PNG Haus Bung

MINISTER FOR IMMIGRATION AND BORDER SECURITY COMMENDS PASSAGE OF HISTORIC LEGISLATIVE REFORM

Minister for Immigration and Border Security, the Hon. Westly Nukundi Nukundj, MP has today commended Parliament on the passage of legislation to amend the Immigration and Citizenship Authority Act and the Employment of Non- Citizen’s Act. “These amendments will enable the transfer of the work permit function from the Department of Labour and Industrial Relations to the Immigration and Citizenship Authority. This delivers on the long-standing commitment of successive governments to establish a true one-stop-shop for the administration and regulation of foreign workers”, Mr Nukundj said. Speaking earlier today, the Minister noted that these amendments were first proposed as far back as 15 years ago, and that it had always been intended that the Immigration & Citizenship Authority take over the function. “When the Immigration and Citizenship Service Authority was established in 2010, it was envisaged that the work permit function would move across to the new entity. Unfortunately, this never happened, with public servants becoming territorial and deliberately blocking attempts by the Government to amend relevant laws. “But now, the Marape Government has delivered on this reform which will not only provide much needed relief and removal of red tape for the legitimate business community, but significantly improve our border security, compliance and enforcement capacity”, Mr Nukundj said. Implementation of the new arrangements will see the work permit function become a division of the Immigration and Citizenship Authority, and over time, systems, laws and regulations will be aligned to enable a more integrated and streamlined process. “This does not mean that the Department of Labour will no longer play a role. The Department will continue to administer the legal framework in regard to the classification of occupations and reserved positions, with the Secretary for Labour to join the Immigration and Citizenship Authority Service Advisory Board”, the Minister said. Minister Nukundj thanked his colleague, Minister for Labour and Industrial Relations, Hon. Tomaik Kapili, MP for supporting the reform process. “I look forward to working with Minister Kapili in implementing this critical change and ensuring that we protect jobs that should rightfully be given to Papua New Guinean workers, whilst at the same time also ensuring we maintain the integrity of our border and combat transnational crime”, Mr Nukundj said.

Published on April 22, 2021

KOKODA TRACK A MONUMENT TO ENDURING PNG-AUSTRALIA FRIENDSHIP

On Anzac Day Australia will reflect on the legacy of World War II, and recall the shared history and celebrate the special bonds created between Papua New Guineans and Australians during the conflict. These bonds are embodied in the iconic Kokoda Track, a monument to the friendship, courage, endurance and sacrifice that both countries demonstrated during World War II in defence of our shared values. While Covid-19 has interrupted the thousands of trekkers who would usually walk the Track, the PNG National Museum and Art Gallery (NMAG) continues to preserve, protect and promote the military and cultural heritage of the Kokoda Track and surrounding area. This work forms part of the Kokoda Initiative – a partnership between the governments of PNG and Australia to conserve the special military, cultural and environmental values of the Kokoda Track, Brown River Catchment and Owen Stanley Ranges, and improve the livelihoods of the people living along the Track. NMAG Director Dr Andrew Moutu has said that: “The historical items scattered along the Kokoda Track and beyond are not just remnants from the war, they are treasures and memories of an event that prompted the emergence of our nation”. NMAG has worked with local communities along the Track to build museums at Efogi, Alola and Buna on the Northern Beachheads of Oro Province. These museums protect collections of war relics, are a place for tourists and locals to visit, and a gathering place for communities. Other collections of artefacts in remote locations have also been secured and protected at Ioribaiwa Ridge and at Guvava near Alola, with another protective structure in the works for Fabula (Vabula Ridge) between Eora Creek Campground and Templeton’s Crossing. NMAG is also undertaking long-term work at the Etoa Battlefield site above Eora Creek, and working with landowners and the community to develop the site for visitors and to protect its special heritage. The project was also the subject of an award-winning film – ETOA: A Kokoda Track Story – that has aired on NBC. NMAG modern history intern Hamaru Turia said the enthusiasm of locals shows in the delivery of the projects and sense of ownership. She said: “I’vefound that people take a great interest in learning about and preserving their local military heritage”. Landowners and community leaders are custodians of this heritage, likeCommunity Museum curators Gaksy Siossi at Efogi, Ivan Senisi at Alola, and Basil Tindeba at Buna, and on-site collection custodians like Jack Avo at Ioribaiwa, Sam Sega at Guvava and Sai Lami at Fabula This work, under the Kokoda Initiative Partnership, is geared towards improving local livelihoods through preserving and developing local heritage for tourists. Despite the difficulties presented by the Covid-19 pandemic, the governments of PNG and Australia remain committed to maintaining the Track, helping the people, and protecting the environment in the Kokoda Track region. Over seventy-five years after our people fought together in the region, the Kokoda Track continues to be an important meeting place where we can reflect on the virtues demonstrated by Papua New Guineans and Australians in times of hardship. Australians recognise that the communities living in the Kokoda region are custodians of a land that has spiritual connections for both Papua New Guineans and Australians. Every Anzac Day the famous words ‘Lest We Forget’ are recalled by Australians to recall the ultimate sacrifices made by the ANZACs, fighting alongside Papua New Guineans, including on the Kokoda Track. [pdf-embedder url="https://pnghausbung.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/210421-FEATURE-Kokoda-Track-a-monument-to-enduring-PNG-Australia-friendship.pdf" title="210421 FEATURE - Kokoda Track a monument to enduring PNG-Australia friendship"]

Published on April 22, 2021

https://pnghausbung.com/pngs-covid-19-cases-surpasses-10000-death-toll-at-91/

Published on April 21, 2021

PNG’S COVID-19 CASES SURPASSES 10,000 – DEATH TOLL AT 91

Papua New Guinea’s COVID-19 cases has now surpassed 10,000 prompting calls from the Controller of the National Pandemic Response, Police Commissioner David Manning for citizens to strictly adhere to measures in the New Normal or “Niupela Pasin”. “Our battle with the surging COVID-19 outbreak is at a critical stage and I urge every citizen to strictly comply with measures in the New Normal,” said Mr Manning. The measures in the new normal which Mr Manning made reference to are as follows: 1. Clean hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based sanitizer; 2. Keep a physical distance of at least 1.5 meters between yourself and others; 3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth; 4. Greet others with a smile, a nod or a simple hello, no handshakes, fist bumps or high fives; 5. Cough and sneeze in your bent elbow and not your hands; 6. Limit social gathering and time spent in crowded places; 7. Wear a face mask or face covering in all public places to protect yourself and others; and 8. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. The call by Mr Manning comes as cases continue to rise mostly through community transmission. PNG recorded 245 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours ending 12 midday on Tuesday April 20, increasing the total number of cases to 10,197. The new cases were reported from 30 districts in 17 of PNG’s 22 provinces. Globally, the total confirmed cases of COVID-19 is 141,057,106 including 724,720 new cases reported in the last 24 hours. The global death toll is 3,015,043 including 10,955 new cases reported in the last 24 hours.

Published on April 21, 2021

BREAKING NEWS: 245 NEW COVID-19 CASES REPORTED IN LAST 24 24 HOURS: CASES REACH 10,000 MARK

This just in, 245 new COVID-19 cases have been reported in the Last 24hrs increasing the total number of COVID-19 cases in PNG to 10, 197. Death toll remains at 91. The new cases reported are from 30 districts in the 22 provinces with ages ranging from 8-80yrs old. Continue to practice COVID-19 safety protocols and keep listening to the news on this station follow our news website: pnghausbung.com

Published on April 21, 2021

https://pnghausbung.com/national-souths-basketball-league-tourney-tentative-dates-set-for-july/

Published on April 21, 2021

NATIONAL SOUTHS BASKETBALL LEAGUE TOURNEY TENTATIVE DATES SET FOR JULY

The annual National Souths Basketball League Tournament has been tentatively booked and is set to take place from the 1st – 4th July 2021 in Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province. This is a competition that has been running for over 13 years. The basketball competition is one of a few grassroots tournaments that engages majority of youths from all walks of life from rural communities in the Southern Highlands and Hela Province. “It has a very rich history in being the platform where many young talents have emerged, not only in basketball but other sports such as rugby league and soccer." That's from the tournament patron Mr Jonny Yawari. In addition, he said that it is a competition that many local businesses have also used through their sponsorship to give back to their communities that they operate in. “Political leaders have also given generously to ensure that their people participate in the tournament which has become an avenue for congregation and networking relationships." He extended apologies on behalf of his committee for not staging the tournament last year 2020 and as much as they would have loved to host the event, it was beyond their control. “It was disappointing for us when the tournament was cancelled due to the global COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions and lockdown." The Nationwide lockdown caused many businesses to scale back their operations resulting in cutting of all community sponsorship activities throughout the country and in the end, they were not able to raise enough money to host the event. “Despite all the disappointment of last year, I wish to make the announcement today that that the National Souths Basketball Tournament is back on the calendar for this year." “Given the surge in Covid-19 infections in the country, we will be writing to the National Pandemic Controller and Papua New Guinea Sports Foundation for approval to host this tournament."

Published on April 21, 2021

https://pnghausbung.com/new-artist-tuhiana-hitting-airwaves-with-tingim-yu/

Published on April 21, 2021

NEW ARTIST TUHIANA HITTING AIRWAVES WITH ‘TINGIM YU

Upcoming PNG male artist into the local Music Industry, Daniel Tuhiana, better known as ‘Tuhiana’ currently on the airwaves said that he has big plans on a new EP album and singles that he is hoping to release soon. Tuhiana, whose hit single ‘Tingim Yu’ which featured Tarvin Toune and has been one of the most voted and requested songs since February and to current is still in the Top 4, Top 8 and the Top 20 countdowns respectively on the YumiFM Radio Station. Turning 24 this year in June, Daniel who comes from a mix parentage of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Morobe and Central province said that he grew up listening to music as it was a way of escaping the cruel and busy world and that music really speaks when words could not. “Music actually helped heal me when I was growing up, back then as a little kid, I went through a lot and music was there to comfort and lift me up.” Under their label ‘Blaze1Recordz’, Daniel said that he has done a few songs with Tarvin Toune and more local artists. “Really in the music industry, it is a real hustle, we have a lot of talented powerhouse artists and everyday it is a challenge to try stand out in your own way and style with your songs and music.” At present, Daniel said that right now he is more focused on building himself as a new artist and especially with his music. With the current COVID-19 restrictions and the ban of night clubs and gatherings or more than 10 people, it has been hard for artists especially who use gigs and shows to earn an income. “This lockdown has put us all on hold and with not much gigs scheduled and not enough income gained, it is a struggle that we are now facing.” Tuhiana appreciated and thanked all his fans and supporters and all those who have been voting and requesting for his single ‘Tingim Yu’. He added to his fans that you have to stay true to yourself and to try your best to stand out on your own if you want to create something for yourself. He further thanked God for everything that he has done and accomplished so far. “Life is not easy nowadays, always focus yourself in the Lord and pray about your struggles, he will always answer and his timing is always right.” You can check out “Blaze1Recordz’ on YouTube and see some of the stuff they have produced also. Tuhiana currently is in Lae, Morobe province setting up music gigs with Tarvin Toune and the KC Band of Morobe while complying with the COVID-19 safety measures and protocols.

Published on April 21, 2021

https://pnghausbung.com/newcrest-lihir-sponsors-students/

Published on April 21, 2021

https://pnghausbung.com/usino-bundi-leading-the-way-in-education/

Published on April 21, 2021

USINO BUNDI LEADING THE WAY IN EDUCATION

“Any school aged child must go to school and in order for them to go for classes, there must be school establishments in various LLGs and districts.” “My plan in Usino Bundi, we have a plan to set up high schools in all LLGs and Usino Bundi is taking the lead.” This is from the Education Minister and Member for Usino Bundi open, Jimmy Uguro said over the weekend in Usino Bundi District. He was accompanied by the Education Secretary, Dr Uke Kombra. Bundi Primary School will be upgraded to a high school and will take its first lot of high school students next year. The Minister also did groundbreaking ceremonies for to officiate the elevation of two colleges in the district, Usino Technical College and Max David Agriculture College. Minister Uguro also said that schools in the district will be using the new 1-6-6 education reform where children will have 1 year of kindergarten, Grade 1- Grade 6 will be primary school and grades 7-12 will be in high schools/secondary schools. The District Development Authority has given financial support for the schools' upgrades and the Minister has also made several commitments to assist the schools’ operations. He thanked all teachers for complying and having suspended classes for the last for weeks due to the surge in COVID-19 cases in the country. “I welcome back to classes all our teachers and students after 4 weeks of suspension and encourage everyone to keep safe by strictly adhering to the niupla pasin protocols." He assured students and teachers that their welfare is a priority. “As a teacher by profession, I am fully aware that welfare, need and conditions and I will do anything in necessary and possible to ensure that they are catered for. “All classes should have resumed as usual with Covid-19 protocols observations.” He added that schools must pick up teaching and learning from where they stopped. He further said that school administrations, parents and students must work together. Pictures by: Jason Eugene Vinai

Published on April 21, 2021