Brand new vehicles owned by PNG motors and Niu Ford were damaged by a catastrophic fire over the weekend Sunday, September 1st, 2024, around midday. The blaze, which started in an adjacent vacant allotment around noon, quickly engulfed the facility, causing extensive destruction and significant financial loss. The fire was said to have started around mid-day and spread rapidly across the storage yard owned by Express Freight Management (EFM) on the Papa Lea Lea Highway. Emergency services were immediately dispatched to the site, and firefighters worked tirelessly to contain the flames and prevent further damage, however despite their efforts, the fire destroyed a substantial portion of the vehicle inventory. “We are deeply saddened by the events of Sunday,” said Steve Lane, Acting General Manager of PNG Motors & Niu Ford. “Our primary concern is for the safety and well-being of EFM employees, and we are happy to report there were no injuries or casualties.” Mr Lane stated that they are working closely with EFM and relevant authorities to determine the cause of the fire and assess the full extent of the damage. The vehicle storage yard is temporarily closed and no customers of PNG Motors/Niu Ford have been affected. “We want to assure our customers that we are committed to continuing carrying on with business as usual during this difficult time,” Mr. Lane added. “We will be working closely with EFM and the authorities to discuss next steps.” The fire also prompted a response from the local community, with many businesses and residents expressing their support. PNG Motors and Niu Ford management team want to express their praise to EFM and local authorities for the swift response of their teams in addressing this emergency.

A 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck the Southern part of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville this morning around 6:13am. As per report from the Port Moresby Geophysical Observatory (PMGO) of the Department of Mineral Policy and Geohazards Management, the earthquake occurred as a result of the interaction between the Solomon Sea Plate and the Pacific Plate just 155.46 degrees E, 6.88 degrees S , and 62km South of Panguna. It is of tectonic origin thus it was felt strongly in southern part of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville Mr Felix Taranu Principal Seismologis from the Port Moresby Geophysical Observatory (PMGO) of the Department of Mineral Policy and Geohazards Management highlighted that the earthquake occurred near the coast, however, the potential for tsunami generation is very low. There were reports of strong shaking within the localities of Aitara and Tokuaka, which is less than 10 km away from the earthquake epicentre. Also, according to Earthquakes Live the moderate shaking probably occurred in Panguna (pop. 2,900) located 55 km from the epicenter, Arawa (pop. 40,300) 65 km away, and Kieta (pop. 3,600) 68 km away also. Shallow earthquakes are felt more strongly than deeper ones as they are closer to the surface. The exact magnitude, epicentre, and depth of the quake might be revised within the next few hours or minutes as seismologists review data and refine their calculations however there is no other addition new information at this time yet regarding the earthquake.

Papua New Guinea (PNG) faces a daunting challenge with a 101% increase in new HIV infections since 2010, which demands a bold and comprehensive response, one that is both innovative and inclusive. These were the remarks made by Ms. Manoela Manova, Country Director, UNAIDS PNG at the launching of the National HIV and STI Strategy 2024-2028 on Friday 30th August at the Holiday Inn Hotel, Port Moresby city. “As we stand on the cusp of launching the National HIV and STI Strategy 2024-2028, it is imperative to reflect on the journey that has brought us here and the path that lies ahead.” Ms. Manova highlighted that this is a wakeup call because of the alarming rise in HIV infections in the country. “It is a wake-up call for all of us, it underscores the urgent need for a renewed commitment to tackling this epidemic head-on.” “While global progress has been made in reducing HIV transmission, our country has lagged, and the consequences are dire.” She stated that since 2010, new infections have doubled, and sadly on a single day in 2023, an estimated 18 new infections, and 2 children born with HIV, therefore the National HIV and STI Strategy 2024-2028 is our roadmap to reversing this trend and achieving the 95-95-95 global HIV targets by 2025. One of the most significant aspects of the new strategy is its emphasis on community involvement. The fight against HIV cannot be won in isolation because it requires the collective effort of government, healthcare providers, civil society, and, most importantly, the communities most affected by the epidemic. “By engaging local communities in the design and implementation of HIV prevention and treatment programs, we can ensure that our interventions are culturally sensitive, relevant, and effective.” “Innovation is at the heart of the National HIV and STI Strategy 2024-2028, thus we must leverage new technologies and methodologies to enhance the effectiveness of our interventions.” Manova highlighted that this includes scaling up education and awareness campaigns, improving access to antiretroviral therapy, and eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV. She added that by embracing innovation, they can overcome the barriers that have hindered progress and move closer to ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. “The launch of this strategy is not just a policy announcement; it is a call to action, it is a call for every sector of society to join in the fight against HIV.” She said it is a call for sustained effort, unwavering commitment, and collective action, therefore everyone must play their part in ensuring that no one is left behind in the fight against HIV. “As we embark on this new chapter, we do so with a sense of hope and determination, the National HIV and STI Strategy 2024-2028 represents a bold step forward in our fight against HIV.” “It is a testament to our resilience, our commitment, and our unwavering belief that we can and will overcome this epidemic.” She stressed that the journey ahead will not be easy, but it is a journey worth taking and all must move forward with courage, with conviction, and with the knowledge that together, everyone can make a difference.

Five businesses who were affected by the Black Wednesday riots on the 10th of January this year have received support from the government this week. The National Government continues to honor its commitment to promoting and supporting businesses when it presented substantial financial support at the value of over K7, 691, 000.00. Chief Secretary to Government Ivan Pomaleu, on Wednesday 28th August, presented over K7, 691, 000.00 to five businesses whose stock and inventory, including buildings, were destroyed, and affected during the riot. Mr. Pomaleu when presenting the grant support to the businesses highlighted that such incidents ought not to be repeated in the future as everyone, including those businesses affected, rely on a safe and secure environment for their businesses to operate, grow, create employment, and offer services to the people. “I have been saying to a few people now that as part of our restoration efforts, we represent the intention of the National Government in helping those businesses and the need for them to restock inventory they have lost, the need to rebuild premises destroyed and burnt during the unfortunate incident of 10th January 2024.” Pomaleu stated that the cheque presentation honors the government’s commitment to businesses affected so that they can restock, restart, and pay wages and salaries to their workers who were also affected badly in the aftermath of the incident. “The incident is what we were all not expecting. It came about as a result of a collapse in policing through a very public withdrawal of services by police officers over pay discrepancies,” said Chief Secretary Pomaleu. He said the National Government will continue to offer its support where it can and encourage all citizens to support the businesses as they provide employment, goods, and essential services to families throughout the country and pay tax revenue for the government to provide other services like health, education, and infrastructure programs. “So, we must continue to support and help build and rebuild business.” “We must also help build a society that can exist in peace and harmony without needing the presence and visibility of such government authority as police to hold us together.” The businesses who were presented with individual cheque payments were; SYZ Investment Limited with the highest of K6, 552, 802. 52, TC Company Limited for K399, 299.63, JYVX Limited K300, 000.00, Pacific Pest Solution K271,120.00, and Food Pro PNG Limited Trading as Buffalo Burgers K168, 000.00 all for the restocking the loss of inventory. The final phase of this support is for the reconstruction of the properties and buildings that were lost in the fires.

Mt Hagen Eagles Womens team is looking for a comeback when they face the NCDC Port Moresby Vipers in Port Moresby today in the Santos Cup. So far, the team has 1 win to their name and 3 consecutive losses in Papua New Guinea’s national women’s rugby league competition. Coach Bobby Koke said the team is currently sitting on the 4th place on the Santos ladder and Vipers are on the 5th place, and they are looking at a major comeback in the competition. “Saturday's game will determine who seats on the 4th place, either Eagles or Vipers as we conclude the normal rounds for the Santos Cup and move into the next 2 weeks of final play offs.” “Wishing my girls best of luck and hope they put every training to work on the field," said Koke. With the hopes to secure the 4th placing on the ladder, Mt Hagen Eagles Women's club will be on the field to battle it all out because if they lose, then it will be the end of their journey in the Santos Cup.

The fishing industry players in Papua New Guinea would be glad to know that National Tuna Domestication Strategy (NTDS) will be launched in the first quarter of 2025. The Fisheries and Marine Resources Minister, Jelta Wong, announced that this NTDS reflects the Marape –Rosso led Government’s commitment to developing a robust tuna industry in the country. Over the coming months, the NTDS will be presented to stakeholders before it is finalized and officially endorsed for implementation. Minister Wong stated that this strategy provides an overarching framework of actions that the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) together with other line government departments and agencies will take to enhance policy and investment environment together with addressing inefficiencies of the tuna fishing and processing industry. “The end goal is to boost the value retention of tuna catches within PNG’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and Archipelagic Waters (AW).” “The NTDS is developed under the Fisheries Strategic Plan 2021-2030 (FSP) to support the National Government's aim of making PNG a major regional tuna hub in the Asia-Pacific region.” Wong highlighted that this initiative seeks to boost PNG’s role in regional tuna fishing and processing industries, aligning with the East New Britain Initiative (ENBi), which was endorsed by the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) and Pacific Islands Forum Leaders. “The NTDS is an action-oriented document designed to guide the NFA in achieving our domestication agenda’s ultimate goal: retaining a greater percentage of the value of tuna fisheries within the PNG economy and ensuring increased participation by our people throughout the tuna value chain.” Minister Wong outlined that the domestication strategy is grounded in three core principles: i) PNG's fisheries waters and the Western and Central Pacific Ocean (WCPO) are to be maintained as some of the world's most well-managed and sustainable tuna fisheries. ii) PNG-based tuna fishing fleets and processing companies are essential to achieving PNG’s objective of boosting tuna landings for value-added processing. iii) Existing limitations in government policies and inefficiencies in the tuna supply chain hinder processing plant productivity, which in turn affects employment opportunities, business growth, and economies of scale. The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources and the NFA are adopting a proactive and measured approach to achieve their objectives by outlining six strategic outcomes, each with specific actions: ▪ Streamlined Fisheries Regulatory and Policy Framework: Create a fair investment environment by clearly defining the benefits and obligations for tuna fishing and processing companies. ▪ Enhanced Tuna Value Chain Productivity: Address supply chain constraints, reduce production costs, and achieve economies of scale to enhance productivity. ▪ Access for PNG-Flagged Vessels: Establish arrangements to enable PNG-flagged vessels to access fishing waters outside PNG. ▪ Global Market Access: Secure duty-free and quota-free access to alternative and emerging global markets for PNG-processed tuna products. ▪ Sectoral State-Owned Enterprise (SOE): Establish and operate an SOE to address inefficiencies within the tuna industry. ▪ SME Participation in By-Catch Utilization: Increase the involvement of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in utilizing by catches from tuna fishing fleets. Minister Wong further emphasized that this strategy recognizes the pivotal role of PNG’s tuna industry and acknowledges the current challenges they face and outlines a comprehensive approach to improving the competitiveness of PNG’s tuna industry. “The goal is to position PNG as a leading hub for tuna fishing and processing and harnessing our comparative advantages to realize our industry’s full potential,” said Minister Wong. “As part of the transitional arrangements towards implementing the NTDS, all tuna processors and their associated fishing fleets are operating under Memoranda of Agreements (MoA) signed with the NFA in July this year, highlighted Wong. “The MOA allows PNG-flagged vessels and locally based foreign vessels to secure and pay for vessel-days under the Start Fish VDS package, which aims to increase the landing and processing of tuna catches.” Additionally, the Marape-Rosso Government’s approval of a competitive VDS fee structure and the provision of a rebate scheme for tuna processed in PNG are all directed towards advancing PNG’s tuna domestication agenda. “We cannot achieve this without addressing supply chain constraints and ensuring that all stakeholders, including line government departments and agencies, work together under the guidance of the NTDS,” Wong re-emphasized. Mr. Wong stated that establishing this domestication strategy would allow focused investment in fishing and processing, helping retain a greater portion of the country's resource value. Minister Wong is looking forward to presenting the policy document to the National Executive Council (NEC) before the end of the year and for its launching by the Prime Minister in January 2025.

“Papua New Guinea as the biggest Melanesian country has the biggest potential and influence to help West Papua in their quest for freedom.” This was stated by the United Liberation Movement for West Papua spokesperson Mr Raki Ap. “PNG is the biggest country in Melanesia and if we combine West Papua and PNG together, we will change the geopolitics.” Mr Ap added this in the interest of Melanesia and in the interest of the Pacific. “Therefore, we need courage, dignity and integrity from our leaders to stand together and raise one voice for a free West Papua.” Ap further added that it is ironic that International News agencies are reporting daily about the War in Ukraine, and Europe as the former colonizer is doing everything to support the people of Ukraine with support through military, money, and diplomacy all in the name of Peace to stop war in Ukraine. “However, it is an incredibly sad scenario that for the last 60years no media is allowed to go in and report on the day-to-day genocide that has been happening for over 60 years even up till now.” “More than 540,000 West Papuans have been killed over 60 years of Indonesian colonial rule, and as a result of an escalation in Indonesian militarization, as of April 2024, over 76,000 West Papuans remained displaced.” “All Melanesian leaders must have courage, dignity, and integrity, and the first thing they can do for West Papua is to allow the United Liberation Movement for West Papua, chaired by President Benny Wenda to become a full member in the Melanesian Spear Head Group.” Mr Ap added that this is because when all Melanesian countries do not want to talk about all the sensitive issues affecting the people of West Papua, the West Papuans themselves can talk about it through the ULMWP. “Give us a space on the table so that we can confront Indonesia directly and defend our positions as Melanesians.” This is the most modest and simple thing the leaders of the Melanesian countries can do for the people of West Papua said Ap.

This is day four now since the Yalu Bridge has gone down due to continuous rain and flood in the Morobe Province causing travellers, locals and business communities to be stuck on either side of the bridge. The Acting Secretary for Works and Highways, Mr. Gibson Holemba visited the Yalu Bridge emergency works today and assessed the extent of the damage and the repair works undertaken. Present at the site during the visit was Contractor, China Railway International Group, Acting Deputy Secretary (Network Planning, Design and Standards), Mr. Simeon Suagu, Engineer to the Lae - Nadzab 4 Lane Project, Mr. John Kaio, Provincial Works Manager Morobe, Mr. Samson Apai, and the staff from DoWH and Contractor. Mr. Holemba upon his site inspection pointed out that the bridge should be restored by Tuesday, 27th August 2024 if the weather permits. It has been established that 50 meters of Bridge approach from Lae side was eroded by flood on Friday, 23rd August 2024 Moreover, the contractor CRIG and DoWH Provincial staff were able to respond swiftly to open temporary wet crossing on Saturday. Currently traffic flow is back to normal as major repair works are being undertaken. It is estranged that major repair work should be completed by tomorrow if weather conditions permit. Meanwhile, the Lae City Authority has put out a public notice to inform all locals to stay at home or back at their villages until their ward councillors advise them that access is open. It is understood that despite opening a temporary wet crossing has been established access for pedestrians and 4WD will be RESTRICTED from 7.00pm to dawn for the safety of crossing. Wet Weather pedestrian crossing continues between dawn to 7.00pm as does 4WD but those who choose this crossing do it at their own risk and are strongly advised to follow the instructions whether safe to cross or not. Also, the Wet Weather 4WD access also is open between dawn and 7.00pm but snorkel is recommended at present Lae City Authority also advices that in the case of an EMERGENCY between these hours (i.e - Travelling to Hospital) travellers are urged to please discuss with a Police personals before attempting crossing. At the meantime, site assessment and regular update are being provided to get this vital thoroughfare open as soon as possible. Provincial Administrator Mr Max Bruton extended gratitude to the business houses that are providing food and drinks to Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary personals and other local Security firms who are doing an excellent job providing protection for both the community and business houses whose trucks and assets are parked up on the Nadzab side The Provincial Administrator Bruton also extended heartfelt thanks to Hon DPM John Rosso MP, Morobe Governor Luther Wenge MP and Lae City Authority CEO Robin Calistus for their support and drive to achieve a speedy and effective opening of Yalu Bridge.

Papua New Guinea’s closest neighbour Indonesia is a rapidly growing economy and the largest in Southeast Asia and it is classified as a newly industrialised country, Indonesia is an upper-middle-income nation and a member of the G20. Indonesia has a nominal GDP of US$1.371 trillion in 2023, and Indonesia ranks as the 16th largest economy globally and seventh in terms of GDP (PPP). With the strong economy Indonesia has, Papua New Guinea can benefit from Indonesia's expertise in utilizing its vast natural resources, said Deputy Prime Minister Hon. John Rosso. Rosso made this remark after leading a small PNG delegation to the PT Indonesia Weda Bay Industrial Park, which employs 80,000 people, on Wednesday, August 21, 2024. The Weda Bay Industrial Area, located in Desa Lelilef, Kecamatan Weda, Halmahera Tengah Regency, Maluku Utara Province, is Indonesia’s first integrated industrial area designed to facilitate nickel-based mining and mineral processing. The PNG delegation included International Trade and Investment Minister Hon. Richard Maru, Labor Minister Hon. Kessy Sawang, Madang Governor Hon. Ramsey Pariwa, Secretary for International Trade and Investment Jacinta Warakai-Manua, along with officials from Kumul Petroleum Holdings Ltd, the Mineral Resources Authority, and PNG Ambassador to Indonesia H.E. Simon Namis. The visit follows recent discussions between Indonesian President H.E. Joko Widodo and Prime Minister Hon. James Marape aimed at enhancing business relations between the two countries. “It has been a very eye-opening experience for us. As you are aware, my country has many natural resources and opportunities. We are seeking strategic partners who can collaborate with us not only in developing our resources but also in advancing downstream processing and value addition.” “Our goal is to create more jobs and enhance the value of our exports by moving beyond the mere export of raw materials,” Deputy Prime Minister Rosso said during a meeting with PT Indonesia management after touring the project. Rosso highlighted that visiting Indonesia, learning from their experiences with their resources, and the partnerships in such operations, would be worthwhile having in that is PNG. The value-adding, downstream processing, lowering of the carbon footprint, and many others, all work in favor of the future, said Rosso. “The solutions that Indonesia and your organization offer is a win-win for both parties, while Indonesia gains for its people, as seen by the amount of employment, the investor also gains with good profits. That is a good template for other countries to emulate, especially a country like mine which has, in my view, struggled to try to find the right template.” “You have my personal invitation to come and visit my country, and I will be glad to take you around, as well as Minister Maru and Minister Sawang, and we can look at opportunities we might derive from the Indonesia experience,” he said. Deputy Prime Minister Rosso extended a personal invitation to PT Indonesia to visit PNG, this also expressing gratitude to the Indonesian Government, led by President Widodo, and Indonesia’s Maritime Affairs and Investment Coordinating Minister, Hon. Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, for encouraging PNG to pursue downstream processing initiatives.

Papua New Guinea will not be attending the United Nation’s Climate Change Conference – known as the 29th Conference of Parties (COP29) – this year 2024. The decision not to send PNG to the COP 29 The COP29 this year in Baku, Azerbaijan in November was made by Prime Minister Hon. James Marape when he met with the managements of Climate Change Development Authority (CCDA) and Conservation and Environment Protection Agency (CEPA) on Thursday, 22 August 2024, at his office in Manasupe Haus, Waigani. Prime Minister Marape briefly explained that Papua New Guinea’s non-attendance will be in protest at the big carbon footprint holders of the world to demonstrate that forest nations like PNG demand for seriousness in addressing climate change issues, especially in practically addressing conservation of forests as a mitigation strategy. Marape also added that he wants the CCDA and CEPA to assess their attendance of the UN climate change conference and detail the progress and achievements since PNG first sat in at those meetings beginning in 1992. “Our non-attendance this year will signal our protest at the big nations – these industrialized nations who are big carbon footprint holders – for their lack of quick support to those who are victims of climate change, and those of us who are forest and ocean nations.” “We are protesting to those who are always coming into these COP meetings, making pronouncements and pledges, yet the financing of these pledges seem distant from victims of climate change and those like PNG who hold substantial forests.” Marape elaborated further that Papua New Guinea does not only have climate change-induced problems, but we are a big ocean and forest nation that cleans off pollutants. “Climate change and forest conservation are two sides of the same coin and COP meetings cannot talk about climate change with no consideration for forest conservation.” “Our carbon footprint is minimal. Our carbon sinks are not being appreciated by those who are huge carbon footprint holders. If they are not paying us for conservation, why do we make up the numbers all the time?” Prime Minister Marape emphasis that the country’s economy needs money yet whilst Papua New Guinea is preserving trees as the lungs of the earth, the industrialized nations keep on emitting and not paying PNG for conserving the environment. “Our forests, when harvested, earn money for our economy. Similarly, that same forest, when conserved, must earn money for our economy,” said PM Marape. The Prime Minister has demanded that the two agencies return with better deliverables in climate change mitigation, pointing out France’s funding support of the Managalas Conservation project through his and French President Emmanuel Macron’s dialogue as an example of the practical solutions that the CCDA and CEPA should be emulating and working on.

The first ever Santos Cup match played in Minj, Jiwaka Province between Goroka Lahanis and the Mt Hagen Eagles Womens teams over the weekend was a remarkably close game. However, the Goroka Side proved to be the best when they defeated Mt Hagen Eagles 12-10 in a close match, with tries by Egi John, Seroge Sabumei and Yolanda Taute. Eagles Head Coach Mr. Bobby Koke stated that despite his girls leading with 10points –8points, the Lahanis scored in the last 2 minutes the winning try through their second row. “The girls just let their guards down a bit too early," said Coach Koke. “Lahanis scored 3 tries, however all conversion kicks were unsuccessful while we score 2 tries with one successful conversion kick and another unsuccessful conversion.” This is their second back-to-back loss. So far, they have registered only 1 win and two losses in the Santos Cup, and they are now looking at improving all this in their next game this weekend. “We will continue to focus on our defense principles, denying space and time, deny territory and focus on regaining possession and work mostly on our attack tactics.” Koke further added that they will take this week to look at their completion rates, sticking to the attack structure by building pressure in the middles and focus on using their outside backs. “Hopefully we can make a comeback on the competition come this weekend's game”

The Mt. Hagen City Authority has officially presented its 2023 Annual Report to the Department of Provincial and Local Level Governments Affairs (DPLGA) in Port Moresby. The report was received by Deputy Secretary James Agigo, responsible for Provincial Local Level Service Monitoring Authority (PLLSMA), along with Acting Director Herman Mirio on behalf of Secretary Philip Leo. During the presentation, Mr. Agigo highlighted the ongoing reforms championed by DPLGA, especially in service delivery and the review of services delivery functions, which are being enhanced through new financing arrangements. He asked for collaborative efforts with various national agencies to implement these initiatives effectively. Acting Director Mirio underscored the significance of the current city authority arrangements, referencing their foundational role in the Organic Law Review conducted in 2012. He reiterated the critical importance of these arrangements in strengthening service delivery frameworks. Mt Hagen City Authority’s Chief Executive Officer, Leo Noki, acknowledged the challenges in implementing these arrangements but affirmed their overall viability. He expressed confidence that the Authority’s initiatives would enhance operational efficiency in service delivery, while also recognizing the need for further improvements in specific areas. Meanwhile, Secretary Leo is urging provincial administrators who have not yet submitted their 2023 Annual Provincial Performance Report (APPR) to do so, as the deadline has lapsed. “Out of 20 provinces required to comply with the Organic Law on the Provincial and Local-level Government (OLPLLG), only four have submitted their report to date,” he stated. In accordance with Section 119 of the OLPLLG, each provincial government must submit a report to the minister responsible for provincial governments and local-level government affairs for the preceding year by June 30. “DPLGA will thoroughly review the submitted APPRs to ensure compliance with the required standards of accountability,” Mr. Leo emphasized. He added that the insights and recommendations derived from these reports will inform future planning and development efforts, ensuring continuous improvements in governance and service delivery across provincial governments.