihu Special Economic Zone Project, a strategic partnership has been signed to allow the project to work closely with PNG’s leading superannuation provider. The National Superannuation Fund (Nasfund) and Ihu Special Economic Zone Development Company Limited (ISEZDCL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that now allows for collaboration on partnerships in areas of mutual interest. Among conditions of the MOU, all workers in the ISEZ will be registered as contributing members to Nasfund - both in the formal, and informal sectors. The MOU was signed by Nasfund Chairman Charles Vee and ISEDCL Project Director Peter Ken Gemar this week. Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Ken Gemar said among their immediate focus is the upscaling of agriculture based Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) so that they can improve their standards, but more importantly, start the process of saving for retirement through Nasfund. “The project is working in partnership with the Kikori District, is to ensure that agriculture based SMEs progress from being in the informal sector, to a formal sector arrangement, so that they can comply with requirements, which include retirement savings through superannuation.” According to Nasfund Chairman Charles Vee, this MOU also paves way for strategic investment opportunities for the fund, particularly in Critical Infrastructure Projects. “Nasfund is pleased at the progress being made to develop the Ihu Special Economic Zone. Through the ISEZDCL, there is now a clear pathway outlining developments in Ihu. In addition to promoting a savings culture, through retirement savings, it also provides the Fund with investment opportunities for critical infrastructure that will support upcoming projects, which include the much-talked about Papua LNG. We thank the ISEZDCL for partnering with the Fund through this MOU in ensuring that we all work together in areas of mutual interest.” Picture captions: (L-R) (Front) Nasfund Chairman Charles Vee and ISEZDCL Project Director Peter Ken Gemar signing the Mou. Looking on are Nasfund CEO Ian Tarutia and ISEZDCL Advisor Steven Ilave. (L-R) Nasfund CEO Ian Tarutia, Nasfund Chairman Charles Vee, ISEZDCL Project Director Peter Ken Gemar and Advisor Steven Ilave

Published on May 7, 2021

https://pnghausbung.com/fantastic-mr-foxxs-six-tries-sink-injury-ravaged-bunnies/

Published on May 7, 2021

FANTASTIC MR FOXX'S SIX TRIES SINK INJURY-RAVAGED BUNNIES

A stunning six-try haul to Storm winger Josh Addo-Carr sealed a 10th straight win for Craig Bellamy over Wayne Bennett as the Storm ran out 50-0 winners over an injury-ravaged Souths side on Thursday night. Addo-Carr became the first player in 71 years, since Newtown's Jack Troy in 1950, to score six tries in a premiership match and the first-ever Storm player to score five or more in a match. His hat-trick in the space of 15 minutes midway through the first half and a fourth a minute from half-time all but ended the contest at 26-0 in the opening 40 minutes, with the Blues flyer adding two more late in the piece to create a slice of history. Missing halfback Adam Reynolds, fullback Latrell Mitchell, wingers Josh Mansour and Jaxson Paulo, centre Campbell Graham and lock Cam Murray, the Rabbitohs were forced into a major reshuffle, particularly out wide with their patched-up edge defence exposed in ruthless fashion by a clinical Storm outfit. The 50-plus scoreline puts the Rabbitohs on the wrong side of history, with no team ever having conceded 50 or more points in a premiership match and gone on to win the grand final that year. Storm coach Craig Bellamy praised not just the record-breaking efforts of Addo-Carr but the impressive work done by the rest of the team to create a platform for him to use his pace to such devastating effect. "I'm really happy for him," Bellamy said. "I'm pretty sure that's a club record; it's great for him and the whole team. "There's a lot of work done before Josh can use his pace to get into the corner so it was pretty good to see him do that." The performance was "easily" Melbourne's best of the season, Bellamy added. "The thing I was real happy about, we sort of put it on them after half-time, I don't really think we've put a good consistent 80 minutes together this year," he said. "We've been probably had a couple of good halves whether its first half or second half we've had a couple of games we've been pretty good for 60 minutes but not 80. "I thought tonight we did that. I know Souths were down in strength a bit but for my players the team can only play what's put out there and I thought they were tremendous tonight." The first three tries of the contest, all to Addo-Carr, came through South Sydney's right edge where Reynolds and Graham usually defend, with Bennett benching Steven Marsters for back-rower Jed Cartwright in an attempt to stem the flow of tries. With Harry Grant again shifting to the bench on game day, the likely Maroons hooker formed a devastating combination with Kiwi rake Brandon Smith with the duo's dynamic one-two punch late in the first half causing enormous headaches for the Rabbitohs' middle defence. Addo-Carr opened the scoring in the 12th minute off a deft left-footed Justin Olam grubber then backed up a clean break from Nicho Hynes for his second. Some lovely work from Cameron Munster and Grant opened up the Souths right side for Addo-Carr's third before Munster produced a one-on-one steal on Cook then spread it to Jahrome Hughes with the halfback slicing through the Bunnies' middle to make it 20-0 after 31 minutes, then Addo-Carr got his fourth through a regulation overlap just before the break. Munster came up with an intercept on his own line to defuse a rare Souths attacking set early in the second half with Grant helping them surge downfield for Smith to burst over with a beautiful scoot from dummy-half. Shifting their focus to the Souths left edge, the Storm created two tries for George Jennings in the 49th and 57th minutes. Several repeat sets on the Souths line set up Addo-Carr's fifth through another overlap in the 66th minute before some broken play set up the winger's sixth in the 71st. The only worry for the Storm was Brandon Smith being placed on report for a late hit on Damien Cook, while Cook (knee) and Cody Walker (ankle) were each twisted awkwardly in first half tackles but were able to finish the match. SOURCE: NRL News

Published on May 7, 2021

https://pnghausbung.com/roosters-return-negative-tests-covid-protocols-back-after-sydney-cases/

Published on May 7, 2021

ROOSTERS RETURN NEGATIVE TESTS; COVID PROTOCOLS BACK AFTER SYDNEY CASES

Sydney Roosters players have all returned negative results after undergoing COVID-19 tests on Thursday. The Roosters playing squad and staff were tested ahead of Friday night's match against Parramatta after a number of venues near the club's headquarters at Moore Park were visited by a confirmed case on Monday. Among them was a cafe frequented by Roosters players but it is understood they were having lunch in Bondi at the time the man, aged in his 50s, attended the venue at the Entertainment Quarter. NRL players have returned to level three COVID protocols following two positive cases in Sydney's eastern suburb. The NRL advised clubs of the restrictions after the NSW Government announced a raft of measures for the Greater Sydney area from 5pm Thursday until 12.01am Monday. Staff at the club were told to work from home on Thursday. Players will be restricted from visiting crowded venues, such as shopping centres, attending family gatherings and using public transport after the NRL re-introduced the level three protocols. Players, staff and officials at all Sydney-based clubs as well as the Melbourne Storm, who are currently in Sydney, must remain at home unless training, exercising or shopping for essential needs. There will also be restrictions in place at games, with venues divided into clean and dirty zones and media prohibited from entering dressing rooms. Temperature testing will take place at matches and players and officials must provide a daily report of their whereabouts. "These are strong measures to ensure our players remain healthy and the competition can proceed without interruption,'' NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said. "We are hopeful Level 3 restrictions will only be implemented for a short time, but it is important to take this step as a safeguard measure, particularly with all clubs travelling to Brisbane next week. "The restrictions we have put in place also reduces the risk of a player attending a venue which may lead them to being identified as a close or casual contact." With all teams due to travel to Brisbane next weekend for Magic Round and the opening State of Origin match to be played at the MCG on June 9, the NRL is monitoring the situation closely. After implementing protocols to ensure the 2020 season was completed without incident, including using chartered planes for teams to fly in and out of interstate matches, the NRL has contingency plans in place for almost any scenario. Any further cases in Sydney are unlikely to impact on the number of fans allowed to attend Suncorp Stadium for Magic Round or Origin I in Melbourne.

Published on May 7, 2021

https://pnghausbung.com/saw-it-coming-bennett-lashes-rabbitohs-slide/

Published on May 7, 2021