The provincial education office in Penama province in Vanuatu says more than 15,000 students will be affected after the destruction of classrooms by Cyclone Lola across Ambae, Maewo and Pentecost islands. Deputy principal education officer of Penama, Christina Garuleo said there are more than 4000 students on Ambae, over 3000 on Maewo and more than 10 000 on Pentecost. Of those Pentecost suffered the most damage after its school buildings had already been wrecked by a cyclone in 2020. The principal of Melsisi School in Central Pentecost, Joseph Molkis, said all of his 400 students have already been sent home. [caption id="attachment_46759" align="aligncenter" width="1071"] Hundreds of students at Melsisi School have been sent home. Photo: Supplied / Joseph Molkis[/caption] The country was now entering the rainy and cyclone season and they could not take students back. He said they will stay at home until the start of the new school year next year, except for those with end of year exams. Molkis said Cyclone Harold in 2020 destroyed all the classrooms and since then pupils have been in temporary shelters fashioned into classrooms. After Harold the dormitories were re-usable once the louvre windows were replaced, but they have all been smashed again by Lola. He said they were still waiting for funding from the government intended for repairs after Cyclone Harold but now they were facing triple the cost. In the wake of Cyclone Lola schools in Shefa, Tafea, and Torba provinces re-opened on Friday but a more cautious approach was being taken in provinces severely affected by the cyclone, namely Malampa and Penama. [caption id="attachment_46760" align="aligncenter" width="1059"] Photo: Supplied / Joseph Molkis[/caption] In cases where damage was extensive, they were considering the use of other buildings to ensure a safe learning environment. The examination schedules, however, will remain unchanged but the Ministry of Education was exploring alternative measures to support students who may have suffered setbacks. Save the Children is setting up spaces for students to sit their final exams. The charity's work will include setting up child friendly spaces in evacuation centres, and temporary learning spaces, including for older students due to sit exams soon. Save The Children's Vanuatu country director, Polly Banks, said the trauma and impact of the cyclone will be taking a toll on young people. RNZ's correspondent in Vanuatu, Hilaire Bule, said the possibility of some distance learning facilities was being considered. Acting director general of MoET, Serge Lewawa, said it was important students facing exams resumed their education as quickly as possible. For those not in exam years, it would be better if they remained at home and teachers would provide them with home schooling packages. Alternatively, online learning could be provided. Schools were being asked to complete the Education Rapid Assessment Form by 1 November. Source: rnz.com

From the Pari Agreement during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 21) in Paris, France on 12 December up until today is 7 years and Climate Change Development Authority (CCDA) has established the entire institutional and governance framework said Climate Change Development Authority General Manager Ms. Debra Sungi. She said the policy framework is not an easy task for Papua New Guinea because CCDA had to design policies that capture well the circumstances of our people given that such framework has to do with forestry and land issues, and these issues are very stringy given that in Papua New Guinea context that most land are customary owned. “Every person and stakeholders need to agree what goes down in the legislatives framework and policy." “But so far CCDA has managed to do all with the latest passing of the Climate Change management amendment ACT, this has given us the teeth to actually go ahead and implement the activities and the laws domestically.” With the upcoming COP 28 that will take place from 30 November until 12 December 2023 in the United Arab Emirates, PNG’s key priorities as a country is in issues surrounding loss and damages, fund mechanism and decisions that are designed to have processes that is very accessible to small Island countries including PNG. “Development outcome is while we transition into low carbon road economy, we want to ensure as well that we have the necessary capacity that they will allow us to transit." “Resilient is one aspect that is important too, people need to have the ability to adapt to other impacts of climate change and also change to build infrastructural systems that can stand the impact of climate change.” Ms Sungi further stated that most time often people ask how all these big international summits benefit someone in the village. “Basically all the programs run by the government are actually programs that are being agreed at the international level and they had to domesticate it back into the country.” “While those decisions are made are made at the international level during summits like COPs, we had to be there to ensure that those decisions capture the need and practicality of our country so that we come back and then domesticate it into policies so we can implement them.” During this coming COP 28, PNG CCDA is hoping that there will be more ambitions and more actions to be taken by the developed countries, global stakeholders so that the outcome must benefit all small pacific island countries including Papua New Guinea.

Tropical Cyclone Lola has intensified to a category 5 super cyclone with winds close to its centre of 215 km/h, the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-hazards Department says. Vanuatu's National Disaster Management Office said red alerts have been issued for two more provinces as the category 5 cyclone Lola approaches the eastern islands. The Provinces of Penama and Malampa, like Torba and Sanma are on red alert - the highest alert level in Vanuatu - signalling a cyclone is imminent and that people need to stay in a secure shelter or other safe place. At 8am local time on Tuesday, the cyclone was 190km east of Sola and 180km northeast of Maewo, moving in a south direction at 4 km/hr. The Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-hazards Department said heavy rainfalls with flash flooding were expected over low lying areas and areas close to river banks, including coastal flooding over Vanuatu group, on Tuesday and continuing on Wednesday. Very rough seas with heavy to phenomenal swells were expected over all Vanuatu waters. A Vanuatu Red Cross representative on Santo island, Shirley Johnson, told Morning Report at 5.30am local time they were so far experiencing some strong winds but said "it takes time for the strong winds to come in". However she said on Monday 20 to 30 people from flood prone areas were already being evacuated and people in the Banks Islands group in Torba Province and Penama Province were already experiencing very strong winds. "They also evacuated people to the evacuation centre just to make sure they're safe. "This morning I was not able to reach them, I will try to reach them to hear what the situation is because yesterday already they called and they said they were already experiencing very, very strong winds and also they have heavy rain." The National Disaster Management Office has convened an inter-agency briefing to plan the emergency response. Source: rnz.com

Mostly made up of young lads and youths from Enga Province, Enga Combat Kickboxing Club is the new club on the block that is producing some strong fighters. The team who is newly established with IPA Certificate still in process, has set a record for itself winning 3 major Kick boxing tournaments this year. Registering their latest winnings just late last month on 23rd September 2023 at the Kickboxing Showdown, raising of the champion at Bomana CIS Hall where 15 of their fighters took part, registering 13 wins and 2 losses resulting in Enga Combat Kickboxing Club winning the Cup for the Raising of the Champion Kickboxing Showdown. President Mr. Nelson Walen stated that the club is growing with more boys showing interest in Kickboxing and more boys putting and showing commitment in the sports. “We are Port Moresby Based Enga club, and this club is created for Enga youths, purposely to take them off from tribal fights, bad habits and give them a better chance in life.” Mr Walen said more and more youths are involving in tribal fights back home, and more and more are killed every day, and it is a sad that most do not get to reach their 30s or even travel to Port Moresby. “That is why Enga Combat Kickboxing Club is now on a mission to bring Kick boxing home and we want to try and use these sports to change the mindset of our youths at home.” However, the only problem right faced by the club is they do not have any sponsors; they have been keeping the club going, taking part in tournaments all from their own pockets. “We need sponsors to come on board and support us.” “We have plans to go home and run tournaments and run awareness, but someone has to push us.” “We are calling on our good Governor Peter Ipatas and all our local members and business elites of Enga to support us, and together we can change youths in Enga.” The club still needs to get its IPA Certificate which is in the process and they also need sponsors to come on board to support these fighters and also help the club. Walen is calling on all the youths in Enga Province including youths throughout the country, to throw away the knives, guns, stop killing, stop robbing and stop all bad habits and take up sports. “Put your fist up and fight in a ring where you get recognition, where you win money, where you can travel places and countries instead of wasting your life away, this is my challenge to all the youths.”

Prime Minister James Marape extends a warm welcome to the 150 international delegates from 14 countries that are set to participate in the upcoming World Indigenous Business Forum (WIBF) that is scheduled to take place from October 24 to 26, 2023, in Port Moresby. With a total of 500 delegates anticipated, Prime Minister Marape also extended a warm welcome to World Indigenous Business Forum executives and thanked them for their confidence in Papua New Guinea to host the 2023 event. The World Indigenous Business Forum presents a unique platform for cross-cultural exchange and economic collaboration, offering the chance to tap into the vibrant and diverse market landscape of Papua New Guinea. In addition to the international attendees, Marape expressed his enthusiasm for local businesses taking the opportunity to showcase their products, forge global connections, establish partnerships, and explore market prospects among the diverse group of countries who will be represented at the forum. This prestigious event has been organized by the Government under the leadership of the Minister for International Trade and Investment, Hon. Richard Maru, in collaboration with the National Capital District Commission (NCDC). Prime Minister Marape commended the efforts of Minister Maru and NCD Governor, Hon. Powes Parkop, along with his dedicated team from 'Amazing Port Moresby.' Prime Minister Marape, while extending his warm welcome to the international delegates, extended an invitation for them to consider investing in Papua New Guinea. “I welcome you all to the most diverse indigenous country in the world, a place that combines the rich cultural tapestry of Melanesian, Polynesian, and Micronesian traditions with a vibrant embrace of Christianity.” “Our country boasts an extraordinary range of natural beauty, from stunning forest landscapes to pristine sandy beaches, valleys, and majestic mountains.” “We are blessed with an unparalleled marine biodiversity, serving as the world's foremost breeding ground for tuna, supplying 60 percent of the global market. Our potential in agriculture is unparalleled, and our tourism industry is yet to be fully explored.” “We stand as the Pacific's gateway to the flourishing Asian market!” “We extend a warm invitation to indigenous business delegates from around the world to explore the opportunities and partnerships available in Papua New Guinea." The World Indigenous Business Forum will commence with a grand opening ceremony hosted by NCDC and the Amazing Port Moresby team at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium today, from 5pm to 9pm.” The official forum proceedings will be inaugurated on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, by Prime Minister James Marape himself. The event will conclude with an official closing ceremony, which will be led by NCDC and the Amazing Port Moresby team at Ela Beach on Thursday, October 26, 2023, from 6pm to 9pm.

Kwikila Health Centre in Rigo District, Central Province is faced with basic drug shortage. This was told to PNG HAUSBUNG by Health Centre Sister in Charge, Sister Anna Atop. Sister Anna stated that it is one month now since the health centre has been waiting for its fourth quarter supplies. “We cannot do much at this time because the basic drugs are finished, and we have been suggesting home remedies and writing prescriptions.” She highlighted that currently there are no major illnesses being reported to the health centre but only cough cases and that is due to high consumption of mango. “Its mango season and everyone is indulging themselves with mango but too much mango at one time can result in very bad cough, so people need to go easy on the number of mangoes they consume in a day.” Despite facing drug shortage at this time, the health centre has been managing all sick patients quit well. Sister Anna also stated that the health Centre is running very well at this time with two new female Doctors, one Clinical OIC and an Administration OIC who joined last year. “We were struggling with operation, administration and Doctor referrals but since they joined, we have been running our health service very well, with patients results coming out good and Health operations running smoothly.” Anna further added that the only major problem faced by the Kwikila Health Centre now is staff housing. “Not all workers are housed, plus the old houses need to be renovated.” A call is now made to the Rigo District and the Central Provincial Government to address the issues raised as soon as possible.

The second largest city in Vanuatu is preparing evacuation centres as it is directly in the path of severe tropical Cyclone Lola. The cyclone is already a Category 3 with winds gusting to 130km per hour and it could reach Category 4 by midnight according to the Fiji Metservice. Live updates on the cyclone's path: Vanuatu latest warnings Fiji Cyclone track map Luganville Municipal Council is working with the Vanuatu National Disaster Management Office after advising people not to go into work today. The council's evacuation team spokesperson, Colenette Tapi, said community leaders are making sure people are prepared. "We are trying to get people prepared like stocking food and cutting down trees. "We are in a yellow alert. People should be at home and well prepared for the cyclone." People in the province of Torba, Penama and Sanma will be directly affected in the next 48 to 72 hours by hurricane force winds of up to 185km/h. Heavy rainfalls with flash flooding are expected over low-lying areas and areas close to river banks, including coastal flooding, over the Vanuatu group on Monday and Tuesday. Very rough seas with heavy swells are expected over all Vanuatu waters. Seagoing vessels are advised to take extra precautions. New Zealand MetService duty meteorologist Philippa Murdoch said the storm was a little ahead of the tropical cyclone season for the area. "This one is slightly early," she said. "The season usually starts at the beginning of November, but we've got all the right ingredients." Murdoch said these factors included warm sea surface temperatures and quite light winds aloft, which means there was nothing to break it up. The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) in New Zealand expects nine to 14 cyclones this season - nine being the long-term average. Four to eight of these are expected to be severe. NIWA meteorologist Ben Noll said El Niño had increased the risk. "El Niño, it does tend to enhance the risk for cyclone activity near and east of the International Dateline, so for countries like Fiji, the Cook Islands, and many in between." During El Niño 1982/83, there were 10 severe cyclones in the South Pacific.

Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has called on the Chinese government for its assistance in land reclamation, water desalination, and green energy initiatives to support small Pacific Island states that are currently facing the challenges of climate change. Prime Minister Marape, representing the Pacific Islands Forum, has proposed to China that countries with significant carbon footprints, such as China, should collaborate with smaller island communities and states to mitigate the effects of climate change. Marape who is in Beijing at the invitation of Chinese President H.E. Xi Jinping to attend the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Development and Cooperation, a prominent event spanning yesterday and today has made this call to China. "I have consistently advocated for the preference of land reclamation over the relocation of islanders who are grappling with rising sea levels and the salination of their water and arable land.” "I have been a staunch proponent of this approach and hope that nations like China can partner with Papua New Guinea, offering resources like rocks, soil, and sand to support land reclamation efforts." During discussions with Chinese leaders, Prime Minister Marape also specifically highlighted Pacific Island nations such as Tuvalu, Kiribati, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and Nauru and he further emphasised the importance of assisting islands and atolls within Papua New Guinea too, including the Cartarets, Mortlock, Nissan, Wuvulu, and many others.

Despite wet weather in Solomon Islands on Tuesday 17th October 2023, thousands from Munda’s surrounding villages of Kindu and Dunde, as well as others who travelled from Rendova, New Georgia and even Gizo braved the weather to witness the opening of the new Munda International terminal building in Munda. Solomons Prime Minister Honourable Manasseh Sogavare, VIP’s and guests boarded the A320 in Honiara, a 35-minute flight to Munda, which was the first officially flight to land on the new Munda International terminal to signify the officially opening of the airport. The Flight also included over 100 fare paying passengers, who were allowed for a clearance of a massive backlog of passengers and cargo. Guests at the opening of the new International Airport also included Members of Parliament, Members of the Western Provincial Assembly, Diplomatic Corps, Heads of Governmental Departments, State Owned Enterprises, Tourism Solomons Head of Sales and Marketing, Ms. Fiona Teama and Team Leader Product Marketing, Mr. Garedd Porowai as well as other supporting organizations. In the opening Remarks, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Communication and Aviation, Moses Virivolomo stated that the opening of the terminal is a major development milestone for Solomon Islands, and he thanked the partners for their continues support. “The project has now come to completion with the opening of the terminal today and this was made possible with the help of these supporters, CCEC, China United, New Zealand Government, British Government, and the Ministry of Communication and Aviation.” Mr Virivolomo further urged residents of Munda to be proud of the new facilities and to care of the terminal facilities. “The current SIDRAP Phase 2 project is also looking at upgrades and improvements to other domestic runways in Makira-Ulawa Province and Temotu Province”, he also added. Furthermore the keynote speech during the official opening was delivered by the Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, Honorable Manasseh D. Sogavare, who congratulate the Minister of Communications and Aviation, Honorable Ped Shanel Agovaka on his ministry’s contribution and commitment to making this a success. Prime Minister also thanked all involved, particularly the landowning tribes who put aside all disputes to allow Government access to their land for this development. “All Solomon Island tribes must allow access to their land for positive and beneficial developments such as the Munda Terminal, thus such development will also bring in more benefits in the tourism sector.” The event ended with guests being treated to lunch at Agnes Gateway Hotel, accompanied with Congala Bamboo Bands, songs, and Dances.

Rolland Banaba was and still is a household name, a name synonymous with daily 93 YUMI FM News for over a decade. He was the style “PAWAFUL MANGI HAGITA,” as Kasty would put it in his introduction every 5pm and 6pm evening during weekdays when Rolland was to go on air to present his news live on 93 Yumi FM. He was the Milne Bay “size 28 guy” who spoke what many listeners said was the most “fluent Tok Pisin” on the radio and even off the radio. Rolland or better known as “Rolly Bee” was a senior journalist and a long serving YUMI FM News Editor and he joined PNGFM in March of 2008. He was also part of the PNG HAUSBUNG news website team until his untimely passing. His dedication, work ethic, humour, generosity, "think smarter not harder" attitude and warm personality will be missed by us all. He loved being a journalist and passing his skills onto the next generation of upcoming journalists. His passing is a great loss to the PNGFM News team, particularly the YUMI FM News brand. His passing is also a great loss to the media fraternity because he was someone who dedicated himself to the main stream media, especially radio. From the numerous tributes from shocked and heartbroken colleagues in the industry, he was well-respected and liked and so many reporters post of how much they have learned during their training or first job experiences with PNGFM News. Besides his job, and more importantly, Rolly Bee was a great father and husband to his beloved beautiful wife Mrs Decosta Dindillo Banaba and their precious children Varshney, Rolland Jnr, Poulyn and baby Johcyl. It is not fair that he won’t be there to wish his eldest daughter Vashney and only son Rolly Jnr “All the best “in their upcoming Grade 10 & Grade 8 respective National Examinations. Rolly Bee loved his Soccer games just like most Milne Bay people and he would never miss a soccer game where his family or kids took part, ensuring he would be cheering them on from the sidelines. There was never a dull moment with Rolly around because he knew how to make every one laugh and when I say laugh, I mean the kind of laugh where you laugh until you almost cry, until you are on the floor. Rolly Bee had special unique nick names for each individual or group that he has in his life. His humour and contagious laugh and smile will not only be missed by us at the office but also the guards at the gate, but also the buai sellers next to the office because he was liked and loved by all. Rolly knew how to befriend people of any status or ethnicity. It is exactly because of his nature and fun-loving ways, his death came as such a shock to so many of us, as he chose to keep private his short battle for the last six months with his illness. We will miss him the most when we hear an afrobeats song or a new local hit and every time we see a hardy bottle, we will remember him because we also know he much he loved a cold one.   Tributes keep flooding his wall and this is proof that Rolly Bee has walked this life as a style “PAWAFUL MANGI HAGITA,” touching so many lives in his own special way. From the PNG FM NEWS team, and your entire PNGFM family – past and present Rolly Bee - rest now leader, hang up that headset and turn off that volume on your mic. You have run your race well and your legacy will live on – for now, you take your rest. We will see you again someday soon on that golden morning. For now, go ahead and start giving nicknames to the angels up there and keep them entertained with your antics and humor! Rolly Bee you are loved and will forever be in our hearts, we will hold on to all the memories we had shared together. May your beautiful soul rest in eternal love and peace. Aioni!

The PNG National Weather Service has already declared El Nino over the country as of 19th September and this will continue into the dry season in 2024. That’s from the National Weather Service Director Mr. Jimmy Gomoga. “A look at the Ocean Conditions, El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), all requirements have been fulfilled and that is that the threshold for El Nino have been reached.” “However, despite having El Nino, the Southern Hemisphere Spring has kicked in on the 13th of September and we are currently in the spring season.” Gomoga told PNG HAUSBUNG that we are gradually moving into the wet season now and with the wet season kicking in around late November towards early December the impact of the El Nino drought will not be felt as much during the wet season. “With the wet season, it should ease down on the impacts of drought, however come 2024-2025, dry season will be the hardest times.” He added that they have already put out the drought map and observing provinces that are now under drought watch. “The places expected to be hit worse by El Nino drought are Western Province, Gulf, Southern Highlands Province, parts of Highlands regions, Central Province, Milne Bay and Northern Province and they are currently under watch.” “The El Nino drought is expected to be severe than before, and it will not only affect those provinces under drought watch, but it will be wide spread and almost all the parts of the country.” Gomoga urged all to prepare for the worse in the coming drought as this time the country will have a very bad dry season.

This summit builds on the historic first-ever Summit which happened last year and augments discussions on shared priorities and commitments after the U.S.-Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Dialogue, in Port Moresby, earlier in May 2023. The Summit will focus on key priority issues of climate change, sustainable and inclusive economic development, maritime security, rules-based international order, and other multilateral priorities. Prime Minister James Marape arrived in Washington D.C 9pm Washington time on Sunday Evening to be part of the 2nd United States-Pacific Island Country Summit. At the arrival Treasurer Ling-Stuckey and Hon. Justin Tkatchenko were there to welcome PM Marape. In US President Joe Biden’s invitation letter to PM Marape to the 2nd US-PIC Summit in Washington D.C., early this month, Biden highlighted significant points to be discussed at the US-PIC Summit. “United by our shared values, this Summit will be an opportunity to discuss how we can continue advancing our shared vision of a free and open, resilient, and prosperous Pacific,” President Biden highlighted in his letter. President Biden added that includes building off the progress last September when our governments reaffirmed our commitment to partner with one another in pursuit of this vision through the first-ever Declaration on U.S.-Pacific Partnership. President Biden highlighted that they will also discuss opportunities to bolster Pacific regionalism. “And we will focus on how we can deepen our cooperation on top challenges including tackling the climate crisis; advancing economic growth; promoting sustainable development; strengthening health security; expanding our people-to-people ties; and countering illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing,” “I look forward to welcoming you and our fellow Leaders to the White House, where we will take our partnership to new heights. “Together, I am confident we will not only continue to transform our plans into progress we will shape a future of greater possibilities for our people and people around the world.”