Independent Power Producer (IPP) NiuPower Limited, continues to assist the PNG LNG impacted villages of the Central province through its Community Investment Program. This week, villagers got the news they have been waiting for when the power company announced it will finally build new libraries for the schools in the three PNG LNG impacted villages this year. Speaking at a ceremony at the Kido village today, NiuPower’s External Affairs Manager Mr. Wellington Bellawa, announced that the company will be spending a little bit more on education this year. “So, for this year we’re building three libraries, one at Kido, one at Lealea and one at Papa village,” he said. “This is because we feel that investing in education is more sustainable, and we need your support from the LLG (Local Level Government) to support this education program.” It is not only that, Mr. Bellawa also said NiuPower has gone one step further to sponsor the Dux student for the year for each of the schools. “We will be discussing that with the headmasters as to how best we can do that,” said Mr. Bellawa. Meanwhile, the Kido Primary School will benefit a lot from a new state of the art library in terms of students learning, something which the Kido Ward 17 Councillor Mrs. Kaia Podi Aup, is really excited about. “We have an old library, it was built by Ward 17 Kido development program, but because NiuPower is coming good with a much better up to date library, we’ve decided to turn it into a science lab to help the school children with their science projects and all the other stuff they need to know in their science lessons.” The Ward Councillor proceeded to thank NiuPower for coming to them with a new library for the upper primary and the lower primary levels of the school.

It’s all a go for the Moni Plus Port Moresby Australian Football League (AFL) 2022 season, starting with the pre- season competition set to take place soon. According to the Port Moresby AFL Association President Mr. Douglas Lai, the pre-season will commence on the 23rd of April and should run for at least two weeks following the 12 aside format of competition. “Due to the time frame, we should run with this format of competition so to enable the games to be faster and at the same time have more teams on the field by having one club fielding two separate teams.” The president said the proper season will kick off with the men’s and women’s divisions, right after the end of the pre-season matches. He added that the proper season will be played with both the men’s and women’s division competitions running at the same time despite plans earlier this year to hold separate competitions for the two divisions with the women’s competition to go first. Mr. Lai said with the National Elections coming up in a few months’ time, the Association decided to just go with the normal format as the elections could disrupt the competition and with it delay the planned schedule for this season, leaving them with no time to complete everything before the year ends. Meanwhile, the president explained that they got the go ahead to run the competition after the new pandemic measures were issued by the office of the PNG COVID-19 National Pandemic Response Controller this week, especially with the changes to the social measures. He further added that they will ensure that all COVID-19 measures will be enforced during the time of the competition.

Independent Power Producer (IPP) NiuPower Limited, through its Community Investment Program (CIP), has enabled the PNG LNG impacted villages in the Central province to benefit from health to education and water and sanitation services, initiated under their program. According to the power company’s External Affairs Manager Mr. Wellington Bellawa, the company has a community responsibility towards the community, especially when their power plant project is situated on their land. “Our benefit is that they enjoy looking after our project and the safety of the project is guaranteed, but that doesn’t mean to say that we do this because of that. It is our social responsibility to look after the project community,” he said. Mr. Bellawa added that under the CIP, they provide support in education, health, sports, church activities, women’s group activities and agriculture. Meanwhile, under the CIP the company just last week donated six 9, 000liters water tanks to Boera village and this Thursday 17th February, it will deliver six more of these water tanks to the community at Kido village. NiuPower is a local independent or private power company that uses the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) from the PNG LNG plant site outside Port Moresby city to generate electricity that it supplies to the city’s power grid.

"For an organisation to function well and to achieve its desired goals, its various parts or sections must operate together as one in unity." That was the message from the new Minister for Defence, Win Bakri Daki, when addressing members of the Papua New Guinea Defense Force (PNGDF) in his opening speech as the new minister at the Murray Barracks in Port Moresby. Minister Bakri Daki said this unity has seen the defense organisation performing well so far in protecting the nation’s borders and interests, something which ensures the security of the country and its peoples. “The PNG defense force is a symbol of unity to our nation, of how working together makes us stronger; there is strength in unity,” said the minister. The minster further stressed that this symbol of unity should also be reflected in the defense force working in close partnership with other organisations to ensure the good progress of the nation. “It is PNG defense force’s example of working together that will inspire the agencies of the Ministry of Defense to work together to achieve prosperity through nation building.” He said the Defense Force, the Department of Defense, the PNG Fire Service, the National Youth Development Authority, and the National Disaster Centre have been brought together under the Ministry of Defense by Prime Minister James Marape to work together in nation building. “All these agencies are critical for the growth and prosperity of PNG. By combining security, economic growth, job opportunities for our youths and effective response to natural and manmade disasters, we will be better able to grow into a prosperous and vibrant nation.” “By combining these agencies, we can easily combine and use all of the personnel and equipment held by them to support our people and provide not only a secure environment to grow, but also one that also is able to respond quickly to events when needed.” He added that under the government’s plan of nation building, all agencies must know their duties and all work together to achieve the goals of nation building. “To the PNG defense force, it is your duty to defend our nation, represent our international obligations, and contribute to nation building and disaster responses.” In saying that, the minister wants the defense force to work in unity with these other government organisations to achieve the goals of nation building set forth by the government of Papua New Guinea.

The new Minister for Defence, Win Bakri Daki is prioritizing the welfare of defense force personnel as he takes office to take care of matters of defence and national security. In his opening speech as the new minister, he said the matter of soldiers pay will be looked at and if possible, review the pay structure. This is to ensure that defense force personnel and their families are taken care of, so that they concentrate on their duties to the nation and the people. “It is my priority to make sure that you are well paid, you have housing and equipment to do your jobs. I will work closely with the chief of defence force to achieve this for you," said the new minister. “For the department of defence, your duty is to provide strategic guidance and financial and administration support to the PNG defense force. Be open and honest in your support. He stressed this because with the 2022 National Election coming up in a few months time, the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) must be ready to once again work with the other disciplinary organization achieve a successful election. You have a very important task ahead of you. The security of our national election is essential for our democracy to thrive, he said. Meanwhile, the new minister was officially received yesterday Friday 12th February, at a parade at Murray Barracks in Port Moresby. On hand to receive the new minister was the Commander of Defense Force (CDF) Major General Mark Goina, the Defense Secretary Mr. Hari John Akipe, the senior leadership of the PNGDF, heads of other disciplinary organisation and the International Defence Advisors Corp. The new minister later thanked Prime Minister James Marape and his government for having confidence in him and appointing him as the Minister for Defence. Picture 1- The new Defence Minister inspecting the guard during the welcoming parade at Murray Barracks Picture 2- Defence Minister Win Bakri Daki Picture 3- The welcoming parade at Murray Barracks

Local food and beverage manufacturer Vitis Industries Limited is saying that the state should be focusing more on dealing with the abuse of alcohol within the community rather than trying to fix the matter by dealing with the producers of alcohol. Vitis Industries Managing Director Mrs. Vikki Mossine, said the problem with alcohol abuse and violence should be seriously looked at and tougher measures should be taken to address it in the society. “I appeal to the authority and law enforcement agencies to penalize the alcohol abusers by imposing hefty fines or tougher laws if they cause violence in their homes or in their communities,” she appealed. “Also, to our licensed distributors and trade store owners, they must not allow the sale of our products to minors,” she strongly added. She said producers of alcohol beverages like Vitis Industries are only producing the products in accordance with the food and safety standards and should not be penalized for doing that. After all she said Vitis Industries has contributed a lot in terms of creating employment, paying tax to the state and providing community service and other services to the people. Meanwhile, Mrs. Mossine also pointed out that the number of alcohol producers have increased compared to five years ago and she also claimed that some of these new companies have similar product names and similar alcohol content to the products produced by Vitis Industries. “So, I think the authorities should look into this to see if they are also following the food and safety standards,” she said. “In addressing these issues, we are open for discussions because we’re Papua New Guineans and we are concerned for our future generation as well.”

The Koki market area in Port Moresby was in chaos this morning as two groups clashed, in yet again another ethnic clash in the capital city of Papua New Guinea. According to police, the clash was between a group from Goilala and a group from Wanigeli after a market vendor from Goilala was allegedly attacked by villagers from the Wanigela village. [caption id="attachment_18891" align="aligncenter" width="618"] Students stranded at Koki market this morning. Picture by Emmanuel MAIPE[/caption] The ethnic clash forced the shops within the vicinity of the market area to close and the bus stops emptied off morning commuters heading to school or work, leaving many stranded especially school students. So far, no casualties have been reported in the clash despite projectiles been thrown about between the two groups. Meanwhile, police units attending to the incident were not many and all that they could do is watch as the groups go at each other with whatever they could get their hands on and throw.

Visits Industries Limited, one of the local food and beverage manufacturers in the crosshair of the government in its move to curb the high alcohol percentage level and control the manufacturing of alcohol and its sale, has come out to say that its operations are not in breach of any laws and regulations governing alcohol in the country. Vitis Industries Managing Director Mrs. Vikki Mosinne, asked why the government is singling them out in this matter when all the company was doing is manufacturing alcohol and other products in line with all the regulations, including in accordance with the food and sanitation guidelines. She said recent media reports stating the claims made by the government that the company’s products are cheap and consumed mostly by youths and are responsible for social issues in the community, is hurting their operation. “These negative reports are discriminating and damaging our company’s reputation and affecting our business,” she said. [caption id="attachment_18844" align="aligncenter" width="485"] Vitis Industries Managing Director Mrs. Vikki Mosinne addressing the media in Port Moresby. Picture by Emmanuel MAIPE[/caption] In a press conference at the Vitis Industries head office in Port Moresby yesterday, Mrs. Mossine said all their products are developed and produced in the factory laboratory, certified, and approved by relevant government authorities then go for test at the National Analysis Laboratory (NAL) in Lae city. “This is to confirm the content of the alcohol strength on our product level packaging are correct in terms of standards before we sell them on the market, meaning that our food and beverages production factory is qualified and guaranteed to safely manufacture products,” said Managing Director. She added that they don’t sell their products on the market prior to approval and certification from relevant government authorities, which include the Independent Consumer and Competitions Commission (ICCC), PNG Customs and the National Department of Health through the accredited laboratory, the NAL. “The products we manufacture are safe for consumers and consumption because our company employs experts, both expatriates and qualified Papua New Guineans to test and manufacture our products if you are questioning the integrity of our company,” she said. “We are only a manufacture or producer; we distribute and supply our products through licensed distributors, wholesalers and trade stores on the factory prices that are recommended. The store owners and managers then sell on the recommended prices. [caption id="attachment_18843" align="alignnone" width="619"] Picture by Emmanuel MAIPE[/caption] “All our alcohol products are priced as per our production cost per bottle after the government tax base rate imposed on the alcohol.” But she said the high tax imposed by the government on alcohol, has also seen increased prices of the products. Meanwhile, a Special Parliamentary Committee on Alcohol- related Violence led by the Member for Goroka Aiye Tambua as Chairman, has announced yesterday its planning to push to make some changes to the laws and regulations governing alcohol manufacturing and sales in the country to deter the abuse of alcohol in the community and have some control over alcohol production by producers. The Committee will be having consultations with manufacturers, groups, stakeholders, and government departments on the matter and will be sending out invitations for it. The consultations are aimed at getting opinions and suggestions to come up with recommendations for the government to consider and possibly make changes legislations to control alcohol manufacturing and sales in the country going forward. The Committee is looking at holding these planned consultations and wrap them up before the start of the 2022 National Elections starts.

Organisations that have made timely remittance of members contributions to the National Superannuation Fund Limited (Nasfund) for their employees, were recognized for their efforts at the Nasfund Awards Night for 2021, which was held in Port Moresby city on Thursday 27th January. Nasfund Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Ian Tarutia said the awards is a way of saying thank you and acknowledging the role the employers play in the discharge of their obligation under the Superannuation Act of 2000. Since the inaugural awards in 2018, Nasfund has recognized a total of 63 employers out of its employer base of 2, 700 establishments. “A number of our employers have featured consistently in the awards each year; this is a positive trend and reflects the governance culture of that organization. With a good governance culture, strong leadership, a clear vision, and staff who know they are looked after, good outcomes are achieved. Business is good, customers are satisfied, profits are made, taxes are paid, and superannuation is also paid,” said Mr. Tarutia. The winners were selected out of 37 employers that made the final list for consideration. “In case you’re wondering how the winners are selected, it is a system generated process based of fields or parameters according to the category under which our employers are assessed under.” The winners were categorized into three categories; Category A – Employers contributing more than K100,000 per month, Category B – Employers contributing between K50,000 and K100,000 per month, and Category C – Employers who contribute less than K50,000 per month. The winners in the respective awards were as follows: 1. Most Compliant Employer - Category A: Ramu Agri Industries - Category B: Hargy Oil Palms Limited - Category C: Seeto Kui (Holdings) Limited 2. Best Employer Voluntary Contributions - Category A: Ok Ted Mining Limited - Category B: Starwest Construction Limited - Category C: National Agriculture Research Institute 3. Best Employer Member Voluntary Contributions - Category A: BSP Financial Group - Category B: Paradise Foods Limited - Category C: National Agriculture Research Institute 4. Most Compliant Account Maintenance - Category A: Laga Industries - Category B: Rural Airstrip Agency of PNG Limited - Category C: National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahais of PNG Inc 5. Most Compliant Benefit Payments - Category A: Barrick (Niugini) Limited - Category B: Guard Dog Security Services - Category C: Associated Mills Limited 6. Best Eda Supa Employer - Hargy Oil Palms Limited (Smallholder Affairs) 7. COVID-19 Vaccine Champion - Brian Bell Group 8. Nasfund Chairman’s Awards - Category A: Ok Tedi Mining Limited Mr. Tarutia concluded by thanking the sponsors that made it possible to host the awards night at the Hilton Hotel. The proud sponsors included the Brian Bell group of companies, City Pharmacy, PNG Air, NSCL, SP Brewery, Telekom, Loloata Island Resort, Steamships, Pagini Clothing, Paradise Cinemas, Trukai Industries and Nasfund Brand Ambassador, Justin Olam.  

The Hiri Moale festival in Port Moresby is back after missing out last year due to the implications brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, and major sponsor- Steamship Trading Company Ltd, has pitched in once again to support this annual cultural event. Steamships Managing Director Mr. Rupert Bray on Wednesday announced the sponsorship committed to hosting the festival. “We’re committing a hundred thousand Kina particularly to supporting the Hanenamo pavilion, the cultural performers, the musicians and the food and beverage at the festival,” said the managing director. “Steamships is proud to sponsor the Hiri Moale festive 2021/ 2022. It’s been something we have been doing for a long time and it’s something very close to our hearts. “The preservation of the culture and traditions of our people is important, particularly in the regions where steamships work, and we work here more than anywhere else. The NCD (National Capital District) and the Motu- Koita region is our home. This is where we started, and we are very proud to be sponsoring this again.” Meanwhile, the festival itself will kick start towards the end this week with the first judging of the female participants set to take place this Friday 28th of January. Chairman of the Motu- Koita Assembly and Deputy NCD Governor Dadi Toka Junior, said it starts this Friday and on the 11th of February will the sponsor night, the 12th will be the Vanagi Race (canoe race) at Era Kone (Ela Beach) and the Lakatoi arrival in the afternoon of the same day, and on the 13th of February will be the crowing of the Hiri Hanonamo at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium. This year there are ten female participants each representing their respective villages in the Motu- Koita region and contesting for the crown.

The Australian Football League (AFL) code in Papua New Guinea (PNG), like the other national federations in the country, will have to go through yet another process of getting approval from the National Pandemic Controller to hold its competitions and programs for this year. AFL PNG Senior Football Operations Manager Mr. Rex Leka said the PNG AFL Commission and the Junior Development program will be submitting a formal request again that will contain how the national federation will be running the 2022 season in compliance with the COVID-19 protocols. This will mean how the federation will be controlling the number of spectators and teams on the field at one time and the measures in place to prevent the potential spread of the virus, like hand sanitizers and temperature checks being conducted. Mr. Leka added that this submission will be sent to the Controller’s office by the end of this week, and he is hoping to get a response soon. This is because the earlier the competitions and programs start the better, after the federation had to cancel the last season due to COVID-19 implications. “We hope to a response soon because with the 2022 academic year about to start, it would be great if we could start right away with the junior development programs like the Niu Kick program and the annual schools’ competition.” Meanwhile, the last season had to be cancelled early for the senior competition due to the COVID-19 measures and the delay in response from the authorities, including the Controller’s office, on the resumption dates for some of the sporting codes, including AFL.

The recent inaugural Dadi Toka Pesi 9s rugby league cup challenge held in Port Moresby, could expend next year to include other divisions going forward. According to the Tournament Director Mr. Vaieke Vani, that is the step that they will be trying to take to include the women’s open division and the under 20s in the tournament in 2023. “There were a lot of young boys playing in the matches amongst the seniors, so it’s good to have the different grades introduced for them to play in like the under 20s going forward,” he said. Mr. Vani added that the recent 9s tournament in Port Moresby city is very new and there is room for expansions in the future, especially with the major sponsor Pepsi on board. As such the tournament director said they are expecting a bigger tournament next year and given the interest shown through the number of teams that participated in this year’s tournament, he said there will be more to enjoy for rugby league fans in the city. Meanwhile, the Dadi Toka Pepsi 9s finals were held over the weekend and saw the winners in each of the divisions received their prizes. For the winners, the TI Viking was crowned the winner of the Cup Division, Hetoa Steelers the winner of the Plate Division and Harbour City Tornadoes the winner of the Bowl Division.