PNG Haus Bung

Health Minister Wong Slams Crazy and Reckless COVID-19 Fake News – Commits to Taking first Vaccine alongside PM Marape The Minister for Health, Jelta Wong, MP, has called on all leaders in politics, the public service, business, academia and the broader community to exercise extreme caution and not spread false information on COVID-19. Jelta Wong said Papua New Guinea is now in a critical phase where COVID-19 will either be contained and managed, or negligence and misinformation will cause increased sickness and deaths. “More than two million people have died from COVID-19 around the world, while at the same time the damage has been mild in Papua New Guinea." “But we cannot relax or lower our guard, and we cannot let our people be led by nonsense fake news they have seen online." “I respect that everyone has an opinion on COVID-19, but I also appeal to everyone in our country to be responsible and not repost fake news. The only reason that PNG has been spared the full horror and death from COVID-19 is because our Government has managed the response, and more importantly, because Papua New Guineans have been very responsible in maintaining COVID-Safe practices in their daily lives." “I have seen posts from seemingly very smart people making crazy claims about the virus that must not be believed. So when I see these ridiculous claims that we are immune because of the colour of our skin I become very disappointed at how foolish some people can be.” The Health Minister said the Government is now working day and night to have a fully tested and approved vaccine rolled out to the people before the next wave of the virus hits hard like it has in other countries. He said there are developing countries who were in a similar situation to Papua New Guinea only two months ago, and now they are facing potentially thousands of deaths and widespread panic. “As two examples, Zambia and Zimbabwe had a relatively small number of COVID-19 cases in December, but now the virus is mutating and spreading and killing many people." Minister Wong said Zambia had 249 active cases at the start of December that rose to over 10,000 in January, while in Zimbabwe since December the number of deaths has multiplied six times. “The COVID-19 vaccine will be released in Papua New Guinea at the conclusion of the most stringent tests by Papua New Guinea’s Medical and Scientific Advisory Committee (MeSAC) alongside many other countries and the World health Organisation. Health Minister Jelta Wong “When we are satisfied with this testing and can assure our people of the safety of the COVID-19 shot, we will offer this to our people to take on a voluntary basis. “To demonstrate the importance of this vaccine, Prime Minister Marape, myself, and leaders from many organisations will received the vaccination as it is distributed amongst our people. “The various vaccines that are now in widescale use around the world are being tested, and the AstraZeneca vaccine appears to be the most appropriate for requirements. “Our Government now looks forward to the final stages of testing being presented to the National Executive Council for a decision to be made on rolling out the most effective vaccine that will protect lives in Papua New Guinea.”

Gordons Police Station in Port Moresby was forced to shut down operations this morning after an officer was tested positive for COVID-19. ACP NCD/Central Anthony Wagambie Jnr confirmed that the station was temporarily closed this morning, under Covid-19 protocols and about 30 other police personnel and 15 detainees from the station immediately sent for testing at the Rita Flynn courts. "I have liaised with Assistant Commissioner Logistics at Police Headquarters who has arranged for a contractor to go to Gordon's Police Station to have it sanitized and disinfected before the station can reopen," said Wagambie Jnr. "I went to Rita Flynn with the PSC Gordon's and his members to have them all tested." More testing will be carried out on our personnel.  The station will remain closed today and tomorrow while awaiting test results, which are expected to come out tomorrow. "We intend to open up the Gordon's Police Station for use by Thursday, depending on the outcome of tests and sanitizing of the building and its surroundings." "I have told my personnel that it is good to get tested, not only because it is a Covid 19 protocol, but to know our status." We have contingency plan in place where our support units have taken over policing the Gordon's area. The station will be closed for today and tomorrow, so we advise people with complaints to go to Airport Police Station, 6 Mile or Boroko Police Station for complaints and policing matters. The policeman who was tested positive had gone to hospital for an ongoing health issue, and as such was also tested for Covid 19. He has been placed on isolation at his home. All police personnel from Gordon's who have been tested have been directed to stay home and avoid going out until the test results come back to hopefully by tomorrow. "We will then follow what the Health authorities directives." He said Police Stations are busy places with people from different walks of life going in and out. "Our personnel come in contact with different people."

The National Superannuation Fund, Nasfund, would like to advise its membership of the closure of its Port Moresby client service centre, located at NCSL Haus, Douglas Street, next to the American Embassy. From Wednesday February 24th 2021, Nasfund services will only be at the Waigani, and Boroko client service centres respectively. In announcing this, Nasfund Chief Officer Member Services Ann Wilson is encouraging members to utilize the Fund’s Waigani, and Boroko client service centres. “The closure of our Port Moresby client service centre is temporary, as the Fund begins work on relocating to another location in the Port Moresby Central Business District (CBD) to accommodate NCSL’s growing operations. In the meantime, we encourage our members in NCD, and surrounding areas, to utilize Nasfund services at our Waigani client service centre, which is located at Lagatoi Haus, adjacent to Lamana Hotel. Services at our client services centres are in addition to those which are accessible via the Fund’s Helpdesk on phone 1588 and email help@nasfund.com.pg” Ms Wilson is also reminding members that the Fund will continue to implement strict COVID-19 safety measures at all branches during this time. “With the recent increasing number of COVID-19 cases, the Fund will continue to conduct temperature checks, and implement a no-mask no-entry policy at all its branches. This is to ensure that our members and staff are protected at all times. These measures will continue for the foreseeable future.”

The 28th SP Sports Awards (SPSA) was launched today in Port Moresby after the event was temporarily suspended in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, the annual prestigious awards will recognize sporting achievements from 2019 to 2020 and for the first time ever, the event will be staged virtually on EMTV and via social media. The theme for this year is "Excellence through Adversity." “2020 was a tough year for many in Papua New Guinea because of COVID-19. South Pacific Brewery was no different as we had to overcome many challenges as well. It was with regret that we had to cancel the eventin 2020, due to COVID-19 impacting SP Brewery’s operations. Nevertheless, SP Brewery has been an avid supporter of sports for more than 65 years in the country recognizing the achievements and hard work of our local athletes and teams,” said SP Brewery Corporate Affairs Manager, John Nilkare. “Sports has proven to be the glue that brings people from all walks of life together, including families of sponsors and supporters to celebrate achievements at the SP Sports Awards”. With nominations open for the years 2019 to 2020, the SPSA Organising Committee anticipates submissions to flood in from all over Papua New Guinea. The nominations will recognize outstanding sporting achievements in 2019 and 2020 in the following categories: Male Athlete of the Year – Best International Performance by a male athlete in 2019-2020.Female Athlete of the Year – Best International Performance by a female athlete in 2019-2020.Team of the Year – Best International Performance by a team in 2019-2020.National Performance of the Year – Best National Performance by a male athlete, female athlete, or team in 2019-2020.Community Sports Initiative – Best use of sport to help address social issues at a community level in 2019-2020.Junior Male Athlete of the Year – Best Performance by a male athlete who was 18 years and younger in 2019- 2020.Junior Female Athlete of the Year - Best Performance by a female athlete who was 18 years and younger in 2019- 2020.Best Sportsperson with a Disability – For athletes with a physical or intellectual disability who performed outstandingly in 2019-2020.Sports Official of the Year – For individuals who have excelled as a Coach, Referee/Umpire or Administrator in 2019-2020.Sports Photo of the Year – For best photo taken in 2019 & 2020 capturing a sporting moment at any level of sport.Sports Media Award – For media coverage of sports or a sporting event in 2019 by an individual, program, organisation or online.PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD – to be voted on by public from the 3 finalists of the top 4 awards (Male Athlete, Female Athlete, Team, National Performance).Stan Joyce Award (Bi-Annual) - The award will recognize organisations that provide outstanding support through their continued partnership and collaboration with sport in PNG- This award will go to corporate companies under the criteria of: 1. Longevity, 2.Creativity, 3. Impact in the Community and 4. Achievement. In his acknowledgment, Sir John Dawanincura, the President of PNGOC expressed his gratitude to SP Brewery for creating an avenue where athletes are recognized for their achievements in sports. “SP Sports Awards not only recognises Athletes but the people who became part of their achievement as well. By this I mean the media, sports officials and the community at large,” “The awards form the basis of showing how important it is to recognise sports men and women in PNG and PNGOC as a believer of sport and an enabler for sustainable and inclusive development for sports is proud to partner with SP Brewery and PNG Sports Federation in this journey,” Sir John added. The SP Sports Awards is a joint collaboration between SP Brewery, the PNG Olympic Committee (PNGOC) and PNG Sports Foundation (PNGSF). Participants are encouraged to nominate an athlete, coach, trainer or administrator for any of the categories. Nomination forms can be collected from SP Brewery Head Office in Gordons, PNGOC Office and PNG Sports Foundation Office. Nomination forms are also available on the PNGOC website. SP Sports Awards nomination will close on Wednesday April 7th 2021.

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