Everyone is facing financial crisis and every day is a struggle, especially when it comes down to affording a decent meal or paying for a service. The Kina has lost its value with the country experiencing high cost of living in terms of high price for goods and services. Even the employed say it’s a struggle because a fortnight’s salary of K300-K400 for average wage earners is not enough to take a family through to the next fortnight. If people employed are feeling the pinch of the high cost of living then, the unemployed population are probably finding it tough. The citizens are now calling on the government to start looking at measures to mitigate this issue on high cost of living. PNG Hausbung took to the streets and asked people on what their thoughts are in regard to the high cost of living and here are some with their responses.    

A policeman attached with Highlands Eastern Command is currently in police custody awaiting his time for appearance before the Committal Court in Mt Hagen District Court. The police man is charged with Dangerous driving causing death and grievous bodily harm. Assistant Commissioner Highlands Eastern End Division Rigga Neggi highlighted that the police officer, who was attached to the Minj Police Station in Jiwaka province was involved in a traffic accident along the Minj road on Monday January 9th 2023. The off-duty Officer was under the influence of alcohol and on high-speed driving a Toyota Land Cruiser which collided with an oncoming Toyota Land cruiser which was also on high speed and its driver was also under the influence of alcohol. “A female passenger who was travelling with the off-duty policeman died in the accident due to injuries she sustained whilst other passengers on both vehicles sustained serious injuries,” said Assistant Commissioner Neggi. However, in a twisted turn to the story, the driver of the other vehicle was later found dead at Waghi bridge, provoking his relatives to believe that the off-duty policeman was responsible. “The other driver was a young engineer from Barola in Eastern Highlands Province, and upon hearing of the bad news, his relatives set up roadblocks at the Barola Mountain targeting people from Jiwaka and Western Highlands Provinces as well as harassing other members of the public who were traveling along the highway,” Mr Neggi said. A full independent investigation in to the death of the young engineer is now being carried out by an independent investigation team from the Western Highlands and Simbu provinces. Whilst investigation is underway ACP Neggi is appealing to members of the public who have any information of the incidents to come forward and assist police with the investigations In the meantime, ACP Neggi is appealing to relatives of the deceased to allow the law to take its course

All Stop N Shop outlets in the nations capital, Port Moresby, are back in business after experiencing a system outage this morning that lasted until late this afternoon. Central Waigani's SNS Management said their outlets had a forced closure early this morning after learning about the outage to their Pronto software turning away hundreds of Port Moresby customers. Branch Manager Checheng Pambuai confirmed with PNG Hausbung that their services have been restored fully and apologized for the minor inconvinience caused to their valued customers. While Pambuai sympathized with the customers, she has not disclosed details of the system outage neither blamed the on-going blackouts in the city, to be the cause of the outage. STOP N SHOP SHUTS DOORS OVER SYSTEM OUTAGE Central Waigani's Stop N Shop branch in Port Moresby was caught up with an unexpected early morning outage to its Pronto software to start the week, forcing closure to its business as early 7am. Waigani Stop N Shop Branch Manager Ms. Checheng Pambuai said that the system outage was beyond their control, but are hopeful the shop can rectify the outage in real time and open for business again. “We were ready to open around 7am this morning when we realised our system was down, so right now our IT guys are on it and we hope to open soon,” said Ms Pambuai. [caption id="attachment_37757" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Customers at the Central Waigani Stop N Shop had to be turned away due to an unexpected outage this morniing. Picture by Kerebi DAVID[/caption] "Central Waigani is the biggest Stop N Shop branch in the country and seeing our customers turning up frustrated is very disappointing." “The system outage has affected all SNS branches throughout Port Moresby, except for their Badili outlet." Ms Pambuai further stated that, CPL group of companies as well as the management of all SNS stores in the city sincerely apologizes to their valued customers for the inconvenience caused today. “We don’t know how soon but we can assure our valued customers that we should be open for business very soon.”

The newly refurbished accomodation block at the Taurama PNG Defence Force Barracks in Port Moresby was opened today by the Chief of the Australian Defence Force, General Angus Campbell and Chief of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force, Major General Mark Goina. The accommodation block was refurbished through the longstanding PNG-Australia Defence Cooperation Program and will house 100 PNG Defence Force personnel. The project is an important continuation of Australia and PNG’s cooperation on PNG security infrastructure. From major infrastructure projects under our Joint Initiative at Lombrum Naval Base, to the construction of new accommodation, Australia and PNG are focussed on ensuring PNG defence infrastructure is fit for purpose. “Australia is proud to support PNG to deliver infrastructure projects that improve the living and working conditions of the hardworking men, women and families of the PNG Defence Force,” said General Campbell Australia and Papua New Guinea share a close defence partnership and continue to work together through the Defence Cooperation Program to meet Papua New Guinea’s defence and security priorities.

Bank South Pacific has distanced itself and strongly denies any association with any online investment or scam activities and will not be liable for any transactions with any such individual, groups or associations. That is the response from BSP Group CEO, Mark Robinson in response to queries raised regarding fast money schemes and scams including pyramid schemes that are largely facilitated via Facebook or any other online platforms. BSP wants to make its stand clear that they are not associated with all the online money scams. “While there have been individuals, groups or associations portraying to be associated with BSP or its employees by using the BSP Logo to scheme unsuspecting individuals on Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp, SMS texts or Email to invest, deposit or transfer funds in exchange for a higher return; the BSP Group maintains that it is not associated with such scam activities and will not be liable for any transactions with such individuals, groups or associations,” Mr Robinson said. With increased fast money schemes and scams including pyramid schemes, there has been a demand on BSP VISA Classic Debit Cards and as a responsible bank, BSP has put in place additional requirements for new customers to meet when applying for a VISA Classic Debit Card because BSP VISA Classic Debit Cards can be used at ATMs globally. “Most of our customers get lured into investing in these fast money schemes so additional measures like provision of a passport on application and questions surrounding customer intent to apply for a VISA Debit Card are put in place to protect their savings”. Mr Robinson advises all to avoid being scammed and to never accept an offer straight away. Everyone is urged to do research and seek independent advice especially if it involves significant amount, time and commitment. “Do not send money to someone you do not know or trust because it is difficult to recover your money from a scammer. Awareness education is important; if you spot a scam, spread the word to your family and friends. Always be alert - Scammers will target you anyhow, anytime and anywhere,” said Mr Robinson. In addition, Bank of Papua New Guinea also continues to warn the public to be cautious and avoid doing business with fast money schemes. The Bank strongly advises the public against putting money in fast money schemes, as they are illegal and fraudulent. People who place their money with promoters or agents of these money schemes risk losing their hard earned money.

Teachers in Rabaul District, East New Britain Province have recently completed a Training of Trainers (TOT) on the Roles and Responsibilities of school Board of Management (BOM). This training was aimed at outlining the differences in the functions of school boards and the administration and improving the standards of schools in the district. Attending the TOT were primary school head teachers and elementary school Teachers In-charge in the district. These teachers were able to also take part in discussions and presentations on the roles and responsibilities of school board of Management. Addressing the participants during the TOT opening on behalf of the District Administration was Deputy District Administrator- Operations John Vule who stressed on the importance of proper management of schools. “This is an important training as it sets a clear differentiation between the functions or roles of BOM members and teachers. There should be effective communication and working relation between the two for proper management of resources and improved learning,” said Vule. When going through the introduction and outline of the training, the District Education Coordinator Markus Tipepe said that the BOM is an important body, they are the custodians while head teachers and TIC's are Administrators to the schools. “The BOM must take an active role in decision making, planning, strategizing and providing advice to our schools development. There should be clear plans so we can work together in improving our schools,” said Tipepe. Rabaul District Education Inspector Cecilia Tapil stated that the TOT will also equip teachers with the necessary skills and knowledge to develop Disaster Risk Management Plan, Behaviour Management Policy and Psycho-socio support which can be incorporated in their School Learning Improvement Program (SLIP). The District Education Inspector further said that quality teaching means quality learning and participants can use the knowledge acquired in the training and impart them to their colleagues in their respective schools which can help better manage and run schools in the district.

A training session was conducted for Reelae's School and Learning Management System (SLMS) recently under the rollout of the e-education pilot program. At least twenty students and staff of Flexible Open & Distance Education (FODE) from the NCD and Central campuses were taken through an interactive end-user training that focused on effectively using the system. The School and Learning Management System is an enterprise-level cloud solution that allows large learning institutions to manage, track, and store all aspects of their operations and learning activities and with this technology, FODE will be able to run its school operations and manage all aspects of learning, that is securely accessible through a web browser. The system will allow the education institution to have full control of managing all its administration and operational functions including student registration and individual student assessments. FODE Deputy Principal-Curriculum and IT Curriculum Officer Dr. Janet Subagan-Mondez, who facilitated the training, stated that this is timely for the institution as it will open an avenue of where FODE should be. "This pilot for Reelae is a very good platform because it will enable us to jumpstart the direction where we would like to head to,” said Dr. Janet. "From here it will provide more flexibility and accessibility for our students. So this platform will help improve how we deliver FODE service. Print-base is important but we need to exhaust available technologies that are efficient, affordable and user-friendly," Dr Janet stated. Ms Helen Korken, FODE-Central Province Coordinator on the other hand expressed that one of the ongoing challenges they face is the consistent requirement for general printing, that covers for student resources, notices, and such. "I see that this online platform is going to solve a lot of our problems. Now looking at that (Reelae SLMS) I'm just looking forward to it because all our students will be able to access it and they won't have to wait for printing materials to come out." "As someone who went through the training, I saw that it will be very helpful to our students and staff as well and we will be able to reach all our students; all of them will have access to it and then it will be easy for us as well to monitor and follow up with them," Ms Helen said. FODE student and one of the pioneer users of the SLMS, Mr Radalu Kuson, expressed his enthusiasm about the platform as well stating that, "We are on our phones and go to social media all the time, so it was easy to follow when the instructor was showing us”. He expressed that with the use of the system, it will certainly help him have meaningful direct conversations with instructors and get the instant assistance he requires. Over 50 users are part of this e-education pilot program that was made possible through a partnership agreement signed between Reelae, FODE, the PNG Department of Information & Communications Technology's (DICT) and SNS Technology. This partnership aims to revolutionize the education landscape in PNG by integrating a school management system and a learning management system into one platform and aligning with DICT's Digital Government Plan.

Papua New Guinea Kick Boxing Federation returns with exciting events lined up for this year after holding off most of its events in the past two and half years due to the global Covid 19 pandemic. PNG Kickboxing President and retired World Champion Stanley Nandex stated in an interview with PNG Hausbung that kickboxing is a worldwide sport and covid pandemic has put all its national, regional and international fights on halt but this year the federation has being given clearance by the Kick Boxing Federation Head Office to commence of its events. “I urge all Regional and Provincial Presidents and members to restart your programs and prepare your fighters to qualify for the major events this year including the world championships and Title Fights,” said Nandex. Mr Nandex stated that its first ever event would be the Regional Championships starting with the Kokoda Track2 Kickboxing Showdown which will be happening outside of Port Moresby at the Correctional Service Training College from 24th -25th March. “This event is strictly for Southern Region fighters, while the Highlands Regional Championship is set for April in Goroka, New Guinea Islands locked in for May in Rabaul and Momase in June in Wewak,” he stated. The winners from these regional tournaments will be selected for the national championships in September to qualify for the world championships. Furthermore, PNG Female kickboxing league has been established as well to manage all female fighters to be part of the major draw card this year. “The PNG Female Kickboxing League will also be managing the current international titles belt holder Jessy Gonopa who will be taking on European champion Alexitra in the intercontinental middle weight title which will be in September,” said Nandex. "Inclusion of female kickboxing league is to empower women and girls to use this platform to raise role models as well," he stated. “Law and order has being our major hindrance and setback to the country’s development therefore I am appealing to all relevant authorities and the government to support Kickboxing as development partners which not only develop great sports men and women but with its strict discipline ethic can also change mindsets,” he said.

With a state of emergency being declared for areas of Vanuatu which were most impact by tropical cyclone Judy, they are now bracing themselves to face a second tropical cyclone called Kevin. While this is happening in Vanuatu, here in Papua New Guinea we are experiencing strong winds as a result of that. However National Weather Services Director Mr Jimmy Gomoga said, "There is no tropical cyclone warning for Papua New Guinea." “There are no cyclone warnings or threat for PNG, however we have strong wind warnings as well as gale force warning for PNG Waters,” said. Gomoga. He highlighted, "Strong winds will be felt along the Southern Coast of Papua New Guinea/ Indonesian Borders all the way to the Milne Bay Islands." "Warning to small crafts and boats to take necessary precautions before or while at seas in the warning areas, but it is best to stay on land until strong winds go down." “The National Weather Service is keeping a close watch on the system and if anything arises warnings will be sent out early, however for now, everyone is urged to not panic but rest assure that here is no cyclone warning for PNG at present."

23 Community workers from all over Hela Province have acquired better skills and understanding on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support after attending a training facilitated by the United Nations Population Fund and UN Women PNG in Tari, Hela Province recently. The skills learned through the training not only better equip these individuals to provide mental health support to survivors, but also help them better manage the stress and vicarious trauma they experience in their line of work. The program aims to build the capacity of community workers to provide evidence-based counselling support. The project is part of United Nations Population Fund and UN Women PNG peace building efforts in the Highlands Region. Amongst the 23 trainees, was Mrs Jenny Martin, who was delighted to share her experience for the last 2 years giving counselling and help to women and youths. “Being a community worker is tough most times; especially in cases of gender-based violence were it is so easy for personal emotions to cloud judgements,” said Jenny. “Usually I forget about my own safety, or about hearing both sides of the story, and immediately take the side of the female survivor. I make judgements without considering that both parties need help especially psychosocial support!” Jenny who is a mother of three is a community worker with the Komo Learning and Empowerment Centre and a Public Officer with Komo Youths4Change and is committed to serving women and youths in her area and help survivors of violence. Jenny expressed how there is a huge gap in the mental and psychosocial aspects of a person's wellbeing, and that there was a big need for Mental Health and Psychosocial Support training for all community workers and frontline service providers. “This week has taught me a lot,” shared Jenny. “The most important learning has been Psychological First Aid and the four steps; Prepare, Look, Listen and Link.” “I especially have an appreciation for the importance of preparation because most times I do not take time to prepare myself or to take into consideration my safety”, she stated. “Through this training, I now know that in order to help others, I must ensure my safety first then the safety of others.” As a community worker, she shared that it is difficult to help survivors immediately, especially when their abusers demand for survivors to be returned to them and to not seek any form of help. Jenny mentioned that whenever a situation gets difficult, she always tries to identify if any one of the parties is showing more understanding and then she speaks to that person and redirects them to the Family Support Centre in Komo. “The Psychological First Aid training has helped me recognise that the law is better than retaliation. It is better to link survivors and perpetrators to the right place and right people, rather than taking matters into one's own hands, which is most of what is happening in Komo,” she said. Jenny mentioned that, there are about 28 community workers working with her at the Komo Learning and Empowerment Centre and she plans to take the lessons from the training back to her colleagues and empower them with the knowledge she acquired. “My aim is to support my fellow community workers so that we can work together to deal with the violence and attitude problem we see in our communities,” said Jenny. UNFPA and UN Women will continue to expand training for mental health and psychosocial support in the Highlands Region to address the critical lack of professional support available in the Region.

The PNG Government through the Climate Change and Development Authority recognizes the importance of blue carbon as the next best solution for greenhouse gas emission. Blue carbon is simply the term for carbon captured by the world's ocean and coastal ecosystems. You have probably heard that human activities emit (or give off) something called carbon dioxide, which contains atmospheric carbon. Climate Change and Development Authority is hosting a three days workshop with the purpose of understanding blue carbon activities that are taking place in PNG as well as the challenges , gaps and barriers. The Blue Carbon Workshop is facilitated by experts from key development sectors through panel discussions and presentations and streaming live on CCDA social platforms through these 3 days of workshop. The theme for the workshop is; “Identifying Blue Carbon Ecosystems as a source to enhance low carbon growth, climate resilience and sustainable development.” Ms Debra Sungi, Climate Change and Development Authority Acting General Manager said the Blue Carbon refers to the role of the coastal ecosystem particularly mangrove forest, seagrass meadows and tidal salt marshes and estuaries in reducing greenhouse gas emissions due to their capture of organic carbon dioxide. “The diverse ecosystems of PNG in the blue carbon space is not explored yet, so we don’t have data, that scientifically is to say that we do not know how much carbon content we have in a particular area.” “We have the biggest area and that is something the government acknowledges which is why the workshop is trying to bring together actors that are involved in the Blue Carbon space ‘’, said Ms Sungi. This workshop attracted academics, project developers, government agencies, NGOs and all those working in the blue carbon space coming together for this workshop. Ms Sungi stated that this workshop is simply getting all these actors together and establishing at the end of the workshop a framework on how best they can develop a policy that is inclusive, that is effective and can be implemented in our country, and that is that basic aim of the workshop. She also highlighted that two biggest developers that came on board are the Australian Government and the Government of Germany who are assisting CCDA in developing the policy of Blue Carbon thus providing equal support too. Sungi further stated that despite not having set up a policy framework, there is already work being done in the communities, in the provinces as well as at the national level. “So it’s best getting everyone here to the workshop so that we can develop this policy to address our commitment, our obligations and at the same time bring the nature base solution for climate change and also ensuring that we conserve, and restore coastal eco-systems for our people especially, our village communities along the coastlines.” Blue carbon activities are a type of nature-based solution that aims to restore, protect, and sustainably manage mangroves, seagrass meadows and tidal marshes. There are several blue carbon activities that are currently taking place in PNG. Such activities have contributed to reducing PNG Green House Gas emissions. So by the end of this workshop all stakeholders and partners should re-affirm their commitments to decide better, coordinate smartly and access resources actively in partnership towards developing a Blue Carbon Policy framework in PNG.

Police in East Sepik Province have apprehended a murder suspect who was on the run since February 12th with the help of a community leader. The suspect is now in police custody. East Sepik Provincial Police Commander Superintendent Christopher Tamari has extended thanks to community leader, Mr Sam Wafi of Kusambuk area who assisted police in the capture and arrest of a murder suspect. “The murder occurred on the afternoon of February 12 at Suaduogum village in Yangoru, East Sepik province.” “The apprehended suspect and another suspect attacked the deceased in his village and chopped off his hands; the deceased then tried to run away and seek help but was hit by an oncoming vehicle.” PPC Tammari further stated, “The deceased was rushed to Boram Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. The deceased was identified as Late Nigel Hovi.” According to police investigation and briefing, the deceased and the suspect had an ongoing feud which eventually resulted in the murder on Sunday February 12, 2023. “The relatives of the deceased in retaliation have burned down eight houses including a church in the village of the suspected murderers.” PPC Christopher Tamari said he is grateful for Mr Wafi’s assistance because his help to apprehend the suspect has eventually helped to prevent further fights within the area. Mr Tamari further apologised to the affected communities for the late police response. He also conveyed sympathy and apology for the loss of life and the loss and damage to properties especially to the innocent victims. “Murder cases are being reported every week in all six districts of the province and serious crimes are being committed daily in Wewak, Yangoru Saussia, Maprik, Angoram, Ambunti-Drekirkir and Wosera Gawi.” “I am now calling in the people of East Sepik to respect one other, and to find the right ways to resolve problems instead of resorting to violence all the time.” Mr Tamari has added his reassurance to the people of East Sepik that police is always there to assist, therefore it is right to seek police intervention so that police and law can solve complaints and disputes to maintain community peace.