PNG Haus Bung

NASFUND COMMENDS GOVERNMENT ON PORGERA MINE DEVELOPMENT

The National Superannuation Fund (Nasfund) has welcomed the announcement by Government of the impending reopening of the Porgera Gold Mine in Enga Province. In an announcement on Sunday April 7, 2020, Prime Minister James Marape stated that operations would soon recommence, under the SML granted to Kumul Minerals, with former mine operator Barrick Niugini Ltd to be a part of the new-look operations at Porgera, with an agreement to formalize this, expected to be signed soon. In acknowledging this development, Nasfund CEO Ian Tarutia, says the decision by Government to work together with former Porgera developer Barrick Niugini Limited is one that bodes well for the future of the mine, and its employees. “Following the closure of Porgera in April 2020, many direct employees and contractors have been hard hit, with the Fund playing our part in providing relief through unemployment benefit payments for eligible members. Whilst we continue to support our members through our service offering, we also remind our members that superannuation should only be utilized when you retire, not whilst you are still within the age of active employment. Especially against the backdrop of limited high impact economic activity, this announcement by Government is welcome, as it will boost investor confidence in PNG’s economy, but more importantly provide jobs for many, most of whom are our members. As the superannuation fund serving the majority of employers, employees and contractors in Porgera, we are pleased that steps are being taken to restart the mine operations. We look forward to welcoming back our contributing members when Porgera restarts operations. Nasfund stands ready to partner with you to ensure you are ready for retirement.”

Published on April 8, 2021

https://pnghausbung.com/nasfund-to-host-2021-online-employer-conference/

Published on April 8, 2021

NASFUND TO HOST 2021 ONLINE EMPLOYER CONFERENCE

As part its membership engagement, the National Superannuation Fund Limited (Nasfund) willbe hosting its 2021 Online Employer Conference.Scheduled for Wednesday April 14, 2021, the e-conference will enable the Fund to provideupdates to its membership on what it is doing to safeguard, grow, and add value to its members.According to Nasfund CEO Ian Tarutia, this event is part of the Fund’s efforts in engaging morewith members, in the “New Normal”.“Nasfund hosted its inaugural online-employer conference in September 2020. This eventproved to be successful, with a combined viewership of over 10,000 members throughout thecountry, and abroad.Given the current COVID-19 imposed restrictions on gatherings, we are again utilizing onlineplatforms to continue engagement with our members. .Registration for this event has commenced, with Invitations sent to representatives from ourcontributing employers.Whilst the Online Employer conference will be hosted primarily via Zoom, members can alsojoin in the discussions which will be streamed on Facebook, and YouTube. Updates during thisconference will also be provided on our LinkedIn and Twitter Accounts.It is important that our members receive first-hand information on what the Fund has done tosafeguard their retirement savings, especially during this trying Covid 19 times. Moreimportantly what the Funds expectations are in 2021 and beyond.Members will also be given the opportunity to ask questions to the Fund on various aspects ofthe fund’s operations.We encourage all our contributing employers, and members to sign up for this event.”Members are encouraged to register for Nasfund’s 2021 Online Employer Conference via theFund’s social media accounts.

Published on April 8, 2021

https://pnghausbung.com/hunters-set-for-first-away-trip-of-cup-season/

Published on April 8, 2021

HUNTERS SET FOR FIRST AWAY TRIP OF CUP SEASON

SP PNG Hunters feel like their “pre-season” has finished as they prepare to hit the road for their first away match of the Intrust Super Cup season in Mackay on Saturday night. The Hunters went into last weekend’s Easter break with a 1-1 win-loss record after their narrow loss to Wynnum Manly and strong win over Ipswich Jets. It was an encouraging start from the Hunters after they were unable to play any pre-season matches because of COVID quarantine restrictions while most of their Intrust Super Cup rivals played three trial games. Hunters coach Matt Church said his squad felt well-prepared for the remainder of a season that will feature more byes following a change in schedule due to last year’s COVID problems. “We’ve got three matches now before another break and then three matches again before a bye so we’re looking at the season in blocks,” Church said. “But we really feel as though we’ve got our pre-season done now because we’ve had the chance to play together, adjust to new rules and improve our match fitness. “That’s really important because the Intrust Super Cup is such a tough competition. If you’re five or 10 per cent off your best in any game, you’re going to struggle to win so we’re happy that we’ve made good progress in the last few weeks.” The Hunters will arrive in Mackay to play a Cutters’ team that lost its opening two matches – a narrow loss to premiership heavyweights Redcliffe before showing impressive patches in a loss to defending champions Burleigh Bears on the road. Church said the Cutters were always dangerous, especially when boosted by their loyal supporters at the impressive BB Print Stadium. But the Hunters will have their own support with Mackay’s PNG community set to turn out in numbers for their team. “The Mackay PNG community have been in touch with us and we’re hopeful that about 200 or so Hunters supporters will be there which will be a real boost for our players,” Church said. “The Cutters have a big pack through the middle so we know that we’re going to have to be physical again. The players are ready to go so we’re looking forward to it.” Emmanuel Waine comes into the backrow for the Hunters in the only change to the starting team following the win over the Jets. “Emmanuel has played in the middle for us in the first two games off the bench and shown strong commitment but he’ll be back in a more familiar position on the edge this weekend,” Church said. “He’s one of the players in our squad who has continued to progress well and he deserves his chance in the starting team against Mackay.”

Published on April 8, 2021

https://pnghausbung.com/air-niugini-female-staff-attains-masters-in-information-technology/

Published on April 8, 2021

AIR NIUGINI FEMALE STAFF ATTAINS MASTERS IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Air Niugini continues to promote gender equality in the workplace by encouraging more female staff to further their knowledge in their respective fields. This has seen a female staff from the Information Technology (IT) Department, Marisa Kuypers who is the IT Projects and Strategy Manager for the airline, recently attain her Masters in IT. Ms Kuypers achievement demonstrates Air Niugini Management’s commitment in promoting gender equality, based on merit, where more women are being encouraged and supported to further their education and also take on managerial positions within the airline. She successfully completed her Masters in IT majoring in Enterprise Systems at the Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, Australia. She commenced her studies in January 2019 and completed the Masters program in December 2020 with outstanding results. She was admitted to the Dean’s list of Students with Excellent Academic Performance from the QUT Science and Engineering Faculty in her final year semester one (1), 2020. Ms Kuypers said the AusAid scholarship program was an opportunity to take because the goals and objectives behind it is to help in the development of the country. She explained Air Niugini is an air transport service provider that enables development to progress and also contributes to the country’s revenue thus needs good professional leaders to consistently make good change. The course she majored in, Enterprise Systems is indeed needed in the rapidly changing e-business world. Ms Kuypers said, “The Masters program was made up of a combination of Business process management, networking, research, project management and many other IT units. It has provided me with an in-depth knowledge in the field of IT which I am currently applying these skills in what I do at Air Niugini.” Ms Kuypers returned to work with the company after completing the 18 months study. She has been with the company for five years now since she started in 2013 as an IT business Systems Analyst. She now works in the Applications support section of the IT department providing support for the company’s software applications and also provide IT solutions to the business where needed. “I am grateful for what I have achieved and would like to contribute to the success of Air Niugini by improving some of the business processes and systems, ensuring our systems are aligned with the business objectives,” she said. Air Niugini Chief Executive Officer, Mr Bruce Alabaster congratulated Ms Kuypers on her remarkable achievement. He said, “Workwise, Marisa also stands out and is a great asset to Air Niugini and also the country. Air Niugini is very proud to have a person of Marisa’s capability and her academic achievement is noteworthy. “Furthermore, Marisa being a female also demonstrates Air Niugini’s desire in promoting and encouraging gender equality,” Mr Alabaster added. Hailing from a mix parentage of Buin in South Bougainville and the Netherlands, Ms Kuypers grew up in Bougainville during the crises where she completed primary school. After the Bougainville crisis, she moved to Port Moresby to attend girls Catholic boarding school Marianville High, where she completed Year 10. She then completed Grade 11 and 12 at Aiyura National High School then attained her Bachelor’s degree in IT at the University of Papua New Guinea. Ms Kuypers believes education is key to the future of Papua New Guinea, and encouraged her colleagues to further their knowledge and studies when they get the chance to as the country needs it. She added that setting your goals, time management and some motivation is key to succeed in studies to achieving your goals. Ms Kuypers acknowledged and thanked the Australia Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australia Awards PNG and the Air Niugini Management for the support and encouragement that has enabled her to complete the Masters program.

Published on April 8, 2021

https://pnghausbung.com/cricket-png-has-announced-a-change-to-their-board-welcoming-phillippe-allen-to-the-board-following-the-resignation-of-justin-mcgann/

Published on April 8, 2021

CRICKET PNG HAS ANNOUNCED A CHANGE TO THEIR BOARD WELCOMING PHILLIPPE ALLEN TO THE BOARD FOLLOWING THE RESIGNATION OF JUSTIN MCGANN.

After serving cricket in PNG for the past six years Mr McGann, General Manager of Curtain Brothers, tendered his resignation due to changing circumstances depriving him of his time he wished to commit to his CPNG Board activities. CPNG CEO, Greg Campbell thanked Mr McGann “Justin has been an exceptional board member over a long period, he has been instrumental in driving cricket success and development in PNG particularly in areas of infrastructure. He and Curtain Bros have been fantastic supporters of our sport and will continue to do so despite his resignation from the formal Board position”. Helen Macindoe, CPNG Chair, also thanked McGann “on behalf of the Board we wish to sincerely thank Justin for his wonderful service to CPNG, his dedication, drive and direction will be sorely missed at Board level. We wish him well and will no doubt still see him around Cricket Haus”. Mrs Macindoe then welcomed Mr Phillippe Allen to the CPNG Board “we are pleased to announce Phillippe as Justin’s replacement, Phillippe has an extensive business and professional resume, he has had a long association with PNG and a passion for cricket. The Board is confident we have found an excellent replacement who will bring value and expertise”. Mr Allen is the Executive Director of ABT Associates – the largest private sector company providing development assistance across PNG. In his 10 years association with PNG he has also worked in a number of roles, most recently with the Oil Search Foundation (OSF) where he was instrumental in forming a partnership with CPNG for their community outreach programs. Mr Allen is also qualified Lawyer with experience on several Boards. When questioned on his appointment “I’m excited to get involved with CPNG and to help grow the game. I have travelled extensively throughout the country; I have seen the values and benefits of CPNG’s community development programs. I have also witnessed the untapped talent in the provinces just waiting to be discovered and integrated. I understand the role of a director and of the Board to provide strong support and governance to enable continued success on the international stage. Our national teams are doing PNG proud, it’s a privilege and honour to be able to help through my appointment”. Campbell believes “Phillippe will be an asset to Cricket PNG as we move into a critical period of growth in our game on the back of our first ICC T20 World Cup with the Barras. The Board has just conducted a Special General Meeting where amendments were passed to strengthen our constitution, good governance and transparency is a key to success. We have a talented and dedicated board, Phillippe’s addition as well as recently appointed Captain Tico Narara have only strengthened our position”.

Published on April 8, 2021

https://pnghausbung.com/police-commissioner-and-controller-of-the-papua-new-guinea-covid-19-national-pandemic-response-david-manning-has-called-on-people-to-faithfully-follow-the-niupela-pasin-as-the-countr/

Published on April 8, 2021

CONTROLLER CALLS ON PEOPLE TO FAITHFULLY FOLLOW THE “NIUPELA PASIN” AS THE COUNTRY RECORDS ONE MORE COVID-19 DEATH

The death, which was recorded in the last 24 hours ending 12 midday on Tuesday April 6, increases the total number of COVID-19 deaths in PNG to 68. A 40-year-old female from New Ireland province died from COVID-19 bringing the total number of deaths in New Ireland to two. To date, the National Capital District has recorded 52 deaths whilst Morobe and West Sepik recorded three deaths. New Ireland, West New Britain, Western Highlands and Western province recorded two deaths each whilst Enga and Jiwaka reported a death each bringing the total number of deaths from COVID-19 to 68. PNG also recorded 229 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday April 6, increasing the total number of cases to 7,634. As the death toll and cases continue to rise, the Controller of the National Pandemic Response has called on all citizens to strictly abide by the National Isolation Strategy currently being implemented. Mr Manning urged all disciplinary forces, health workers and other agencies of the government involved in enforcing the national isolation strategy to ensure that citizens strictly comply with the strategy and measures in the New Normal. He urged every citizen to take ownership of their own health in ensuring that masks are worn at all times, public spacing of at least 1.5 metres is maintained, and that they continue to wash hands on a regular basis with soap or hand sanitizers. The country’s COVID-19 cases now stand at 7,634 with 68 known deaths. Twenty-one provinces including the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB) have reported cases. The distribution of the cases is as follows: NCD New cases: 83 Sex: 45 males, 38 females Age range: 3-68 years. Symptomatic: 46 Asymptomatic: 37 Deaths: 52 Total Cases: 3,142 Western Highlands Province New cases: 43 Sex: 24 males, 19 females Age range: 2-74 years. Symptomatic: 23 Asymptomatic: 30 Deaths: 2 Total Cases: 237 East New Britain Province New cases: 23 Sex: 8 males, 15 females Age range: 22-61 years. Symptomatic: 9 Asymptomatic: 14 Deaths: Total Cases: 294 Autonomous Region of Bougainville New cases: 14 Sex: 9 males, 5 females Age range: 28-67 years. Symptomatic: 11 Asymptomatic: 3 Deaths: Total Cases: 119 Eastern Highlands Province New cases: 12 Sex: 7 males, 4 females, 1 not stated Age range: 25-57 years. Symptomatic: 2 Asymptomatic: 7 Deaths: Total Cases: 314 Morobe Province New cases: 10 Sex: 5 males, 5 females Age range: 23-63 years. Symptomatic: 8 Asymptomatic: 2 Deaths: 3 Total Cases: 358 Western Province New cases: 9 Sex: 7 males, 2 females Age range: 23-59 years. Symptomatic: 2 Asymptomatic: 7 Deaths: 2 Total Cases: 1,971 East New Britain Province New cases: 23 Sex: 8 males, 15 females Age range: 22-61 years. Symptomatic: 9 Asymptomatic: 14 Deaths: Total Cases: 294 Autonomous Region of Bougainville New cases: 14 Sex: 9 males, 5 females Age range: 28-67 years. Symptomatic: 11 Asymptomatic: 3 Deaths: Total Cases: 119 Eastern Highlands Province New cases: 12 Sex: 7 males, 4 females, 1 not stated Age range: 25-57 years. Symptomatic: 2 Asymptomatic: 7 Deaths: Total Cases: 314 Morobe Province New cases: 10 Sex: 5 males, 5 females Age range: 23-63 years. Symptomatic: 8 Asymptomatic: 2 Deaths: 3 Total Cases: 358 Western Province New cases: 9 Sex: 7 males, 2 females Age range: 23-59 years. Symptomatic: 2 Asymptomatic: 7 Deaths: 2 Total Cases: 1,971 Central Province New cases: 7 Sex: 4 males, 3 females Age range: 30-76 years. Symptomatic: 4 Asymptomatic: 3 Deaths: Total Cases: 100 Enga Province New cases: 7 Sex: 4 males, 3 females Age range: 26-62 years. Symptomatic: 2 Asymptomatic: 5 Deaths: 1 Total Cases: 65 Jiwaka Province New cases: 7 Sex: 4 males, females Age range: 32-70 years. Symptomatic: 7 Asymptomatic: - Deaths: 1 Total Cases: 40 West New Britain Province New cases: 7 Sex: 3 males, 4 females Age range: 24-60 years. Symptomatic: 4 Asymptomatic: 3 Deaths: 2 Total Cases: 221 West Sepik Province New cases: 5 Sex: 5 males, - females Age range: 40-53 years. Symptomatic: - Asymptomatic: 5 Deaths: 3 Total Cases: 354 Hela Province New cases: 1 Sex: 1 male, - female Age range: 7 years. Symptomatic: - Asymptomatic: 1 Deaths: - Total Cases: 26 Milne Bay Province New cases: 1 Sex: - males,1 female Age range: 35 years. Symptomatic: - Asymptomatic: 1 Deaths: - Total Cases: 14 New Ireland Total Cases: 89 Deaths: 2 deaths East Sepik - 72; Madang - 71; Southern Highlands – 66 Simbu – 65 Gulf – 13 Northern - 3. Globally, the total confirmed cases of COVID-19 has reached 131,020,967 including 561,783 new cases reported in the last 24 hours. The global death toll is 2,850,521 of which 8,196 were reported in the last 24 hours.

Published on April 8, 2021

https://pnghausbung.com/fairprice-easter-giveaway/

Published on April 8, 2021