The Member of Parliament (MP) for Wau Waria District of the Morobe province, Marsh Narewec, is calling for a reform of the National Youth Development Authority (NYDA) Act 2014 to ensure the provinces and districts work closely with the youth authority in organising youth activities and programs. This call follows Prime Minister James Marape’s bold statement on the 18th of January 2024 on the urgency of mobilizing all youths around the country for productive engagement in reaction to the events of the infamous “Black Wednesday”. The call was put out for all youths between 15 and 30 years of age to be mobilized and the responsibility for mobilizing these youths around the country will be passed back to all Provinces and Districts in the country, through the existing Service Improvement Program (“SIP”) funding from the National Government. However, as it currently stands, the NYDA structure which is responsible for the mobilization of all Youths in the country does seem to have a disconnect with the Provincial Assemblies, District Development Authorities (DDAs) and Local Level Governments (LLGs). This could potentially limit the effectiveness of youth representation in decision-making processes, particularly where SIP funding is concerned. The MP called upon the National Government to consider the following potential steps for reform: 1. Legislative Change: Pass laws that provide a legislative basis for youth representatives from the Youth Council structure to participate in decision-making at all levels of government. 2. Integration of Structures: Consider restructuring NYDA to integrate it more closely with Provincial Assemblies, DDAs and LLGs. This could involve creating formal links or pathways between these entities and the Youth Councils. 3. Representation in Decision-making Bodies: Push for seats to be reserved for youth representatives in the Provincial Assemblies, DDAs and LLGs. This would ensure youth voices are heard directly where decisions are being made; and 4. Youth Consultation: Implement regular consultation processes with youth and youth organizations when making decisions, particularly those that directly affect young people. The MP also recommends that any public consultations on the reform of the NYDA structure must be co-led by a credible Youth NGO so that the reforms are not only meaningful but must be aggressive so as not to protect the interests of Government bodies only but must seriously addresses the concerns of all stakeholders. “I look forward to working closely with the Ministry for Community Development, Religion and Youth to follow through on the outcomes of the proposed areas for Reform to ensure that we have a response from the National Government on its strategy for mobilization and engagement of youths and to have these longstanding issues addressed immediately.” Mr. Narewec has commenced engagements with the National Youth Development Authority and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that the reform process flows smoothly, and the issues are addressed.

This week saw an important Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing that took place between a financial institution and a university in the country, all to support programs provided to students taking up studies in the field of business and finance. This MoU was signed between the Center for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI) and the IBS University and IBS Center of Excellence (IBSCOE) Limited on Tuesday 11th June in Port Moresby city. According to CEFI’s Executive Director, Mr. Saliya Ranasinghe, this MoU signifies a collaborative effort to advance education, particularly in the realms of entrepreneurship and microfinance, fostering mutual growth and development. Through this MoU, CEFI, IBS University, and IBSCOE will combine their expertise and resources to promote entrepreneurship and microfinance education. By using each other’s strengths and resources, this partnership aims to nurture a generation of individuals equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the financial landscape. He also stated that this partnership endeavors to integrate CEFI’s proficiency in digital financial literacy and online training methodologies with IBS University’s esteemed academic programs. Through this MOU, both parties commit to the following objectives: · Collaborative Curriculum Development, · Capacity Building and Training for Students and Staff, · Mutual Learning and Exchange, and · Promotion of Financial Inclusion. The MoU also sets the roles, responsibilities, and commitments of all parties to ensure that these objectives are met. Through these collaborative efforts, CEFI, IBS University, and IBSCOE aspire to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of education and socioeconomic development within Papua New Guinea.

Support continues to pour in for the landslide affected communities in the Enga province at their time of grief and suffering, this time from the big LNG company in the country. ExxonMobil PNG Limited and Mobil Oil New Guinea Limited announced on Tuesday 11th June commitments of up to K1 million in funding as well as 40, 000 liters of diesel fuel to help support the ongoing relief and recovery efforts in Enga Province following the devastating natural disaster in Mulitaka. “Our hearts go out to those impacted by this tragedy, including the friends and family of our ExxonMobil PNG staff,” said Tera Shandro, Chairperson and Managing Director of ExxonMobil PNG. “As one of the country’s largest private sector companies, it is only fitting to do our part to aid the ongoing response efforts by the Government of Papua New Guinea and its broader partners.” “Fuel supply reliability is also particularly critical during humanitarian responses, and it is our hope that Mobil’s donation of 40, 000 liters of diesel will help to sustain response efforts on the ground,” Shandro added.

The much- anticipated Highlands Regional Youth Games (RYGs) is set to roll following the signing of the Host Contract Agreement. The Host Contract Agreement was finally signed this week to convene the Inaugural Highlands RYGs that will be hosted by the Goroka District of Eastern Highlands Province (EHP). The Agreement was signed at the PNG National Sports Institute in Goroka between EHP Provincial Administrator, Mr. Allen Los and RYG Council Chairman and National Youth Development Authority (NYDA) Director General, Mr. Joe Itaki, and witnessed by Goroka District Administrator, Mr. Benson Imara. Youths from the highlands of Papua New Guinea (PNG) will converge in Goroka in a few weeks' time to showcase rural talents in the different sporting codes. The games will be staged from the 1st of July to the 6th ​‌July at the PNG National Sports Institute in Goroka town. The Regional Youth Game concept aligns with three important government policy; PNG Sports Policy, National Youth Policy and Integrated Community Development Policy, making it a home-grown concept with rural focus and aims to identify rural talents and push them for further skills development. The first RYGs was the Momase Regional Youth Games held in Madang last year which saw over thousands of youths from the four provinces in the Momase region converge on the sporting grounds in Madang town in September for the games. The Momase RYGs was hailed a success. The Highlands RYGs is the second to be hosted and the concept will also cover the Southern and then the New Guinea Islands regions.

The Ok Tedi Development Foundation’s (OTDF’s) access to isolated communities in Western province to ensure services reach them has been boosted recently with the donation of a dinghy and outboard motor. The timely donation of the 23- footer dinghy and 85 horse- powered outboard motor was from Upper Lower Ok Tedi Investment (ULOTI) Limited, presented by the company’s Chairman himself Mr. Paul Yarokam, to OTDF staff and management on May 31st at the Kiunga waterfront. “Most of the dinghies purchased by Wait Tri Trust provide service along the Alice River only, so ULOTI want to change this and serve communities along the Fly River with this new dinghy and motor.” “I wish for the other CMCA investments companies to come together and do the same to share resources for development,” said the Chairman. OTDF Trust Administration Manager, Mr Johanis Saferius who received the assets on behalf of OTDF, expressed appreciation for the local company to collaborate with OTDF. The investment company purchased the assets with the intent to lease to OTDF so the asset can be maintained while generating funds for ULOTI Ltd. Mr. Johanis Saferius congratulated the company directors for their stewardship in leading development efforts within their Wai Tri communities through their local investment company. He remarked, "Upper Lower" is a Subsidiary of Wai Tri Trust representing the upper six villages. This is an investment added to their current portfolio complementing real estate. The dinghy will be leased to OTDF Trust Administration when required, but also open to other OTDF programs, on a fixed rate. It is a privilege to be receiving these assets from the chairman and we will take care of it while giving back to the company through lease payments.” The event also marked a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing investment efforts for six villages of Birimkamba, Komokpin, Ambaga, Kungim, Kungembit and Putmambin. OTDF is committed to overcoming logistic barriers to ensure that even the most isolated communities receive the support they need.

The public, especially fuel consumers around the country can breathe a sigh of relief after the Independent Consumer and Competitions Commissioner (ICCC) announced just recently that prices for all petroleum products have slightly decreased for the month of June. According to the ICCC, the decrease commenced over the weekend on Saturday 08th June. For the city of Port Moresby, the changes in the retail fuel prices saw petrol dropped down by 34 toea from K4. 84 per liter in May to K4. 50 in June, Diesel dropped down by 25 toea from K4. 45 per liter in May to K4. 20 in June, while Kerosene dropped by 16 toea from K4. 06 per liter in May to K3. 90 in June. Retail prices in all other designated centers will change according to their quarterly approved domestic freight rates for the second quarter of 2024, and their respective retail margins for this year. For all other centers, the maximum retail prices for each fuel product will all decrease on average consistent with the decrease observed for Port Moresby city. The ICCC stated that the drop in the fuel prices was the direct result of increased crude oil supply as Russia exceeded its OPEC agreed production quota. The domestic Retail Fuel Prices (IRPs) for this month are inclusive of the Import Parity Prices (IPPs) or the imported costs for each petroleum product, domestic sea and road freight rates for the first quarter of 2024, the annual wholesale and retail margins for 2024, and the Goods and Services Tax (GST) including the applicable excise duties, among other parameters. Meanwhile, the ICCC’s investigation officers will conduct inspections to all service stations in the country to ensure prices of declared petroleum products comply with the allowable maximum prices.

Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) along with its business partners recently came to the assistance of flood affected people of five villages located in the Lower Middle Fly region of Western province with food supplies. OTML through its Donations Committee supported the cause with K250, 000 worth of basic food supplies, and then utilized its logistical resources through its Community Relations and Sustainability Department along with its development arm, the Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF), to successfully distribute and deliver the supplies to Kaviananga, Komovai, Kasa, Levame and Owa villages. PNG Sustainable Development Program (PNGSDP) is also providing support through its health and well-being assessments conducted in the area. These villages were identified during an initial assessment conducted by OTML’s Community Relations and Sustainability, and Environment teams, OTDF and the PNGSDP teams as being severely impacted by flooding due to continuous rainfall in the region resulting in access restriction to food sources and safe drinking water. OTML Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Alan Bong said, “As a 100% PNG owned mine, we believe we have a corporate social responsibility to provide support towards relief and recovery of our people and communities within Western province as well as in other parts of the country.” “When disaster strikes, be it natural or manmade, lives are shattered, homes destroyed, and communities left reeling in the wake of devastation. The need for immediate aid is paramount and it is during these critical moments that our compassion and generosity provide hope to those in despair.” Mr. Bong further encouraged all stakeholders in Western province to be involved in the assessment of the affected areas and provide urgent assistance where needed. “This support from OTML, OTDF and PNGSDP is to provide temporary relief support, setting the pace before the responsible government authority organizes its disaster committee to bring in more relief supplies,” he said. The recipient communities thanked OTML and its partners for the prompt assistance provided during this time of need. Village elder, Yako Bamaru said this was the third biggest flooding in the history of lower Middle Fly caused by torrential rain. Mr. Bamaru experienced similar flooding as a child in the 1980’s, as a young adult and now as an elder saying, “The flooding is bringing illness, shortage of food and less clean drinking water.”

The main focus of the BSP Financial Group Limited (BSP) in its endeavors to providing financial and banking services to the people, is to ensure that these services continue to be improved for its customers in Papua New Guinea (PNG) and the pacific nations where BSP operates in. BSP Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Mark Robinson when opening the bank's Annual General Meeting in Port Moresby city this morning. He stated that this is reflected in the improvements made to the banking system with innovative technologies, like the implementation of the new Core Banking System in 2023, improved operational efficiency at its branches which saw the reductions of long queues at the branches, along with improved data on customer needs and expectations. Mr. Robinson said BSP is not only investing in technologies, but also in human resource development to continue to improve on its customer services. “We established the BSP academy in Papua New Guinea, the academy provides structured skills development. Our first cohort graduated from the academy in April with two more cohorts currently progressing through the academy’s seven modules,” said Mr. Robinson. “This investment in our people across the pacific will play a critical role in the delivery of our organization’s strategies.” BSP’s investments in its people, improvements to its services and community initiatives also extends to the pacific nations it operates in said the Group CEO. Meanwhile, Mr. Robinson also mentioned that 2023 was a strong year for BSP having performing exceptionally well in light of challenges as presented in the recent BSP first quarter report this year. In light of this, Mr. Robinson said he understands that there are challenges ahead, inflation being one of the main ones, but looks into the future with optimism especially with the major resource projects coming up and the benefits of the recently re- opened New Porgera Mine. “We're already experiencing the benefits of the Porgera Mine re- opening this year. When it becomes fully operational, it is expected to deliver K1billion, approximately 250 million US dollars in FX annually.” The Group CEO said with this outlook of things to come, BSP customers can expect their bank to continue to provide its services to every part of the country and the region. Mr. Robinson concluded by saying that BSP is all about its customers and will continue to improve on its customer services with more innovative solutions and technologies going forward.

The country could see in the near future another major sugar production apart from Ramu Sugar in Madang province now that a Thailand company was given the go ahead to establish a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) dedicated to sugar in Abau district, Central province. The Minister for International Trade and Investment, Richard Maru made the announcement recently regarding this major undertaking in the agriculture sector. Minister Maru announced that Cocoland Sugar Development Limited in Abau will be developed as a Special Economic Zone after he met with the management team from Yaosoeng Sugar and Cane Consultant Company Limited (a Thai company) and the Member for Abau, Sir Puka Temu. The proposal is for a 40, 000-hectare sugar farm, a processing mill, and a power plant following a very successful trial in Abau on the proposed sugar farmland. The plantation will produce 3 million tons of sugar every year with the target market to be Papua New Guinea (PNG) and other countries, especially Indonesia. The project is also expected to create over 20, 000 jobs for Papua New Guineans. “PNG is still importing sugar from Thailand despite the presence of Ramu Sugar in PNG, so we need another large-scale sugar project which will also be good for price competition,” said Minister Maru. Minister Maru said this project will be developed as an SEZ and has the highest Government priority. “We want to open a Diplomatic Mission in Thailand and having this project here in PNG gives us one reason why we should be in Thailand.” “We want to see more Thai companies coming and investing in PNG because there is a lot we can learn from them, and we can get more investments from Thailand,” said the Minister. “If we cannot get this project across the line then we will not have confidence from Thailand investors to come and invest in PNG, especially in large-scale agriculture projects." He also said that this project is important as it is an anchor investment for PNG because it affirms the Government’s decision to open a Diplomatic Mission in Thailand. Minister Maru further added that he will be visiting Abau to see the project site before taking a Submission to the Cabinet to get their approval. “This is very critical because once we have the approval, we can negotiate and sign a State Agreement between the State and the developer.” He said the developer is keen to develop the large-scale sugar mill which will take over two years to construct with the sugarcane farm to cost USD126.01 million and the sugar mill and the power plant to cost USD295.01 million, a total of USD421.03 million. “The investor is happy to fund the project itself or to partner the Government and other partners and wants to commence construction of the mill and the sugar estate this year.”

The youths of the Kerema district in the Gulf province now have an office to attend to and address their issues following the opening of the Kerema District Youth Development Council (DYDC) along with six (6) Local Youth Councils. The opening, which took place last week Friday 10th May that culminated a weeklong youth mobilization activity, was a milestone achievement for the youths and the district itself. Officiated by the National Youth Development Authority (NYDA) Director General, Mr. Joe Itaki, the event was witnessed by the Vice Minister for Petroleum and Member (MP) for Kerema, Thomas Opa and Kerema District Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Sarufa Ako. Meanwhile, the youth mobilization activity saw over 70 youths and observers present for the one-week event that was held from 6th-10th of May where youths from the 6 Local Level Governments (LLGs); Central Kerema, East Kerema Rural, Taure-Lakekamu, Kotidanga, Kaintiba and Kerema Urban, gathered for the event. The week-long event was marked by a series of activities, including the opening ceremony, constitution drafting, and elections at both LLG and district levels, culminating in the official launching of the Kerema DYDC. The establishment of the DYDC represents a significant milestone in youth development in the Kerema District, providing a formalized structure for youth engagement and participation in local governance, decision-making processes, and providing a platform for development initiatives at the local level areas. On Friday, these executives were sworn into office by the Senior Provincial Magistrate, Mr. Francis Fingu, who advised the youth leaders to uphold the office they serve for the good of the young people of Kerema. In his closing remarks, the NYDA Director General, Mr. Itaki, emphasized that being a youth leader in the youth council is a volunteer job in their engagements in community service projects and volunteer initiatives that will foster a sense of responsibility and civic engagement among young people. Meanwhile, the newly elected Chairman of the Kerema District Youth Council, Mr. Japhet John, was given the assurance by the Kerema MP and Chairman of the District Development Authority (DDA) Board, Thomas Opa, that he will be given recognition to represent the youths in the Kerema DDA Board. Establishing a youth development council can have a profound impact on a community, providing young people with opportunities for leadership, skills development, and engagement in decision-making processes. Youth Councils serve as catalysts for positive change, empowering young people to become active participants in shaping their communities and driving social progress.

Prime Minister (PM) James Marape this morning opened the Stakeholder Consultation on the National Gold Corporation Bill 2024 (Gold Bill) with one message, and that is for the concerned parties to find what is wrong with proposed bill and to work towards an amicable solution going forward. Today’s Consultation was arranged by the Minister for Mining in collaboration with the prime minister and aims to discuss this controversial bill that is currently before cabinet and on the notice paper to be presented in the May parliament sitting coming up in two weeks’ time. Papua New Guinea Chamber for Resources and Energy (PNG CORE), which is leading the concerned parties list in the mining sector in raising the alarm on the implications of the Gold Bill, stated that the proposed bill will take away certain powers from the Bank of Papua New Guinea and with it, negatively impacting the economy in the long run. However, Marape this morning defended the Gold Bill, stating that it reflects his government’s focus on downstream processing and creating wealth, economic prosperity and employment and should be supported. He said its high time PNG has its own gold refinery where gold ores from the country can be processed and then exported; the bill has no ill intention on the resource sector. “The last 49 years the mining sector helped PNG through, so the bill has no intention to harm the industry,” said Marape. “We want to add value to our resource sector, not just in the gold sector.” Nevertheless, the PM said the Consultation is important as there is a need to find a balanced approach to addressing the concerns and to eventually put the bill through. Marape said he and his government are open to any recommendations on the Gold Bill that would come from the consultations today that would be presented by the working committee. Meanwhile, the Senior Vice President of the PNG CORE, Mr. Richard Kassman made it clear that the PNG CORE is not against the Gold Bill in that it supports a gold refinery for PNG; however, it’s certain provisions in the bill that have raised concerns which must be addressed so that the bill does not pose any harm to the country’s economy. Mr. Kassman then suggested for a six-month extension be given for further consultations to take place as this is a very sensitive matter and just one day of consultations is not enough to fully grasp the gist of the Gold Bill, and to get every concerned party in the mining sector to have their say on this controversial bill.

The National Government continues its assistance to the affected business houses from the Black Wednesday riots and looting in the city of Port Moresby, this time with the release of its third batch of financial assistance. The cheque presentation of the financial assistance was carried out by the Chief Secretary to Government, Mr. Ivan Pomaleu on Monday 06th May, who also expressed regret for the unfortunate incidents that occurred on Wednesday 10th January. He shared his sentiments for those business houses, who were affected during the chaos saying, “The government values the contributions of business houses, that apart from collecting taxes from you, you continue to generate community activities throughout various locations, particularly providing services and employment and therefore, our job as Government, is to provide an operating environment for you to operate safely and securely as service providers." Mr. Pomaleu said when the 10th of January events occurred, there was a commitment by the government to ensure support for the affected business houses to continue to carry their employees through salary payments; to restore and rebuild their businesses, and in turn continue to provide services to the communities. “I reside in a community where most of our shops were affected or destroyed by the January 10th events, and I understand how hard it is to be affected by those losses." “I may have the means to travel comfortably elsewhere to get the services that I need, but the bulk of our people are doing it tough,” he said. Meanwhile, the three business houses who received the third batch of financial assistance included SYZ Investment Ltd with K156, 000.00, Eliseo Limited with K583, 439.40 and Big Rooster (PNG) Limited with K576, 000.00.