Lawlessness within Hanuabada and other Motu-Koita villages will be in the spotlight when a workable Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is signed between the Motu-Koita Assembly (MKA) and the Royal PNG Police Constabulary with achievable outcomes and best practices in addressing Law and Order. NCD/Central Divisional Commander ACP Anthony Wagambie Jnr said police and MKA have embarked on an MoU to have a community approach to policing Hanuabada and its neighboring villages since late 2019 after taking office. While it was work in progress, Covid-19 put all plans on halt, taking up most of 2020 as well. "After taking office as Divisional Commander late 2019, I had a formal meeting with Chairman Motu Koita Dadi Toka Jr around November 2019, where he had raised concerns about law and order issues in Hanuabada and MK villages," said ACP Wagambie Jnr. Mr Wagambie said Hanuabada is a very sensitive area to Police, given the previous incidences of confrontation between Police and the villagers, leading to serious injuries and death. "This happened well before I took office. I had made assurance to the villagers that neutral investigation from Police Headquarters Crimes Directorate was to take place." "Early last week, Chairman Toka Jr and his team met with Commissioner of Police David Manning to initiate the MOU." "I got in touch with Chairman Toka Jr and a meeting was arranged between myself and team which included Metropolitan Superintendent NCD Superintendent Gideon Ikumu, NCD Policing Zone One Commander Chief Inspector Fred Tundu along with Chairman MKA and his team." "From the policing perspective, we want the MOU to be practical and achievable." He said from past experiences, MOU/MOA's are signed, looking good on paper but not easily achieved physically. He said NCD Metsupt Mr Ikumu and his team have worked on this with MKA ensuring that the MOU will achieve that. "I thank Chairman Dadi Toka Jr for his understanding and flexibility in allowing us to have our input.I understand the MOU is now ready for Commissioner of Police David Manning to sign after Police Legal Officers peruse it." "The Police Commissioner is the only person authorised to sign MOU/MOA on behalf of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary,"said Wagambie. He said while this was being worked on, an unfortunate incident occurred last weekend, of a young Hanuabada male losing his life in a confrontation between youths from neighbouring Baruni village. This now proves that we must move fast. "We must understand that Motu Koita villages, in particular Hanuabada situation is quite different from the rest of the country. Their traditional hunting, gardening and fishing areas have been taken up by the fast pace of development of the Capital City of PNG, Port Moresby." "It is something which they didn't chose, it has been inheritated over the years, which they have to live with. Nonetheless, this still does not warrant the villagers to break the law." ACP Wagambie Jnr said issues such as homebrew distilling and sales will be addressed as well as unnecessary stopping of traffic on main roads. He said he is confident both parties will be able to address and manage law and order issues within Hanuabada and Motu Koitabu villages once the MOU is signed. "I envision a community approach to policing in this particular environment. Giving back ownership of law and order issues." "It will be a test kit, and if it works out well it can be used in other communities. With every new intervention of projects, it will be work in progress. We will get better as we move along, adjusting along the way."

Papua New Guinea's total Covid-19 cases reported have reached 900 cases following five new case of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) reported in the last 24 hours. The latest cases were reported in the Western province. Three male and two female ages ranging from 28 to 34 years are the latest to be confirmed positive. The five from the North Fly area did not show symptoms of COVID-19 virus during the time of testing but swab samples returned otherwise. Two of the five cases came into contact with a previous case whilst three were detected through mass testing. The country's COVID-19 cases as a result stands at 900 with nine known deaths.  Seventeen provinces including the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB) have reported cases. The distribution of the cases is as follows: Provinces Confirmed Cases NCD 371 Western Province 226 West New Britain 194 East New Britain 30 New Ireland 22 Eastern Highlands  13 Western Highlands  10 Central  11 Morobe 9 East Sepik 3 Enga 3 Milne Bay 2 West Sepik 2 Southern Highlands 1 AROB 1 Hela Province 1 Madang  1 TOTAL 900 Globally, the total confirmed cases of COVID-19 has reached 105,394,301 including 432,332 new cases reported in the last 24 hours.  The death toll is 2,302,302 of which 11,751 were reported in the last 24 hours.

The first-ever Bougainville Economic and Investment Summit will be held in Arawa on May 5 and 6 this year. This was one of the nine resolutions of the Joint Supervisory Body (JSB) meeting in Arawa last Friday (February 5, 2021). Prime Minister Hon. James Marape got the ball rolling with K3 million support for the conference. He made a commitment to be back for the conference. "We commit K3 million to assist the investment seminar," PM Marape said. "We will do our best to bring Port Moresby-based businesses to come and have a look around to partner locals." PM Marape said the K20 million earmarked by the National Government for Bougainville SME loans would be launched at the May conference. This represents 10 per cent of the K200 million given by Government for SME loans this year

Peter Tsiamalili Jnr has been declared Bougainville's duly-elected regional MP tonight following a by-election for the region. Tsiamalili Jnr was declared by Provincial Returning Officer Alwyn Jimmy after reaching the absolute majority of votes after the 4th exclusion with a final total of 37, 534 votes at the Hutjena Secondary School Hall Counting Centre. The absolute majority was 36,163 after 4th exclusion. Simon Dumarinu was the runner-up with 34,790 votes to finish second. Listen in to the news on this station & follow our website pnghausbung.com for more on this story. Picture sourced: United Bougainville Front

The Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI) and the Milne Bay Provincial Administration (MBPA) have unanimously agreed to work together in partnership to drive the agenda of Financial Inclusion in the province. Both CEFI and MBPA came to agreement following respective meetings of the Milne Bay Steering Committee on Financial Inclusion on January 28 and 29 in Alotau. The purpose of the meeting was to induct members of the Milne Bay Financial Inclusion Steering Committee. From the meeting key activities were identified to begin the process of financial inclusion agenda in the province which included, Baseline Survey on Financial Inclusion in the province, Training of Trainers for Financial Literacy Training, Business Development Service Training for SMEs inthe province, hosting of Financial Inclusion Exposition and Pilot Project on expanding access of financial products and services in the province down to the districts. Some key resolutions that came out of the meeting included, the finalization of the appointment of the Milne Bay Provincial Financial Inclusion Steering Committee, finalization of the terms of reference for the committee, finalization of the 2021 annual work plan, date of the next meetingand setting up of a desk to coordinate financial inclusion in the province. The formation of the steering committee is part of a list of activities outlined in the scope of Memorandum of Agreement (MOU) signed between MPBA and CEFI on 25th November 2019. The three year MOU which will expire on 23rd September 2022, under clause 2.13 states, called for the “establishment of a Project Steering Committee (PSC) that will include representatives from the provincial government, CEFI, private sector and civil agencies in the province.” CEFI’s Manager for Special Projects Busa Jeremiah Wenogo emphasized the need for the financial inclusion agenda to be embedded in the province and urged MBPA and the Financial Institution’s to work together collaborately to drive financial inclusion in the province. “There is a need now for us to work together to educate our population on financial literacy as well as how to save money and invest in productive activities to help their families improve their wellbeing,” Mr Wenogo said. “This induction very much concerned about articulating your roles and responsibility in order that you carry out your responsibility well. This Steering committee will provide oversight and guidance in terms of how financial inclusion activities will be undertaken in the province, MrWenogo explained to the committee members. Mr Wenogo also highlighted the importance of financial institutions engagement in the financial inclusion agenda in the province adding they were important partners in driving financial inclusion in the province. “You are going to be a very important partner in this process of embedding financial inclusion in the province. Through the induction process we hope that you get an appreciation of what CEFI and BPNG plans to do so that you can also come in to drive the process,” he told representatives of financial institutions. Representatives from the financial inclusion expressed their willingness to partner in the financial inclusion agenda and work together with the MBPA and urged the MBPA to be more active in involving them in their financial inclusion activities. MBPA Deputy Administrator, Corporate and District Services, Sharon Mua assured the financial institutions present at the meetings that they are looking forward to working with them in achieving the activities set out in the work plan. The meetings also included presentations from CEFI’s Manager for Special Projects Busa Jeremiah Wenogo, on the National Financial Inclusion Policy, Proposed Milne Bay Provincial Work Plan for Financial Inclusion and Terms of Reference for Milne Bay Provincial Steering Committee onFinancial Inclusion. In attendance were representatives from the MBPA’s Commerce Division, Alotau District Development Authority and Financial Institutions including, Nasfund, Namabawan Super, Women’s Micro Bank, TISA, Mi Bank and Bank South Pacific. For further information on the work of CEFI please contact CEFI Communications and Stakeholder Mobilisation Team: +675 3225300, email: ekuson@thecefi.org or visit www.thecefi.org

Buk bilong Pikinini (BbP) has been in partnership with the Swiss Embassy in Canberra for more than six years and is now looking forward to embarking on a new project to carry out teacher training for school teachers in Eastern Highlands Province. H.E. Yasmine Chatila Zwahlen - Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, and Special Envoy of Switzerland for the Pacific Region signed the new agreement with BbP Founder Anne-Sophie Hermann at the Swiss Embassy in Canberra last week. The new agreement will be to a support Swiss Foundation NGO based in EHP with capacity development training for their school-teachers. The training will be in BbP’s highly efficient Early Childhood Development program and School Library management. The training includes lessons in phonics routines, early childhood literacy and numeracy, management of classroom settings, lesson planning and delivery, positive behavior management in the classroom and much more. The teachers will also be supported to run library classes and manage a school library. In addition to providing the training, BbP will also provide the teachers and schools with curriculum handbooks, teaching aids and guides in BbP’s Early Childhood Literacy and Numeracy program, BbP published class room reader sets, phonics books as well as a School Library kit which contains 1000 books in all categories. H.E. Yasmine Chatila Zwahlen – Swiss Ambassador to Papua New Guinea,  said: “The Embassy of Switzerland has been collaborating with Buk bilong Pikinini for over 6 years now and supported a number of very successful projects. Through this partnership, Switzerland has had a defining impact on the lives of girls and boys, including vulnerable children. I find it particularly important that our new project builds on the professional development of teachers, mostly women. They assume a huge responsibility towards the youngest generation and I find it very important to value, encourage and acknowledge their role.” Throughout the partnership, the Swiss Embassy has assisted BbP with funding to build a library on Tatana Island, providing School Library Kits to remote schools, re-stocking the Bui Iebi Prison library near Mendi and has provided funding for the development of the teacher training program. The teacher training program offered will be certain to have a real impact on the teachers ability to deliver their teaching in a more efficient way and allow the children to greatly improve their literacy and numeracy skills. BbP works with partners to provide teacher training, classroom materials and books to teachers and schools across the country. For more information about the training, teaching aids or School Library Kits please contact Buk bilong Pikinini.

PNG Power Limited's Managing Director Flagon Bekker welcomed the newly appointed Chairman of the Board of PNG Power, Mr Moses Maladina, in a formal swearing-in ceremony that took place the PPL Headquarters in Port Moresby recently. Mr Maladina, a former politician and a business man, was appointed by an NEC decision on 20th January 2021 and gazetted on 27th, took his oath before Magistrate Seth Tanei. He replaces the outgoing former Board Chairman, Mr Peter Nupiri. Two new female Board Directors as well were appointed by the NEC to to serve under Mr Maladina's chairmanship. Mrs Akae Beach, who is a business woman with a Masters Degree in Accounting, and Ms Sarah Kuman, who has a Law Degree and specializes in Corporate and Commercial advice and Natural Resource law. Ms Beach was available in person to be sworn-in. Ms Beach is one of two females in the new PNG Power Board In welcoming them, Mr Bekker said the experience that the Directors are bringing into PNG Power are exceptional. He said Governance is critical, in a SOE, and it takes a broad level of experience. "...There is depth, breadth; from internal auditing experience... to resources sector deal making experience..." "The PPL Chairman brings extensive experience from political leadership to, business. PNG Power is very fortunate to have candidates of this calibre, joining the Board," Mr Bekker said. Mr Bekker also highlighted key fundamentals of being in the leadership roles. He said 'Leadership' is a skill that can be learnt, that can be practiced for, to master. "What helps us in leadership skills is to have role models. And ultimately for me personally, that's what the Board is. Members of the Board are there to act role models for the management and leadership team and broadly speaking across the SOE's," Mr Bekker said. "I am very excited about the role models that are coming to support us PNG Power over the next 3 months. Mr Maladina taking his oath during his swearing-in at the PNG Power Boardroom

Quick intervention by NCD police today had prevented further escalation of violence after a young man from Hanuabada was tragically stabbed on the weekend and passed away this morning. After news of the victims death reached the main Hanuabada village, road blocks were set up at the Badihagwa Roundabout towards the freeway, HB Bypass toward Gabi, Koura Way and June Valley as villagers marched to Baruni demanding for the suspects involved in the death of the young man to be released immediately. Zone 1 Commader Mr. Fred Tundu was on hand to calm the situation from escalating further. The villagers were advised to remove the roadblock and assurance was given by NCD police that the suspects in the killing would be apprehended and brought in. NCD Police together with community leaders and MKA Chairman Dadi Toka Jr with representatives from Motu Koita Assembly then proceeded to Baruni to talk with the families of both suspects. The two suspects were handed over peacefully to the NCD Police.The road is now clear and free for the public to use. Police investigations are continuing. Motu Koita reps talking to Baruni villagers Sourced: Police - NCD/Central Divisional Command

The Port Moresby Nature Park in partnership with Enzo’s Cafe hosted for the first time the ‘World Pizza Weekend” day at the park on Saturday. Port Moresby Nature Park General Manager for Commercial Operation, Mr Sree Vythalingam said that the World Pizza Day falls on 9th February but because the day falls on a week day, most students and parents would attend classes and work so the Port Moresby Nature Park decided to host the event on the weekend. “So today and tomorrow we are celebrating for the first time ever and I want to believe that in Papua New Guinea we are celebrating something quite fun for the family which is called the World Pizza Weekend.” Mr Vythalingam added that its the first time for Port Moresby Nature Park, to host such a big event like this. “What we want is that people are going back to school right now so we thought of doing something totally different to start of the year for us here at the Port Moresby Nature Park just to get a bit of excitement and the kids and their families out there to enjoy the weekend”, added Sree. Enzo’s Café came up with a special small size pizza that is not found in any of the Coral Sea Hotels or at any other outlets in the city but was made specifically for this event. “This special prize pizza is going for K25.00 and after this weekend’s event, you will not find this type of pizza size around so if you love pizza, this is the right place to be this weekend”, added Sree. Apart from that, the event had fun activities and games for the kids like pizza ring toss, face paintings, Nature Park trivia questions and awesome prizes to give away. A booth was set up for customers to buy deliciously baked pizza. “Thanks to the partnership with Gateway, we are also giving away a special promotion this weekend on Saturday and Sunday so a chance and opportunity will be given to guests who attend this event to be in the running to participate in a draw to win”, said Sree. He added on saying that two (2) lucky winners will spend two (2) nights at Gateway Hotel on Saturday and Sunday. “So we are looking at actually getting a lot of people here for the weekend to enjoy the pizza and the activities that they can pay and engage in”, said Sree. He said that all the funds raised from the fun games will go towards the Wildlife Appeal to help us look after the animals. Gateway Hotel Apartments Food & Beverage Manager, Mr Randy Jackson said that Enzo’s is a well-known brand but we looked at our prizes at the Enzo’s Shops and it is a little bit higher and what we have tried to maintain is for the average family person her. “So that is why we have created a special design pizza, same ingredients, same taste but with a much reduced prize and that is what we want to actually market and we want 9/10 people who enter the park to buy pizza and that is our main goal and we could not have done it without the Port Moresby Nature park”, said Mr Jackson.

School leavers that missed out on a space to continue their studies at tertiary institutions have other schools that they can apply to and learn skills or upgrade their marks. The lucky ones get jobs straight after grade 12 but others that are unable to can still further their education. The Limana Vocational Training Centre located at Gordons, in the National Capital District was established by the OLSH Sisters and offers a variety of courses, including tourism and hospitality, business and Grade 9 and 10 studies via Flexible Open and Distance Education (FODE) for Grade 8 school leavers. “The one year programs are for the grade 9's and Grade 10's. We have short courses for National Certificates 1 and 2 for office administration, hospitality operations, commercial cookery, dress making and tailoring.” Deputy Manageress for the school, Ms Ivy Labradores said this when asked about the courses the school provides. She added that they have 3 month courses for hospitality for food and beverage and cookery, front office and housekeeping. They also offer 3-6 month courses for IT. “For students that wish to do grade 9 via FODE, we will only accept students that completed grade 8 between 2018 and 2020. Students that completed grade 8 before won’t be accepted.” “We will not take in any grade 10 transfers, we will accept grade 9's and they can continue to grade 10.” “For the other courses, we will accept those that have completed grade 10 and grade 12.” “Those that are working and wish to get a National Certificate can come and register for any of our courses.” Registration for grade 9 and 10 started ran for two weeks and ended last Friday for classes to begin on toady. As for the short courses, registration is still ongoing and will close at the end of March. Pictures sourced: Limana Vocational Training Centre FB Page

Police Commissioner David Manning promised that the full force of the law and all resources at the Constabulary's disposal will be brought to bear down upon policemen who continuously flaunt the law and aid and abet crime and criminals. Mr Manning made this comment following recent threats against police detectives involved in the K286 million Ok Tedi investigations. "We had two threats issued against police detectives. Criminals and policemen are involved. I will not stand for this and whether you are a criminal or a policeman who decides to engage or attack policemen you will be dealt with equally under lawful means. "If you want to be a criminal or align yourself with individuals or entities and challenge the Police Force, then you have no place in the Police Force and I will ensure your speedy exit from the police force straight into prison,” Mr Manning said. Furthermore, Mr Manning said that reports of policemen continuously being deployed to provide protection for logging camps or other private business with the full knowledge and authority of their superiors will be investigated and dealt with. In these instances police resources including firearms are being used by these policemen to protect the interest of a few thereby denying the rights of the majority to seek justice. "The Police Force will undergo beneficial change, and those currently opposing these changes for their own reasons will be weeded out. The majority of policemen and women perform their duties with professionalism and dedication, yet we and the country are being let down by these few members. "The proposed changes in the disciplinary proceedings will allow for a swifter and more effective process that protects all parties concerned whilst enhancing greater accountability and appropriate penalties being dealt out. "In the near future legislative amendments will be made to criminalise certain offences that have caused the discipline and performance of the Police Force to deteriorate. If we are to deliver to the people of PNG a Police Force that they deserve and provide a policing service that adds value to their lives we must undergo these reforms and remove impediments now," Mr Manning said.

Papua New Guinea reported three new cases of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the last 24 hours increasing the country’s total cases to 894. The latest cases were reported in the National Capital District. A 44 year old female who works at a government department and resides in Moresby South electorate is among the three people confirmed positive. She was not showing symptoms of COVID-19 at the time of testing but her swab samples returned positive. Also tested positive is a 45 year old male. He was experiencing sore throat, headache and shortness of breath at the time of testing. The third case reported in NCD is a 31 year old male employee of Exxon Mobil LNG plant site. He was not showing symptoms of COVID-19 at the time of testing but swab samples returned positive. The country's COVID-19 cases as a result stands at 894 with nine known deaths. A total of 43,728 people have tested for Coronavirus disease (Covid 19). Eight hundred and forty-six people have recovered whilst 432 samples are pending at the laboratories. Thirty- nine 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: NCD 371 Western Province 221 West New Britain 194 East New Britain 30 New Ireland 22 Eastern Highlands 13 Western Highlands 10 Central 10 Morobe 9 East Sepik 3 Enga 3 Milne Bay 2 West Sepik 2 Southern Highlands 1 AROB 1 Hela Province 1 Madang 1 TOTAL 894 Globally, the total confirmed cases of COVID-19 has reached 104,165,066 including 360,323 new cases reported in the last 24 hours. The death toll is 2,265,354 of which 11,022 were reported in the last 24 hours.