Newcrest Mining recognises the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on Provincial Health Authorities and their ability to respond to the pandemic, whilst maintaining routine health service delivery. In response, Newcrest has provided the New Ireland, East New Britain, and Morobe Provinces with critical medical equipment. The delivery included items such as thermometers, stethoscopes, and wheelchairs. Acting CEO of the New Ireland Provincial Health Authority, Dr Joachim Taulo thanked Newcrest Mining for continuing to support to the province. “We are better equipped to cope with the pandemic due to the regular deliveries of equipment and medicine from Newcrest, which will benefit the people of New Ireland.” The East New Britain Provincial Health Authority’s CEO Dr Aka Yap reiterated the importance of Newcrest’s assistance when the delivery was received at the Provincial Control Centre last week. Craig Jones, Newcrest’s Chief Operating Officer (PNG), reinforced Newcrest’s commitment to assisting PNG in its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Newcrest is proud to be able to continue supporting our host communities and surrounding provinces. This is an important part of our K20 million Community Support Fund through which we are seeking to do our bit to help. We are now looking forward to being able to support PNG with the preparedness for the upcoming rollout of the vaccine.” Photo caption: Handover of medical equipment from Newcrest to New Ireland Provincial Health Authority (L to R: Francis Sabadi, Newcrest; Anna Clement, NIPHA; Dr Joachim Taulo, NIPHA and Helen Sapien, NBC radio New Ireland)

Southern Highlands Province (SHP) is well- known for social and political related issues that are really affecting the livelihood of government workers, general public and gerund public properties at risk. Due to ineffective law & order and judiciary systems in the province, organized criminal activities has been an ongoing issue, despite provincial leaders made several attempts to superscribe. This was highlighted by the SHP Governor William Powi while presenting his 2018 and 2019 outstanding Provincial Services Improvement Program (PSIP) financial reports to the Department of Implementation and Rural Development (DIRD) last week. Mr. Powi stressed that recently organized criminals illegally entered and ransacked the Provincial Administration building – Agiru Centre targeting the Provincial Finance Office, destroyed computers, documents, Papua New Guinea Accounting System (PGAS) machine, computer servers and looted other relevant office stationeries, which are now subject to police investigations. He said as a result it has drastically affected effective basic service delivery in many parts of the province coupled with escalating law and order. Despite all those issues and stiff challenges being encountered in the areas of governance, administration and policy directive in the province, the provincial administration has successfully delivered the following impact projects and programs captured in the province’s rolling five year development plan 2012- 2020; Subsidizing school fees for SHP Students attending universities and collegesRolling out of Small to Medium Enterprise (SME) – potato farming projects  Rural Electrification ProgramGovernance funding allocation of K100,000 each were appropriated for Local Level Government (LLG) Presidents who are Assembly membersInfrastructure and road projects include:Pimaga Township Public Servants Housing x 5Mendi Town Police HousingWara Yalo to Mendo road rehabilitationKagua Police StationMendi Court House Re-constructionSumia- Kagua road constructionKware – Upper Nipa road constructionMaintenance of access road to Aron Health CentreBush Karinz road construction & maintenanceAgriculture Project Seed CapitalConstruction of Correctional Service (CIS) facilityBuilding double classroom for Kumin Primary SchoolLepra Rural Housing ProjectConstruction of Kagua Market & PMV StopMajor rehabilitation Wasu Cattle Ranch on existing farm The provincial government is partnering with Mendi-Menhiu, Imbonggu and Kagua- Erave District administrations or the District Development Authorities in delivering some of those impact projects highlighted above. Mr. Powi also announced that due to the COVID-19 that had recently affected the country’s economy, the provincial administration opted to subsidize parental component of the tuition fees to students attending elementary to high schools in Southern Highlands including vocational training in 2021 while the National Government is meeting its 60 per cent component.    Under Powi’s leadership, the provincial government had budgeted K10 million which will be remitted to all elementary, primary, secondary and high school’s account forthwith to relief struggling parents and guidance.  “I prioritised education as one of the key human resources development in the province going forward which would like to see educated elites and thus investing more so that they can be part of our development process, as such we have been subsidizing fees for students since 2018 – 2019 and will continue to 2021”, he said.  DIRD Deputy Secretary of the Project Implementation Wing Gordon Wafimbi thanked Governor Powi who accompanied by his provincial administrator Joseph Cajetan and Treasurer Kevin Puruno for furnishing their outstanding 2018 and 2019 PSIP reports that will form the basis for monitoring and evaluation. Mr. Wafimbi said department will appraise, cross examine with those financial information and report to the government accordingly.   The DIRD continuously provides technical advice and policy advice on a daily basis and maintains close dialogue with the Administrators, Finance Managers and political leaders so they are fully aware of Administrative Guidelines and Financial Instructions to avoid legal implication.

National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop has welcomed the announcement by Prime Minister James Marape calling for Central Province to work with NCDC for mutual benefit during the launching of the Central Province’s Corporate Plan. "I have always asked for a plan so NCD can work closely with neighbouring provinces for the greater good of our capital city, the Southern Region and for Papua New Guinea." "I am also ready to support them in any way I can for them to achieve their vision. Prime Minister is right in saying that Central Province has lot of opportunities for being close to Port Moresby and the potential appreciation in the value of their land as the Capital City’s infrastructure grows." Governor Parkop said in relation to the misinformation spread on social media about the GST distribution, he said; "I want to set the records straight. NCDC is NOT obligated to pay GST to Central Province. I repeat - we are NOT obligated to pay GST and NEVER was." NCDC has been assisting the Central Province with CASH grants ever since we were established. The recent assistance ranges on an average of K13 to K14 million per year. All the records on these payments are available and can be provided where necessary. In the past NCDC Act was amended contrary to the essence of the agreed revenue distribution strategy as promulgated in the Inter-Governmental Relations (Functions and Funding) Financing Act. Due to the inconsistency and the technical errors in the unilateral amendments, NCDC continued to honour the legally mandated provision of sharing 5% of our GST with Central Province. The legal battle initiated by the Central Government resulted in the Supreme Court making its final decision that NCDC is NOT responsible for paying any GST to Central Province (SCA 89 of 2013 and SC1429 of 2015) besides prohibiting IRC from taking any money out of NCD’s share for Central Province. The two important decisions of the Supreme Court pertaining to the findings and orders in their judgment that must be adhered to are; Firstly, that NCDC is not responsible for paying GST to Central Province from its share; Secondly, it is IRC's responsibility to work out how they pay and whose share of GST to pay to Central Province, The effect of this judgment is that Treasury Department has no choice except to pay any money to Central Province through budgetary appropriation. IRC, however, cannot pay anything directly to Central Province except the distribution that belongs to Central Province. The amendments made to Section 45(1) of the Inter-Governmental Relations (Functions and Funding) Financing Act (IGRFA) restrains IRC from deviating the formula of GST distribution set by the Law. "In this regard, I welcome the announcement by the Prime Minister directing the Treasury to sort out financial issues of Central Province, as it puts to an end to this continuous misrepresentation that NCDC is responsible for GST payment to Central Province or IRC to pay out of NCD’s share; neither is legal,"said Parkop Port Moresby or NCD was built on the back and resources of the entire people of PNG. It is their legitimate Capital and that of the Motu Koitabu people who reside in the City boundaries. "We are here to help all our Provinces including Central Province but we have a legal, political and moral responsibility to maintain the status and pride of the City as our Nation’s Capital until Parliament in its wisdom decides otherwise." "As Governor of our great Capital City, Port Moresby, I am committed and determined to maintaining that status." "I stand ready to cooperate and assist Central Province in any manner that enable them to deliver a Capital City of their own, linking cities and towns in the Southern region and making it a destination for tourists and investors alike. It is a privilege to be able to serve our people; therefore, let’s join hands for the greater good of our country and our future generations."

STOMA care sessions facilitated by the PNG Stoma Association will commence on Wednesday March 3, 2021 at the Christian Women’s Association, 3 mile (behind Paradise Private Hospital). Depending on the attendance and the need thereafter, more sessions will be held every first Wednesday of the month up to November. The PNG Stoma Association (PNGSA) is run by Janet Yaki and has been assisting Ostomates since 2011. Janet, an Ostomate herself, saw the need to assist people left with this condition after life-saving surgeries that resulted in parts of their bowels being removed due to diseases such as colon cancer and thus now require the use of colostomy and urostomy bags to remove waste. Many every day Papua New Guineans with this condition cannot afford to buy stoma appliances due to the high cost in the country, and also do not have the know-how to use the bags and care for themselves, as their care and rehabilitation after surgery is not currently officially recognised by the national health system. The 2 hour sessions will be held from 10am to 12 midday and will include information on the correct appliances to use, how to care for a stoma (wound or opening) and how to care for others (children or the elderly) with the condition. Mrs Yaki said that with the pandemic, the association has only received a few donations of colostomy bags and other appliances over the past year and Ostomates will have to learn how to use their supplies wisely so they are not wasted or damaged. Ostomates are encouraged to contact the PNG Stoma Association via the Facebook page or on email pngstoma.assn@gmail.com to register, receive stoma appliances or attend the sessions. All other enquiries can also be made via these channels. The PNG Stoma Association is always in need of assistance to be able to continue their work and donations are welcome. Mrs Yaki encourages all Ostomates and their care givers to attend and says their cooperation will be greatly appreciated.

The National Airport Corporation’s Project Implementation Unit (PIU) continues to play a crucial role in carrying out major improvements to key high impact projects under the Civil Aviation Development Investment Program (CADIP) in the 21 national airports in PNG. Thanks to the Government of Papua New Guinean and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for their continued partnership in financing the implementation of key airport projects in the country. Their amalgamated support continues to serve the purpose of CADIP which is to improve the country’s aviation infrastructure to ensure operational safety and security compliance to ICAO standards and regulations as administered by CASA PNG. The Madang Airport in Madang Province is one of the key airports in the country undergoing major upgrade to its airport facilities. The Contract for the development of the airport was awarded to HBS- ESSAR JV in 2018 at the value of K77.5 million. Major scope of works for the Madang Airport Upgrade include; Strengthening of the all-existing pavements; Construction of new apron and stub taxiway; Construction of new parallel taxiway; Provision of New Airfield Lighting Systems  Provision of New Airfield Lighting Systems Construction of flight strip; Supply and installment of new security fencing; Construction of new terminal building; Construction of new Airport Fire Station; and Refurbishment to other existing Facilities Other associated works. Work on the project had picked up well in the 4th quarter of 2020, after the effect of COVID – 19 which had delayed the work progress at the site. Hence, with the ADB’s Multi- tranche Financing Facility (MFF) loan expiring on the 24th of November 2021, the NAC/CADIP team, Contractors and the Construction Supervision Consultants are working tirelessly on the ground to ensure that this important project gets completed on time and before the ADB Multi-Tranche Financing Facility or MFF closes. CADIP was initiated by the Government of Papua New Guinea (GoPNG) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in 2009 at a cost of K1.67 billion. This 12-year program is funded through the ADB MultiTranche Financing Facility (MFF) loan of K1.4 billion and GoPNG’s counterpart funding of K221million. The CADIP has been delivered through Tranche 1, 2 and 3 tranches or series of projects. The Madang Airport upgrade project is being implemented under the Tranche 3 MFF Loan.

With the recent changes to on-board new members via the Employer Portal by payroll officers as part of improving the efficiency of the process, the NASFUND Savings and Loans Society (NCSL) is now urging employers not yet registered on the employer portal to do so in 2021. Chief Executive Officer Vari Lahui said there are 830 organisations currently registered to access their employee information through the portal and he looked forward to also welcoming those employers that areyet to register. Mr. Lahui said that registration to access the employer portal will allow employers to view their employees’ member details and access online service for quicker remittance of member contributions. This is in line with the promise of continuously improving services and products for the convenience and benefit of members, and this refined process of on boarding new members on the Online services provided tomembers and employers was another example of the enhanced value proposition. “This improved process will now enable over 1,000 registered employers both in private and public service throughout Papua New Guinea to register their non-ncsl employees in real time when updating member details and remitting member contributions on a fortnightly or monthly basis. With this enhanced process, employers will have the opportunity to register their ncsl registered employees with appropriate valid IDs enabling easy access to ncsl products and services”. “All such enhancements are part of improved services to complement ncsl’s recently-launched new corporate look towards realising its vision to be the best electronic bank in the country”, he said. For more information on this article, please contact Ms. Kessie Tadap – Media & Communications Officer on 313 2055 or email ktadap@ncsl.com.pg.

New Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan has extended prayers of hope to his friend, fellow founding father and senior statesman Sir Michael Somare whom he learnt has been diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer. Sir J thinking of his dear friend, said Sir Michael is a determined, brave and visionary person. He recalled back to the early days of nationhood how they ventured into the unknown taking a thousand tribes with them to form the United Nation of Papua New Guinea. “We came 45 years ago, setting the foundation for stability, Growth, Advancement and Education. We may sometimes be divided politically but always United.” “We in New Ireland will pray with your family and all well wishers around PNG and the World.” Sir J last and Sir Michael celebrated together during the Grand Opening of the New Ireland Legislative in September last year.

Kina Bank customers with bemobile sim cards can now access the Kina Konnect mobile banking service on their mobile phone. The Kina Konnect mobile banking service is a simple and secure banking solution that gives customers the ability to bank on the go. Transferring funds, topping up mobile phone credits and esi pay, making payments, viewing mini bank statements and checking personal account balance is now available to customers with bemobile sim cards. Ensuring our customers can conveniently do their everyday banking with confidence is our priority, Ivan Vidovich Kina Bank’s Chief Transformation Officer said. “Having Kina Konnect on the bemobile network is placing mobile banking solutions in the hands of more of our customers. We’re very proud to announce this to the market.” Konnect also has a self-service feature that allows customers to change their PIN at any time, manage frequent payments and set language preferences. To access Konnect customers will simply register their sim cards at their nearest Kina Bank branch, then dial *525# to activatethe service. The service is available 24/7. Ivan Vidovich, Chief Transformation Officer for Kina Bank

The Controller of the PNG COVID-19 National Pandemic Response David Manning and two members of his family have tested positive for COVID-19 and are currently in isolation. Mr Manning said that his COVID-19 results including those of the two members of his family were confirmed on Saturday 20 February. Mr Manning said, “Given the nature of my job as the Controller and the high level of exposure this was bound to happen sooner or later. “As per COVID-19 protocols we are now in isolation. The only people who will have access to us will be the medical teams from the National Department of Health. “The Surveillance and Monitoring team of NDOH have also begun contact tracing as well. All those people whom I have had contact with in the recent past will be tested as well.” Mr Manning said that he has always been impressing upon the need for citizens to do COVID-19 tests so that they can know their status and protect their family. “I have been telling people to be tested for COVID-19 and as the Controller I had to take the test. I am glad I did so I am now taking measures to protect my family. “I urge everyone to go to your nearest health centre and get tested. It is by knowing your status you can then take steps to protect your loved ones, especially the most vulnerable including the old and those with existing medical conditions. “Do not be afraid. COVID-19 is like getting the flu but it is five times worse and lasts a bit longer. Being tested positive for COVID-19 is not a death sentence. Statistics have indicated most people have recovered from COVID-19,” Mr Manning said. Meanwhile the Controller expressed serious concerns about the low number of COVID-19 tests being done in PNG. “Our COVID-19 response is more than 12 months in place but we have only tested about 50,000 people. This is roughly 0.5 per cent of the PNG population. I want to see more tests being done around the country so that we can have a fair idea of where the pandemic is in PNG and take measures to mitigate and contain it,” Mr Manning said. In conclusion Mr Manning reminded citizens to be vigilant and strictly follow all the COVID-19 health protocols including the wearing of face masks, social distancing, avoiding crowds, coughing into elbows and washing or sanitizing of hands.

Controller of the PNG COVID-19 National Pandemic Response David Manning and two members of his family have tested positive for COVID-19 and are currently in isolation. Mr Manning said that his COVID-19 results including those of the two members of his family were confirmed on Saturday 20 February. Mr Manning said, “Given the nature of my job as the Controller and the high level of exposure this was bound to happen sooner or later. Contiune to practise Covid19 safety measures and keep listening to the news on this station and follow out news website: pnghausbung.com for more on this story.

The Somare family has announced with sadness that their father and PNG's Founding Father Sir Michael Somare had befallen a serious illness of pancreatic cancer which is at a critical stage. The family along with his medical teams are giving him the utmost care that he deserves in Port Moresby. “After comprehensive consultation to ensure all clinical opportunities were exhausted in every jurisdiction with the competencies able to treat the critical stage of this form of cancer, the family in consultation with the Grand chief and Lady Veronica have settled with offering the best palliative care and nutritional and dietary care in PNG," a statement said. “Due to the numerous enquiries, we thought it best to be forthright so the public knows the exact extent of this terrible illness." “Many families have experienced such grief and today it's our turn. We, thus take this opportunity to thank the many Papua New Guineans that have sent in their well wishes and prayers for the health and well-being of Sir Michael and Lady Veronica." “We as a family continue to ask people of Papua New Guinea for your prayers for Sir Michael and all others that are critically ill and suffering quietly around the country." Photo sourced: pmnec.gov.pg

Papua New Guinea reported 59 new cases of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on Friday 19th increasing the country’s total cases to 1,029. The latest cases were reported in Western Province, West Sepik and in the National Capital District. Of the 47 total cases reported in Western Province, 37 are male, nine female and one unknown. The youngest of the 47 cases was 11-year-old whilst the oldest was 53. Forty-three of the 47 cases showed symptoms of COVID-19 virus whilst four did not show symptoms at the time of testing. They were all detected by the Ok Tedi Mine through testing at the entry point into Tabubil. In West Sepik, nine cases were reported of which seven are male and two females, ages ranging from 18 to 65 years. Eight out of the nine cases did not show symptoms of COVID-19 virus at the time of testing. At the time of testing one case was showing symptoms of COVID-19. All nine cases are from the Vanimo Green electorate. In the NCD, three cases were reported. All cases are male, ages ranging from 47 to 61 years. Two out of the three cases showed symptoms of COVID-19 virus whilst one did not at the time of testing. All three cases returned from a recent trip to Madang, Morobe and New Ireland provinces. As of Friday 19 February 2021, the country's COVID-19 cases stands at 1,029 with 10 known deaths. A total of 47,490 people have tested for COVID-19. Eight hundred and forty-six people have recovered whilst 380 samples are pending at the laboratories. One hundred and sixty-four active cases are in isolation. Seventeen provinces including the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB) have reported cases. The distribution of the cases is as follows: Provinces                        Confirmed Cases NCD                                 386 Western Province            280 West New Britain             194 East New Britain               34 Madang                            34 West Sepik                       25 New Ireland                      22 Eastern Highlands           13 Central                             11 Western Highlands          10 Morobe                             9 East Sepik                        3 Enga                                3 Milne Bay                         2 AROB                              1 Hela Province                  1 SHP                                 1 TOTAL                             1,029 Globally, the total confirmed cases of COVID-19 has reached 109,594,835 including 363,654 new cases reported in the last 24 hours. The death toll is 2,424,060 of which 9,619 were reported in the last 24 hours.