Minister for Foreign Affair Justin Tkatchenko MP co-chaired the 29th Australia-Papua New Guinea Ministerial Forum with Foreign Affairs Counterpart Senator Penny Wong this morning in Canberra, Australia, which was the first forum hosted in-person meeting since 2019. Before co-conducting the forum, Minster Tkatchenko attended the PNG-Australia Business Council Breakfast at the Australian National Parliament House where he was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso MP and other ministers including High Commissioner to Australia Mr. John Kali. The breakfast was then followed by an official bilateral meeting between Minister Tkatchenko and Senator Wong before both leaders officially opened the dialogue for the ministerial forum that comprised of 16 Ministers from Papua New Guinea and 9 Ministers from the Australian Government. Representing the PNG team: 1. Deputy Prime Minister & Minister for Labour & Immigration Hon. John Rosso MP 2. Minster for Internal Security Hon. Peter Tsiamalili Jr. MP 3. Minister for Defence Hon. Win Daki MP 4. Minister for Education Hon. Jimmy Uguro MP 5. Minister for Health Hon. Dr. Lino Tom MP 6. Minister for International Trade & Investment Hon. Richard Maru MP 7. Minister for State Investments Hon. William Duma MP 8. Minister for Treasury Hon. Ian Ling-Stuckey MP 9. Minister for Finance Hon. Rainbo Paita MP 10. Minister for Agriculture Hon. Aiye Tambua MP 11. Minister for Fisheries & Marine Resources Hon. Jelta Wong MP 12. Minister for Civil Aviation Hon. Sekie Agisa MP 13. Minister for Environment & Conservation Hon. Simon Kilepa MP 14. Minister for Forestry Hon. Salio Waipo MP 15. Minister for Community Development, Youth & Religion Hon. Jason Peter 16. Vice Minister for International Trade Hon. Kessy Sawang Representing the Australian team: 1. Deputy Prime Minister & Minister for Defence Hon. Richard Marles MP 2. Minister for Immigration Hon. Andrew Giles MP 3. Minister for Defence Industry Hon. Pat Conroy MP 4. Minister for Home Affairs Hon. Claire O’Neil MP 5. Minister for Industry & Energy Hon. Chris Bowen MP 6. Minister for Finance Hon. Katy Gallagher MP 7. Minister for Trade & Tourism Hon. Don Farrell MP 8. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry Hon. Murray Watt MP High on the agenda of the forum was the Comprehensive Strategic & Economic Partnership, Security Cooperation which included Regional Security Outlook, the Bilateral Security Treaty, Policing, Defence, Border and Maritime Security and Climate Change. Also on the agenda was the Economic & Development Cooperation which included Macroeconomic Policy, Trade & Investment, Agriculture, Visa Access, Labour Mobility, Infrastructure, Health & Education, Gender and Sports. In his opening remarks Minister Tkatchenko stressed the importance of finalizing negotiations of The Bilateral Security Treaty between both countries. “Co-Chair, against the backdrop of our two new governments, in both our two countries from their electoral process, the Australian and Papua New Guinea Prime Ministers in their Annual Leaders Dialogue on the 12th of January 2023, have escalated the agenda on a secure society and resilience-based economies, entrusted the Foreign Ministers of the two countries to oversee negotiations on a bilateral security treaty, arising from Pillar 4 of the Comprehensive Strategic and Economic Partnership (CSEP).” “I am pleased to note that our senior officials met this week to discuss a zero draft of the proposed treaty.” “The discussions were held around potential objectives, scope and structure of the treaty drawing from the desires and intention of the two leaders in their dialogue.” “This treaty will be a progressive reflection of the maturity and diversification of the two countries relations in the dynamic bilateral and regional environment and being cognizant of their shared history, geographical proximity and close people to people links.” “As equal partners, the treaty will speak to a broadening of the meaning of security to cover cooperation in many new and emerging areas including assistance by both countries to enhance their sovereignty and resilience, contribute to regional peace and prosperity and take forward their commitment to a “Pacific Family First” approach to regional security.” “As partners with a long shared history in our increasing and diversifying relations, this new partnership is not directed at any third country.” “As desired by our two Prime Ministers, we Minsters asked senior officials to conclude the treaty negotiations by 30th April 2023,” Minister Tkatchenko said.

Prime Minster James Marape and his Tari-Pori DDA has invested K1 Million to Women’s Micro Bank to support women, girls and their families in Tari-Pori. Women’s Micro Bank Limited branded as MAMA BANK has partnered with the Tari-Pori District Development Authority to establish a Mama Bank Agency in the district, enabling the local people to have easy access to financial services and credit facility to support the district’s economic plans in empowering entrepreneurship in TariPori District. This initiative was led by Madam Rachael Marape two years back in 2020. This has eventually inspired the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea and Member for Tari-Pori, Hon. James Marape to organized his DDA to allocate a K1 million and a new office building for Mama Bank to go and set up in Tari. The Mama Bank and Tari-Pori District Development Authority recognized that women in the Tari Pori District of Hela Province should have proper banking services to save and grow their hard-earned money through access to financial services and credit facility. They should have their own bank account with affordable and adequate access to credits to enable them progress their entrepreneurship and contribute towards their family’s welfare and district’s economic development. During the MOA signing ceremony held at Mama Bank’s Head Office on Thursday 16th February, 2023 in Port Moresby, Prime Minister Hon. James Marape appealed to the women and people of Tari-Pori that he is committed to support them through established arrangements such as financial institution in their entrepreneurial ambitions and not cash handouts. “While I appreciate and truly thank my people of Tari-Pori for their undivided support in mandating me as their leader, I call on all the people of Tari-Pori who are living in Port Moresby and elsewhere and doing nothing to go back to Tari and work the land. Hard work and perseverance by making your hands dirty will take you to the next level.” Said Prime Minister James Marape. Prime Minster James Marape further congratulated the other 10 Members of Parliament and their DDAs who have partnered with Mama Bank and called on all other Members of Parliament to allocate their K1 million from the DSIP envelop of K10 million into such program as that portion of amount is purposely for this sort of programs for economical empowerment for their respective districts.” “I am behind Mama Bank as its loan product can finance any simple mothers starting at K300.00 and that it is inspiring as it really captures the needs of simply and ordinary Papua New Guineans at the micro level who wanted to startup somewhere and grow.” Said Prime Minister James Marape. The Chairman of Mama Bank, Mr. Noel Norikgu thanked the Prime Minister and his DDA for having that confidence in Mama Bank to be a bank of choice to support the economic empowerment programs of TariPori district. “We felt obligated to provide the banking services that can economically empower all women, girls and their families. We've been placed in a space of greater responsibility as the women’s bank to be the major player for women and girls’ financial inclusion as captured under the National Financial Inclusion Strategy from BPNG. And today, that is a responsibility we share with your highest office and the Tari-Pori district for the advancement of the sovereign state of Papua New Guinea.” Said Chairman of Mama Bank Noel Norikgu. Mama Bank’s CEO Gunanidhi Das in acknowledging the Prime Minister stated that Mama Bank truly thank and appreciate Madam Rachael Marape. Madam Marape has been a great advocator and ambassador for Mama Bank in various forums and not only talking but has enabled the realization of Mama Bank’s establishment in Tari-Pori. “ Madam Marape, we thank you and really appreciate you for your advocacy for Mama Bank and we believe that that has set the tone for the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea to extend his great work with Mama Bank from where he has already started under his government to stimulate local economy by working with banks and financial institutions.” Said CEO Das. CEO Das stated that the Tari-Pori DDA and Mama Bank are prepared to consider the provision of loan facilities to borrowers through direct and through different available suppliers. This includes farmers who are unable to provide security of a type or in an amount which banks would be requiring in the normal course of its operations. This facility of credit scheme provided by the Prime Minister James Marape Hon. James Marape and his DDA will enable us to go extra mile in serving the rural farmers in Tari-Pori. The CEO Gunanidhi Das further explained that the Mama Bank is trying to implement the real microfinance concept in the country. Mama Bank believes that real microfinance needs models that responds to the needs and concerns of the benefactors, and that Mama Bank has those models which includes hub and spoke, group mechanisms and through collaboration and cooperation with key stakeholders. Real microfinance is to go out in the field in rural areas and serve the last miles and not to sit in the air condition and wait for the customers to come to the banks. CEO Das thanked the Prime Minster Hon. James Marape, Madam Rachel Marape and the Tari-Pori DDA for having that vision for micro people and commended the great effort shown. He thanked all the media fraternity for their support to ensuring this innovative microfinance model to reach all corners of the country.

“BSP Life PNG Limited will pay a total of K1.3m in 2023 as part of its first Survival Benefit payout to its 450 eligible Wantok Delite Policyholders,” said BSP Life PNG Country Manager Nilson Singh today at the BSP Waigani Head Office in Port Moresby. In making this milestone announcement, Mr. Singh said, “we have already commenced the Survival Benefit payment from this month, and we are expected to pay out in excess of K1.3m to 450 individuals from February through to December 2023. The payment of the survival benefit is a seamless process where once the customer confirms their current bank account details, the benefit is deposited directly into their bank accounts. The Survival benefit is also tax free as per the current Income Tax Act,” said Singh. Present during this announcement was BSP Life PNG’s first Wantok Delite Insurance policyholder, Henrietta Apping. Mr. Singh when declaring the inaugural Benefit payment said, “I would like to thank Ms. Apping’s employer, who allowed her to pay the premiums through salary deductions.” The delighted Survival Benefit recipient, Ms. Apping, commended BSP Life saying that Life Insurance is not something she hesitated to sign up on. “I have confidence in BSP Life as part of the BSP Group and recommend this product to others.” “I encourage the working class citizens and young people to sign up for this product as it not only helps you stay protected but also helps you save for future in times of unexpected bereavement,” said Ms. Apping. BSP Group Acting CEO Mr. Ronesh Dayal who was also present during the announcement said, “We understand the importance of Financial Inclusion in PNG and Life Insurance is a key component of financial inclusion. Equally, a long-term investment that will provide a lot of future capacity to the economy of PNG with the savings of our Policyholders, reinvested in profitable and economic opportunities for the country.” “Whilst BSP Life is a relatively new entity in PNG, having commenced operations in 2018, BSP’s insurance business in Fiji has over 140 years of experience and is able to effectively provide technical expertise and support to its sister company in PNG,” said Mr. Dayal. This, combined with BSP Group’s strong backing, provides our policyholders the confidence they seek when taking up an insurance policy with BSP Life PNG. For more information on BSP Life and its products, visit our website, www.bsplife.com.pg or you can arrange an obligation free appointment with one of our insurance agents by emailing on servicebsplife@bsp.com.pg “Our message is simple, it is important to save, it pays to have life insurance and you can trust BSP Life to honour our commitments as we have done today,” concluded Mr. Singh

Under our Institutional Academic Capacity Building Partnership with the University of Sunshine Coast, our academic staff attended a Pedagogical Design Principles and Strategies of Blended Learning workshop early this month. The purpose of the workshop was to up-skill our academics on the Pedagogical Design Principles and Strategies of Blended Learning. This workshop was specifically designed for Western Pacific University’s newly graduated academic staff. Six (6) academic staff members of WPU have been under-going a training for competency in the Foundation of University Teaching Course by the University of Sunshine Coast since September last year. Additional staff members who had developed units for delivery in the 2022 academic year also attended the workshop. Other staff in the academic space also participated in the workshop for the purpose of relearning the ideals of blended learning. The workshop was tailored for WPU and focused on pedagogical design principles and strategies for blended learning. It addressed reviews done on the 31 units developed so far for WPU on Moodle. It was a hands-on workshop and an external assessment of what has been developed using the Commonwealth of Learning Design templates. The workshop has value and contributes significantly to designing quality learning experiences for our learners and learner satisfaction whilst also embracing the ideals of blended learning. WPU President, Dr. Janet Rangou, said that, “As a new University focused on models for digital learning, blended learning has been the pivot that we have taken since 2021. It is a model that we continue to embrace for digital learning with limited face to face sessions. As WPU moves to virtual delivery of programs, the foundations are set and competency skill sets are advocated, embraced and staffs are encouraged to continuously embrace what is ideal for quality student learning experience. The focus is student centered learning around the constructivist paradigm of learning whereby alignment of learning outcomes dictate the assessment, learning activities and the essential content provided for the learners.” Throughout the year, there will be other workshops held to inform students and academic practices that pedagogical practice is an essential part of WPU's Professional Development and Mentoring. Apart from workshops, in-services and seminars will be held in future as the good practices of facilitating blended, remote or distance learning, the ideals of micro-credentialing for Professional Development, the use of Open Educational Resources and research to inform teaching. As indicated by our academics, there is a need for workshops as such to remain relevant to what WPU is striving to do.

More than 100 Adventist Church members in North Fly, Western Province cleaned up Kiunga town on Sunday morning this week. This community service is part of the preparation towards PNG for Christ program next year. Youths, missionaries and church parents gathered in Kiunga town as early as 7am  to clean up the town. They went along with spades, rakes, grass knives, plastic bags collecting rubbish on the ground. Empty boxes, tin cans, betel nut stains among others have been collected for proper disposal at the rubbish bin. The church members started cleaning the town from Sare Kona junction to police station. North Fly's District Director Pastor Mathias Anjo said they are preparing for open crusades next year. "Church members around the country are doing clean up and for us here in North Fly, we are cleaning town to maintain cleanliness. We cleaned main town, and the piled up rubbish in front of the main market. People must keep town clean. There will be a big event hosted in North Fly District so we are getting ready for that." he said. Another church member who is also a Health Extension Officer or HEO, working with Australian Doctors International in Kiunga, Ripson Mura, said maintaining good health and hygiene practices in town is important for all to avoid getting sick. " Everyday we are faced with different life style diseases so it is better we maintain good  hygiene practices in town and at homes too." he said. He said health is everyones'  business and public safety in town must be maintained. This clean up is part of the community service in preparation for evangelical crusades expected to commence in April next year and residents in Kiunga have been urged to keep the town clean.

Papua New Guinea's women's football coach says qualifying for the World Cup would give the sport in the Pacific a massive lift. The Oceania champions are two games away from qualifying for the event later this year. They face Panama in the semi-final of the Intercontinental Playoff at North Harbour Stadium in Auckland on Sunday. Win that and the Lakatois will progress to a final decider against either Chinese Taipei or Paraguay four days later in Hamilton. Coach Spencer Prior said that if his team qualifies for the World Cup it would be huge moral booster for football in much of the Pacific region where the sport has long been overlooked in favour of rugby and rugby league. "It's not just this team, it's also the potential legacy that this team can create for the region," the former Manchester City, Leicester and Norwich star said. "To qualify for a tournament where more people are actually going to watch the women's football world cup globally than the men's rugby world cup, not only will it heighten interest in the sport but in female's sport as a whole." FIFA has expanded the tournament from 24 teams to 32 for the 2023 event, which Prior said makes it easier for developing countries to qualify. "If you look at the Oceania Football Championships, typically we would only get New Zealand going to the world cups because of the gap between New Zealand and the rest. But because of the format of the world cup this year, it's opened up another spot for a Pacific Island nation potentially making it into the finals which is obviously significant for the entire region." Papua New Guinea's journey to its match-up with Panama, began last year when they won the OFC Women's regional tournament. [caption id="attachment_36375" align="alignnone" width="788"] Spencer Prior, second left, arriving at Port Moresby last year. Photo: PNG football[/caption] The team defeated all of its opponents including higher-ranked Fiji and New Caledonia. However, the coach of that team Nicole Demaine left the fold and was replaced by Prior who is the former head coach of the Thailand national team and has been heavily involved in women's football in Australia for many years. Since then they have lost to Fiji, Solomon Islands, and the Philippines - twice in warm-up games. The Papuans have been playing against Wellington Phoenix men's age-grade side and a local Auckland women's team to prepare for the tie. Prior admitted Panama is a world away in its standards of football - the country boasts it's own professional women's tournament and many of its current roster play for professional clubs overseas. They are ranked No.57 in the world. Despite the odds, Prior said his team have momentum and have spent the last two months training together at a high performance Centre. "Whether they make it or don't, I think the whole process of getting this far is a fantastic experience and development for the players," said Prior. "But hey, at the same time, since we made it this far, we might as well go the all way and see if we can qualify." "We've been based in New Zealand for the last two months, working at a world class facility... we've done alot in terms of the players' fitness and getting to live a high performance lifestyle ....getting them physically but at the same technically intact." Defender Margaret Joseph told OFC media they know they are up against a fast side in the Central Americans. "I have been watching them on how they play. Our players and defenders are mainly focusing on their forwards and strikers. "They are fast so we will just have to watch the long queues and when to drop, manage our line, communication." The 2023 Women's Football World Cup kicks off on July 20 in Australia and New Zealand. The PNG squad is: Faith Kasiray, Betty Sam, Leah Lou (goalkeepers), Lavina Hola, Margaret Joseph, Lucy Maino, Olivia Upaupa, Anastasia Gunemba, Michaelyn Butubu, Shalom Waida, Gloria Laeli (defenders), Yvonne Gabong, Rumona Morris, Ramona Padio, Rayleen Bauelua, Kesai Kotome, Phillis Pala, Daisy Winas (midfielders), Calista Maneo, Charlie Yanding, Georgina Kaikas, Nenny Elipas, Asaiso Gossie (forwards). Source: rnz.com

Broncos Captain Adam Reynolds will sit out Saturday night's pre-season game against the Cowboys. Reynolds completed yesterday's training at Twin Waters without issue before waking up with a tight back, and Coach Kevin Walters is taking a no-risk approach with his halfback ahead of the Round 1 clash with the Panthers on March 3 at Penrith. "Adam ran well yesterday including some extras but is a bit tight in his back this morning so he won't train today at the main session, which will mean he won't play against the Cowboys," said Walters. "We want him cherry ripe for Round 1 and he's moving really well after a big pre-season, so there's no use taking a risk with him in a trial game in these circumstances." New signing Jock Madden will now start at halfback against the Cowboys in his first game for the Broncos, with Josh Rogers added to the interchange. Source:Brisbanebroncos.com.au

In setting the phase ahead, Chief of Defense Force Major General Mark Goina officially began the Commanders monthly walk on Friday 27th of January last month. The walk which began as early as 4.30 am had seen over hundred participants from all Port Moresby based units, Defence Department and the Defence bilateral partners. Major-General Mark Goina officially led the walk on an estimated 3.5 kilometers walk that began from Murray Barracks headquarters to Hohola tunnel, onto freeway to Waigani Central tunnel than to Boroko and ended at Murray Barracks. The units that took part came from Goldie River Training Depot, 1RPIR from Taurama Barracks, Basilisk Naval Base, Air Transport Wing, Force Support Battalion, PNGDF Headquarters and Department of Defence Staff. During the walk the team was also happy to see participants from Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, US and other defence partners. The walk was also important as it coincided with the commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the first establishment of Papua New Guinea Defence Force. During the walk, all the units participated very well and the walk ended successfully with a complimentary speech from Major-General Mark Goina. During his speech he assured the troops that despite uniform issues; the soldiers were very professional in their dressing and did a good turn out on 50th PNGDF anniversary parade the day before. Major General Goina thanked the Australian Defence Staff and the New Zealand Defence Staff for always supporting PNGDF and is looking forward in working together in revitalizing the force. He thanked the other defence partners from Indonesia, America, Japan, China, French India and other countries who are affiliating with PNGDF. Goina thank the Department of Defence Staff who also accepted his invitation and successfully walked with him. He urges the Department of Defence and PNGDF to work together as one team throughout this year. Commanders Walk is a monthly walk as part of Defence Force activity that happens every month. Today will be the second Commanders Walk of the year.

National Capital District Metropolitan Superintendent Chief Inspector Silva Sika has called for a meeting with all Public Motor Vehicle (PMV) operators at 1 pm on Sunday, February 19, at the Unagi Oval in the Gordons area in the nations’ capital. The meeting will be with PMV operators and people from the organisations who are responsible for the operation and administration of vehicles in the city, Police, Central Province Transport Authority, the Chief Executive Officer of the Road Transport Authority, Mr Nelson Terema, and the Chairman of the Public Motor Vehicles Association, Mr Jack Waso. Mr Sika said there is a growing concern about the manner in which public motor vehicles (buses and Taxis) are being driven on public streets by drivers without due care and consideration for other road users, and in violation of traffic rules. He further added that the PMV operators must make it their business to attend this gathering so they will disseminate the right information to their drivers. "We all must work together to make our city safe for everyone to move around. I want you all to come so we can meet and discuss this openly. You might have some good things to share with us so please feel free to come to this meeting," Mr Sika said. He said the meeting is also open to the public. Mr Sika said the Officer in Charge of Boroko Traffic Senior Inspector Joseph Salle can be contacted on telephone 3234201, Digicel 71361184 or 75518209 to confirm their attendance.

Restoration efforts in the Porgera valley are in progress as the township slowly slips back into normalcy with the recommencement of government and health services this month including the revival of the Porgera Rugby League competition. A Porgera youth initiative, Porgera League has registered a total of 36 teams to compete in this year’s competition, six of them female teams. Pre-season warm up matches began two weeks ago as most of the clubs and teams got themselves registered in preparation for the competition proper, which kick-starts this weekend at the Paiam sports field. The Restoring Justice Initiative (RJI) and PJV’s Community and Social Responsibilities (CSR) Manager Trevor Liversidge during the presentation of rugby balls, highly commended the Porgera youth, particularly through the efforts of the Porgera District Sports Council for initiating and reviving interest and participation to get over 36 teams registered for both the A and B grades. The 36 teams derive from 18 clubs in total from as far as Mulitaka to Paiela and within Porgera with each club registering with a fee of K300 covering both the A&B grades. During the final warm up matches played last Sunday, RJI Manager Pat Niuni together with Mr Liversidge and President of Porgera Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Nickson Pakea, visited participating teams at Lukal and Tipinini and delivered rugby balls to each team. Mr Niuni expressed to the youth at Lukal that the sporting program is a huge effort toward supporting the restoration of Porgera. “We all have to work together to restore Porgera while we wait for the mine to restart. Look after the community, look after the highway, and support the security efforts. Prove that you are able to achieve this on your own and give confidence back to the company and businesses and your own people. Play peacefully and do not incite or support violence. Let’s show the province and country that we can do this,” Mr Niuni said. Mr Pakea who has been vocal on peace and restoration efforts in the valley has supported the Tipinini team with their registration fee into the competition. Addressing the teams at Paiam on Sunday, he said Porgera has already opened its doors back to normalcy and appealed to everyone to do their part to fully restore Porgera.“ Porgera is slowly coming back to life and we have to fix the law and order before the mine can reopen. Get involved in meaningful activities and programs like sports and education and have purpose. Do not exist aimlessly. “Every individual has a role to play to take back Porgera, not just me or Barrick or the leaders or the security personnel. You all have a part to play by doing the right thing. Play your games peacefully and respectfully, “Mr Pakea emphasised. Porgera district rugby league has aligned the competition with the PNG Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) sporting calendar for the year with the competition being played into the Easter Cup. The District Sports Council is also reviving other sporting codes in the district, which include basketball, soccer and touch rugby.

More than five murder cases have been reported in Madang between January and February according to Madang Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Superintendent David Seine Jr. PPC Seine said from February first to the seventh, four murder cases were reported in the Sumkar District of which three were in the Karkar Local Level Government (LLG) and one from Sumgilbar LLG. PPC Seine said according to police investigators, one of the three people who were murdered on Karkar Island on February 1, is the Dangsai Primary School head teacher.  He further added that the other two killed were suspects who were allegedly involved in the murder of the head teacher. He said according to police the teacher was traveling by boat from Kubugam to Karkar Island with the other passengers when he was murdered in the boat. “The head teacher, identified as Donald Kapom, reportedly had an argument on the boat with the other passengers and he was murdered before the boat reached shore. The killings at Karkar Island were believed to be in retaliation to the head teacher's murder. We are investigating both cases. “Karkar Police Station Commander Chief Sergeant Bolar Rimur is in charge of the investigation. The school was also closed and police officers on the Island are trying their best to make sure peace is restored. School must resume and the students must not be affected,” PPC Seine said. PPC Seine said the bodies of the three people killed were taken to Kubugam by boat and onto Modilon Hospital Morgue by Talidig police officers. He further added that a fourth man was beheaded at Karkum village along the North Coast Road on February 7. He said the man, yet to be identified, was beheaded whilst on his way to enrol his daughter in school.

Water Police officers in Port Moresby are now assisting the PNG National Maritime Safety Authority in the search for four Port Moresby-based fishermen that went missing last week Tuesday (February 7). Director Water Police Chief Inspector Chris Smith said Water Police officers helped initially when the report was lodged at the police station last week. He said the police officers are assisting the National Maritime Safety Authority officers. Mr Smith said the search was unsuccessful and no one has been found. He further added that the Water Police officers are doing their normal sea patrols around the waters of Port Moresby and are also keeping an eye out on those that went missing. As a result of this recent incident Mr Smith has again issued a strong appeal to people living along the sea and traveling by sea to always listen to warnings that are issued by the PNG Weather Service. He said before the men went out a warning was issued by the Weather Service and was published on all the media platforms to inform people traveling on the sea that the weather was not good. The missing four are identified as Gabi Lohia, 31, Lohia Michael Nou, 18, Frank Doura, 35, and Maku Dai 22 from Hanuabada in Port Moresby. They left Hanuabada at around 10 on Tuesday morning on a fishing trip.