PNG Haus Bung

Pacific Islands Forum Leaders have concluded their Special Leaders Retreat overnight and have announced Henry Puna as the incoming Secretary General. Also on the agenda of the Special Leaders Retreat was the COVID-19 pandemic, including the distribution of vaccines to the region. Henry Puna Leaders acknowledged the region’s efforts to date to manage the spread of the COIVD-19 pandemic in the Pacific region, including through the establishment and operationalisation of the Pacific Humanitarian Pathway on COVID-19. Dame Meg Taylor Leaders also welcomed the significant support from Australia and New Zealand to secure vaccines for all Pacific people and the multilateral and bilateral partnerships working to ensure one hundred percent coverage.   “Leaders discussed the complexities facing the Pacific region at this time in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and including the ongoing threat of climate change and the increasing geostrategic competition in the region,” said Forum Chair and Prime Minister of Tuvalu, Hon. Kausea Natano. Puna assumes the position of Secretary General at a critical time in the region’s history and will need to guide the region through the COVID-19 recovery.    The appointment also signals the conclusion of the tenure of the incumbent Secretary General Dame Meg Taylor. “Leaders commended her stellar leadership and guidance to the Pacific Islands Forum on regional issues over the past 6 years and wished her well in her future endeavours.” The Special Leaders Retreat discussions began with reflections on the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the region. Leaders reaffirmed that the wellbeing of the Pacific people remain their highest priority and emphasised the importance of the equitable distribution of safe and effective vaccines in the region. Source: THEWRITERSTUFFPNG.COM

Fiji authorities have detained the vice-chancellor of the University of the South Pacific and are to deport him today. Professor Pal Ahluwalia and his wife were awoken and whisked away from their home late last night by plain-clothed Fiji immigration officers who broke into the residence. The vice-chancellor and his wife were transported to Nadi from where they will be deported to Brisbane today. The academic asked for the grounds of his deportation and was told he posed a "public risk". A letter signed by Fiji's Acting Director of Immigration Amelia Komaisavai further explained that the government deemed Professor Ahluwalia to be "a person who is or has been conducting himself in a manner prejudicial to the peace, defence, public safety, public order, public morality, public health, security or good government of the Fiji Islands". Since taking on the job two years ago, Professor Ahluwalia had been driving efforts to clean up the governance of the Suva-based university. However last June, the vice-chancellor was suspended by the USP's executive committee led by Winston Thompson over alleged malpractice. After weeks of protests by students and staff, and regional concern, Professor Ahluwalia was reinstated when the council ruled that due process had not been followed in the suspension. The council also subsequently cleared Professor Ahluwalia of all the allegations. The Fiji government later announced it was suspending its grants of more than $US10 million to the university. Today the USP council was due to meet to confirm reforms Professor Ahluwalia had worked on. Professor Pal Ahluwalia has been appointed the new vice chancellor and president of the University of the South Pacific. Photo: University of Portsmouth Source: RNZ News

Students affected by Tropical Cyclone Ana have been assured by the Ministry of Education that they will be provided with the necessary assistance. Minister Rosy Akbar says they do not want parents to worry about sending their children to school. She says the parents should focus on getting their lives back together. Akbar also says they will allow parents to assess whether it will be safe to send their children to school on Monday. Schools are scheduled to be re-opened on Monday. Source: Fijivillage.com

The huge clean up has started in Fiji following the recent cyclone, but thousands of Fijians are still in evacuation centres. Tropical Cyclone Ana went through Fiji and left behind a trail of damage to fragile settlements, properties and livestock. RNZ Pacific correspondent Lice Movono said the flooding and rain activity recently is one of the biggest rainfalls the country has experienced. The heavy rain led to major flooding and some roads washed away. Photo: Fiji government Ms Movono said Fijians have become quite resilient and despite the intensity of the flooding, people were able to transition into repair mode quickly. "The morning after when flood waters recede, it's business as usual, so immediately after the water levels went down, people were cleaning up the streets, cleaning up their homes and those who could have gone back... I'm waiting for NDMO to update us on just how many people are still left in evacuation centres." The government has also cautioned Fijians to be aware of waterborne diseases following the recent flooding due to Tropical Cyclone Ana. Lice Movono describes the recent rain activity as one of the biggest rainfalls ever, causing flooding that was widespread and affected the whole country. She said the government's message to everyone has been focused on waterborne diseases. "In the past 48 hours there has been reinforcement and medical teams are now going out to the rural areas just to make sure that peoples' awareness levels have increased, but also to treat the inevitable diseases that will come immediately after the cyclone," she said. Source: RNZ News

The Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) is seeking Expression of Interests (EoI) from interested persons to serve as Independent Directors on the PNGRFL Board and on its key program Boards such as the PNG Kumuls, PNG Orchids, PNG National Rugby League Competition, PNG National Schools Rugby League and the respective Provincial and Confederate Boards. This initiative is in line with the PNGRFL’s new governance reforms whereby the PNGRFL is seeking to bring on Independent Directors who can add value to the PNGRFL and its programs. PNGRFL acting CEO Stanley Hondina said interested candidates – both male and female - must indicate in order of preference, the Boards on which they feel they could add value given their experience and skills. He said minimum requirements must include demonstrated experience of involvement in sports at any level; have good management and leadership experience; have good networking experience with both public and private entities including government organisations and be of good standing and credibility with high moral and ethical character. “He or she must be willing and committed to serve in a growing and diverse organization; have sufficient time available to discharge the duties of Board membership; have good people skills to be able to develop cordial working relationships with fellow Board members, staff and the games stakeholders and effectively contribute to the sports growth,” Hondina said. “And membership of the PNG Institute of Director would be an advantage.”He said Expressions of Interest with a brief updated CV and relevant documents can be sent to: Mr Stanley Hondinaa/Chief Executive OfficerPNGRFLPO Box 1845BOROKONational Capital District Applications titled ‘Expression of Interest as Director” can be emailed to:shondina@pngrfl.org.pg; Or Hand delivered to: Suite 1, National Football Stadium, Laurabada Avenue, Boroko, NCD. Hondina said the Expressions of Interest close at 5.00pm on FRIDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2021.

Persons seeking free COVID-19 tests in the nations capital, Port Moresby will have to dig deeper to pay for the service that St John's Ambulance provided for free for the last 6 months until Monday this week. St John Ambulance Services will no longer conduct the free drive-through Covid-19 testing service at the Taurama Aquatic Center as of this week for an indefinite period.  The decision was made by the PNG Sports Foundation and it is disappointing to St John since it is the only place that is fitting to conduct Drive through Testing while the pandemic continues in PNG. St John CEO Matt Cannon said, they have reached out to the Sports Minister Wesley Raminai through the member for Moresby South Justine Tkatchenko, however he has not responded yet. “We are trying to resume Drive Thru Testing as soon as we can a find suitable location.” “At this point of time, we are working with the PNG Sports Foundation to find a suitable location if we are still unable to use the Taurama Aquatic Center,” said Matt Cannon. It is understood that there is no other location for free COVID-19 Testing and responsible authorities are yet to advice on the next location.  Attempts by PNG Hausbung to reach reached out to the Pandemic Controller David Manning and the Minister for Sports Wesley Raminai for a response on the closure of the Drive Thru Testing had failed.

Be responsible for you and your passenger’s safety in the midst of extreme weather conditions experienced in Port Moresby and Central Province. “With the recent heavy downpour of rain in the City and Central Province we are calling on drivers to exercise caution when on the road.” That was the caution issued by the Divisional Commander for NCD/Central ACP Anthony Wagambie Jnr. “Not to speed as the road is slippery and most parts flooded with debris. Speeding will only risk drivers from ending up in accidents,” said Wagambie Jnr.   He said there has been multiple flooding on both Hiritano and Magi Highway and very risky during such conditions for and ignorance and careless driving by motorists. “I am thankful to people living and travelling along the Highways for informing others through the use of social media and messenger apps.” With the modern use of technology, information is easily shared, depending on network coverage. “People helping people is the way to go.” He issued the same warning to people living along the coastal areas to be mindful of the strong winds being associated with the heavy downpour. “Also take into consideration the weather warning by Weather Bureau.” “Do not risk yourselves by going out at sea as the chances of meeting disaster or getting lost at sea is quite high,” said ACP Wagambie.   A fallen tree along on the roads at Erima, Port Moresby. Pic: Rolland Banaba

Four youths are the proud winners of the UN Women Essay Competition on Gender Equality, out of 186 participants who took part in the essay competition which was launched on 26 October 2020 by UN Women under the Women Make the Change Program. We are pleased to announce the following four winners of the essay competition: Konjim Andreas, female, age 17 from Western Highlands ProvinceRicard Isaac, male, age 19 from East New BritainRebeccah Gapi, female, age 19 from NCD andJerome Sesega, male, age 26 from NCD In total, 186 essays were received from young men and women across the country. This overwhelming response highlights the interest from young Papua New Guineans on gender equality and women’s leadership. UN Women, in partnership with the Department for Community Development and Religion and other key partners selected the winners based on the quality of the essay submission, geographical spread, gender and age. Through the entries to the essay competition, it is clear that young people in Papua New Guinea, have a lot to say about the state of gender equality in the nation, and are keen to share their ideas and solutions on how to address some of the challenges the country faces. "We feel very privileged to have heard from young people about their aspirations for gender equality and increasing women’s leadership in PNG,” said Ms. Caroline Nyamayemombe, Acting Head of Agency of UN Women in PNG. The winning essays and the profiles of the winners will be published each week in the Post Courier starting next week. UN Women would like to thank all those who participated in this essay competition.

The United Nations Resident Coordinator, Mr. Gianluca Rampolla, has called for an immediate cessation of violence in Hela Province. Mr. Rampolla said: “This senseless violence must stop now before more innocent people are killed, wounded or displaced. The United Nations stands by the Hela Government and is already mobilized to provide for the immediate needs of those affected by the fighting”. The UN Resident Coordinator further stated: “We appeal to the PNG Defense Forces and Police to assist the mediation efforts of the Provincial Government and ensure the safety and security of the affected communities". "Stopping the spiral of violence requires holding to account and bringing to justice the perpetrators of crimes and providing for the immediate needs of those affected, especially women and children". "The recent events once again remind all of us of the need to invest into ensuring longer term development to achieve peace in the Highlands”. UN staff from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) joined a team from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Tari on Saturday, January 30, to verify information on the number of persons displaced, injured, and killed, and to assist in providing for immediate needs of thosedisplaced. Hela Governor, Hon. Philip Undialu, has indicated that urgent support is needed for temporary shelters, emergency food and water, and non-food items, such as hygiene and dignity kits, kitchen and bedding items. “We welcome Governor’s Undialu mediation efforts and are encouraged by the news that the parties have agreed to lay down arms and engage in dialogue”, said Mr. Rampolla. The Disaster Management Team, in support of and in close coordination with Hon. Philip Undialu, together with church partners, civil society organizations, the private sector, and development partners, including DFAT, is now mobilizing resources to ensure these needs are met and that the safety of displaced persons is assured. The UN welcomes the incredible generosity of the communities that have provided shelter, distributed food and collected vital information for those displaced by this recent violence. The outpouring of support for affected families demonstrates the compassion of the people of Hela and reaffirms that the advocates for peace in Hela far outnumber those who perpetuate violence. The United Nations in partnership with the Hela Government is committed to supporting peacebuilding and development in the Province through the Highlands Joint Programme.

East Sepik athlete Isila Apkup is showing great form as the Indoor track competition gets underway in the USA Junior College Programme. After posting some very encouraging times over 60m and 200m in her first two competitions the 22 year old from Ambunti moved up a gear on Monday (PNG time) and clocked a sensational 400m time of 56.94 seconds at Kansas State University, Pittsburg. Teammate Leonie Beu running in the outside lane held back in the first 200m and could not make up the gap on Apkup but still finished with a good time of 57.85 seconds. Ephraim Lerkin was also in great form, running under 1min 55 seconds for the 800m leg of the distance medley relay and following this up with an excellent 1min 22 secs in the individual 600m race. Emmanuel Wanga who only arrived two weeks ago has hit the ground running and recorded pleasing times of 6.98secs for 60m and 49.59 in the 400m. Running in the same 400m race Shadrick Tansi paid the price for an overly aggressive first 200m and faded in the closing stages to finish in 50.95secs Meanwhile National long and Triple Jump champion Peniel Richard started his 2021 campaign  in fine style with distances of 7.15m and 15.31 respectively. Richard returned to the USA in January last year and joined the West Texas A&M programme which brought Rellie Kaputin so much success. With the 2020 season being abandoned with the onset of Covid19 Richard has had a long and very good preparation for the 2021 season. The Kansas based athletes have two more competitions on their calendar before the Regional Championships on the weekend of 20/21 February and the Indoor National Championships on March 5 and 6

Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) today announced that it has returned to normal production after the second of the two processing circuits which were damaged in a fire incident on the 20th December 2020 was restored over the weekend. This follows the successful restart of SAG-2 on 6th January 2021. OTML Managing Director and CEO, Musje Werror commended the efforts of the OTML team, who worked tirelessly for almost 6 weeks to restore the circuit (SAG-1) safely without any incident. “The commitment shown by our workforce, particularly over the festive season, was testament to the One Team Wan Pasin spirit at Ok Tedi,” Mr Werror said. “Returning the first of the two circuits to operation was a key milestone as it allowed the Company to recommence production and meet our January shipments. Damage sustained to the SAG-1 was however more severe and required two new switching equipment. The new equipment, which was flown to site on a specially chartered Hercules C130 aircraft last week, was successfully installed over the weekend,” he added. Mr Werror noted that the financial impact of the incident was about US$100 million as previously reported. He said the Company maintains a strong balance sheet for the purposes of protecting it against such incidents. He cited the shutdown associated with the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and an earthquake which occurred in 2018 as two such examples. We have demonstrated previously that the Company is able to remain profitable and healthy despite such challenges, and we expect to do so again in 2021,” Mr Werror said.

A young woman died at her Five Mile home in the nations capital, Port Moresby at around 6'o'clock this morning after a tree had fallen on their house following extreme weather conditions experienced in the city and other coastal areas in the country. The strong gusty winds and the heavy rains that started around 4am this morning caused several destruction around the city including two reports of fallen trees on houses, in Korobosea and Five Mile area.  St John Ambulance Services received emergency calls and rushed to the two locations in time and managed to rescue two people that were trapped in their houses with serious injuries and had them transported to Port Moresby General Hospital. A third person from the Five Mile area died as a result of the accident despite the St John's crew giving her the CPR.    CEO for St John Matt Cannon said the unpredictable weather experienced around the city calls for necessary precaution from the general public at this time. “Just a reminder to everyone, stay well away from fallen power lines” “Do not swim in rivers because they can be toxic and the currents are very strong, you could be injured” Mr Cannon also encouraged people to get rid of debris and trees that may pose as threats during this weather. “We also want to remind people to utilise the calm period of the storm to clear up all the debris around the house” “Make sure to attend to those trees that may fall before it occurs”   The St John Ambulance Services will be on standby throughout the day for any emergency calls, however due to the road conditions the ambulances might take a while to arrive at the destination. “We will be available throughout the day but with the current road condition and the localised flooding due to the weather, this is hampering our responses to some areas “ “So we are using our four wheel drive ambulances to reach as much places possible in NCD and Central province” ST JOHN Hotline number: 111