All the schools in the country will shut down at the end of this week following a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases in the country. This announcement was made by the National Pandemic Controller David Manning at a Press Conference in Port Moresby. Controller Manning said they have had discussions with the Secretary for Education Dr. Uke Kombra that all schools will start their term 1 school holidays next week Monday 22nd March. This means that schools will start off their term one school holidays 2 weeks earlier than the scheduled dates because of these COVID- 19 surges. Manning further stated that these 4 weeks is the first phase of the Isolation Strategy and another three week period will follow after. “Within the 4 weeks, specific aggressive interventions will be carried out on how best we can harass the COVID-19 surges not only in the Nation’s Capital District but all the provinces currently experiencing Covid-19 surges.” He further stated that Community Transmissions have been taking place throughout the country for the last couple of weeks and its slowly creeping out to our largely rural populations. Manning further announced the initial 1st phase of the 4 weeks isolations strategy that will focus on how best we can manage the surges by putting down hard control measures in place. The first measure is to Isolate provinces from each other, and that is to allow the surveillance teams to map out hot spots in those provinces which are experiencing the spike in cases. COVID-19 Testings will be stepped up in all the provinces, whereby Provincial Health Authorities will be scaling up their responsibilities. All schools to be closed as of next week Monday and for the next 4 weeks of the Isolation strategy period. Furthermore all Domestic travel will also be affected as off next week onwards. “Cargoes by air and sea will continue but it’s the passengers now that will fall into five categories of essential travels,” said Manning. In carrying out all these Isolation Strategies, there is a proposal and recommendation to all the disciplinary forces to work closely with the council of churches and community health workers to assist with the roll out of the isolation strategies. During the 4 weeks of rolling out the Isolation Strategies all essential services like shops and business houses will still operate with essential staff. PMVs will continue to operate as well but capping down on the number of passengers and mask wearing is mandatory on all Public Motor Vehicles. Controller Manning said as of 12pm, 16th of March 2021 total number of Covid 19 cases in the country is 2479. And in the last 24 hours we have recorded 128 new cases with total Covid 19 deaths is currently at 31. Out of the new 128 cases, NCD has the highest number with 53 new cases which brings the total Covid 19 cases in NCD to 1159. Every Citizen is now urged to continue practise COVID-19 protocols at all times, wearing of face marks, sanitizing of hands and social distancing is mandatory and this is to help clamp down the recent spike in the country.

Hundreds of residents started walking from all four corners of the Nation’s Capital, Port Moresby as early as 6am on Friday morning braving the hot sun and the distance to bid farewell at the State funeral of the Rt. Honourable Late Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium, the birth place of PNG where he first lowered the Australian flag and raised the PNG flag forty-five years ago. It was a great show of unity and respect for this giant of a man, who everyone came to call their "PAPA". The National Capital District came to a total shutdown, for this first-of-its-kind occasion, dubbed as the biggest ever farewell ceremony to go down in the history books, fitting enough for a man, this country is indebted to, a man who deserved a grand goodbye. All the streets and suburbs were empty, business houses closed; the informal sector for the first time stopped operating, PMVs, fuel stations, major markets and even the education sector was shut down for this one time. Those who could not make it to the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium stayed home and waited patiently in front of their television sets to also witness the State Funeral of the Late Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare. The stadium was full to capacity, with hundreds more lining up outside, beside the road side waiting for the motorcade of Late Grand Chief braving the heat of the sun until 1:40pm when the motorcade escorting the body of Late Grand Chief was in sight coming down the Poreporena Freeway. People on the roadsides wept, threw flowers and waved their PNG flags as the motorcade passed by them. Everyone in the stadium all stood up in respect when the motorcade brought in their Late Papa, Grand Chief. The State Funeral started off with PNG Cardinal and Archbishop of Port Moresby Hi Eminence John Ribat and other bishops placing the Christian Symbol on the casket, followed by the Holy Mass led by Archbishop Ribat. Dulciana Somare, the youngest daughter of Sir Michael farewelled her dad in his Eulogy. She described her fathers life as "too big to put into a eulogy. “He followed his heart before his mind, and that was the only way to unite our diverse country,” said Dulciana. Many old friends both in politics and life paid their heartfelt tribute yesterday as well to late Grand Chief. Amongst the tributes was Lady Carol Kidu’s who could not make it, and sent her tribute via a recorded video from Brisbane, Australia. Lady Kidu said Grand Chief Sir Michael was a very kind and passionate man and he was the men who made her career in politics possible in terms of her Ministerial achievements. Kidu said in 2002 and 2007, many male colleagues opposed the idea of giving her a Ministry but Sir Michael Somare just stood firm and said “Sorry Gentlemen, she will be in my cabinet, it is not negotiable.” Lady Kidu described Late Somare as, “He always believed in giving women a fair go. ” Another long time friend Sir Arnold Amet who also paid tribute described Late Grand Chief as the person who lived beyond his time, someone who did what he did then because he already knew how it would impact and change the future. He describes Somare as someone has portrayed to the Biblical Characters like Moses and Joseph. He was a man of passion and integrity someone who wanted deliverance for their people. “Somare stands along with the likes of Fiji’s Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara who were beacons for the indigenous Pacific Islanders to follow.” They both believed that the people of the pacific islands should be masters of their own destiny and should have the freedom from suppression. The State Funeral ended at 6pm in the evening during a down pour but people still stood under the rain showing their respect and love for this Giant of a man. There were also people parking their vehicles along the Poreporena Freeway to wave at the motorcade as it passed with the body of Late Grand Chief to return him to the Funeral Home. Rt. Honourable Late Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare’s body will leave for Wewak on Sunday 14th March for Wewak, where he will be laid to rest on Kreer heights on Tuesday 16th March, 2021.

A huge crowd is building up outside the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium at Konedobu, in Port Moresby wanting to be granted access into the stadium to witness the State Funeral of Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare. Hundreds braved the heat and walked down the Poreporena Freeway since 10am this morning to bid final farewell to PNG's founding father and "Papa blong Kantri". Security officials and police personnel manning the gates into the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium are refusing any more entry as the stadium is reported to be full to capacity with a record crowd both inside and outside as the funeral program is about start. More updates as we bring you more on the state funeral service at Sir Hubert Murray today. Words and pictures by: Kerebi DAVID and Amos Karemo

47 women from both the private and public sector graduated today on International Women’s Day with Certificate IV Leadership and Management at the Gate Way Hotel, under the flagship program of Business Coalition for Women who is in partnership with Wings Education and the Australian Government. “You always play to your strength but, always beware of your weakness, and above all you must always build genuine lasting relationships both in and out of the office,” says Ms.Leslie Taviti, Business Coalition for Women Chair at the graduation of 47 women today. The 6 months training was given back in 2019, however due to Covid 19, no graduation was held until today. Out of the 47 graduates, only 26 graduated today, and 21 others graduated in absence because of the pandemic and other reasons and were not able to be present today. The women in Leadership program is an Australian Certification program which is recognised globally and Ms .Leslie Taviti BCFW Chair woman during her congratulatory speech says she trust that the program has equipped them graduands to be bold. Ms. Taviti also encouraged them to step up and step out in a COVID-19 environment which will require women to be adoptive and innovative in the workplaces and at home. “Be confident and always be comfortable in your skin that means do not try to be someone who you are not,” says Ms .Taviti. “You always play to your strength but, always beware of your weakness, and above all you must always build genuine lasting relationships both in and out of the office.” The graduation today ended on a very high note with a panel discussion under the Theme: Women in Leadership, Achieving an equal future in a Covid 19 world. Hence the Panel discussion was focused on women in leadership roles in the business organisations and how women are tackling business responsibilities with confidence and making important decisions that actually benefit the organisations they are in. The panel discussion also commended women on their leadership roles in enhancing and growing organisation in this time of the pandemic. Bank of Papua New Guinea Chief Executive Officer Mr. Robin Fleming who was the only male panellist thanked Business Coalition For Women  for providing such platform where women can achieve quality training and education to enhance their roles as leaders in their various organisations in this time of the pandemic.

As Wewak town prepares to welcome a huge delegation into their province, police in East Sepik Province are beefing up their operations as well to ensure order is maintained when the whole country converges in one province to bid farewell and show last respects to the Founding Father of Papua New Guinea, the Late Rt. Honourable Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare before he is laid in his final resting place at Kreer Heights. East Sepik Provincial Police Commander Superintendent Albert Beli knows the task before him is great as thousands of Papua New Guinean's from different aspects of life show up in numbers to honour a great leader in this young nations history. Police anticipate a crowd in the thousands to be on the ground at the State Funeral Ceremony and Burial Program and are geared towards engaging in what is expected to be the biggest ever police operation in the province. People from across the country including the 6 districts of the province and neighbouring provinces will grace Wewak town for this one time as the Grand Chief is laid to rest in his home town. "Crowd control is the main focus for police operations in the province," said Beli. PPC Superintendent Beli said police will also act as tour guides to assist all those who are new to the province and off course the main important preparation is pointing out the strategic locations and hot spots in Wewak that police need to man. Police will also provide escort for the dignitaries and the casket of late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare from the airport to Kreer Heights. “Motorcyclist escort is the important part of program that we are preparing our boys for so that they can be able to provide a good escort at the time of the state funeral.” “Police and PNG Defence Force will be in the fore front of the state funeral, and PNG Defence Force from Moem Barracks, will take full control of the state funeral while the police will be on the ground to control crowd movement, provide security and escort” said Superintendent Beli. He stated also that police will provide static police presence on static locations to ensure the smooth flow of traffic and people during the time of the state funeral. Currently on ground are 48 police personals from Highlands Mobile group, Mobile 06 that have being helping the police force in East Sepik Province for the last 4 months and will be there to assist police in Wewak during the state funeral of the Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare. However Superintendent Beli expressed the need for extra manpower to boost police presence in the Province, especially in Wewak during the time of the state funeral. “We have requested for an additional team to be deployed to Wewak from Lae, and Mobile Squad 13 in Lae will be coming in to Wewak on the 10th of March to beef up the police men power,” said Superintendent Beli. Superintendent Beli commended the people of East Sepik for a very peaceful situation on the ground and for taking the initiative to clean in and around Wewak town at this time. Superintendent Beli further called on all the Business houses and business communities to heed to the liquor ban instructions that have already being circulated and effective since 01st March by the Provincial Liquor Licencing Board in partnership with East Sepik Police. He emphasised that the liquor ban ends on the 31st of this month so everyone is expected to follow instructions. “No trade stores, retail shops or wholesale are to do illegal after hour sales and back door sales as police will come down hard you.” He further reiterated that this applies to youths who do illegal brewing to refrain from producing, selling and consuming of homebrew. "Everybody is expected to show respect at this time of the National Haus Krai until the day of the state funeral and burial of late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare," said Superintendent Beli .

"Having kickboxing as part of the Education Curriculum, from Primary to Secondary schools is a great medium by which kids can be able to learn the core values of discipline that can help change their mindsets and attitude towards all aspects of life," said the PNG Kickboxing Federation President Mr Stanley Nandex. Hela Provincial Government is now partnering with PNG Kickboxing Federation to roll out its kick boxing programs in the three districts of Hela Province. On Saturday 20th  February, the Hela Provincial administration and Hela Governor, Philip Undialu donated a van and K200, 000 to officially declare its partnership with PNG Kickboxing Federation and to kick start kickboxing in Hela Province as well as launching the School Kickboxing pilot project in Hela Province. The highlight of the program was the graduation of 41 Kickboxing instructors, among them 4 females with level one and level two certificates that qualify them to go out and conduct kickboxing training programs throughout the 38 kickboxing clubs in the three districts of Hela Province. This is the first for PNG to go through the instructor training program. “This partnership will pave way for a new pilot project under the theme “Building a safe and secure Hela Province” whereby kickboxing will be introduced into all the primary and secondary schools in Hela Province as part of the education curriculum as a medium by which kids can be able to learn the core values of discipline that can help change their mindsets and attitude towards all aspects of life,” said PNGKBF President Mr Nandex. Mr Nandex commended the Hela Governor Philip Undialu for taking this positive stand to work in partnership with PNG Kickboxing Federation to push for changes in the youths of Hela Province to build a safe and secure Province. Mr Nandex further stated that because of the core values and moral obligations of the National Federation for Kick Boxing he is happy to start this School Kickboxing pilot project in Hela Province to use sports as a catalyst for special development and integration as part of the pillars of the National Government 2050 vision. “This program will also benefit those who are not in school because of tribal fight,” said Nandex. “The youths and kids who are victims of Tribal fights can join the 38 clubs already established in the 3 districts whereby they can train to be more disciplined to become active sports person and can get better in their mental state to become leaders in their communities.” Mr. Stanley Nandex said working in partnership with the Hela Provincial government is a great deal as it is part of the federations moral and social obligation also to give something back to the communities, whereby the communities can use its values and discipline to help change the youths and enhance them to become sports leaders and better citizens also. “This is a pilot project and the PNG Kickboxing Federation welcomes any province who is interested to use these programs as part of their development strategies in terms of empowering and changing the mental status of the youths.”

NCD Governor Powes Parkop called on the Western Highlands Governor Paias Wingti and Member for Hagen Open William Duma to partner in the development of Mt Hagen as the country's third city "I will still point out the Western Highlands Governor and Member for Hagen Open for failing in their part to develop the city of Mt Hagen," said NCD Governor Powes Parkop. "We need all the cities, Lae City, Mt Hagen City and Port Moresby Cities to shape up and stand out as the pillars of this country Papua New Guinea." Governor Parkop said he will still complain to see development in all the cities because lack of development is depriving the rights of our people to a better standard of living. Governor Parkop specifically pointed out Mt Hagen as the city that needs to be improved as another city of this country. He stated that their leaders need to open their minds and eyes and implement projects and laws to develop the city because it does not belong to the people of Western Highlands only but for the whole of Papua New Guinea. He mentioned that Lae City is changing and he is willing to support Lae MP, John Rosso in developing Lae city, however as for Mt Hagen City he is very angry about the lack of development in that city. Governor Parkop mentioned that all the members of the parliament including our Prime Minister know that Mt Hagen is failing as a city but nothing is said and done about it. “I have nothing to lose, but I am furious that Mt Hagen is failing Western Highlands Province and the whole of Papua New Guinea.” “Unless their leaders shape up and develop the city, remove all the rubbish, remove the crimes, remove the pigs roaming around the vicinity of the City and open up and expand the boundaries of the city, Governor Parkop will still talk about its lack of development,” said Governor Parkop. Mt Hagen City is not only for the people of Western Highlands Province, the city belongs to the whole country. People from all over Papua New Guinea pass through, work, live and spend money in Mt Hagen, the whole of Papua New Guinea has a part in building Mt Hagen to where it is now. “Member for Hagen Open and Western Highlands Governor can be mad at me for pointing them out but I do not care, mi no bisi!” “Mi bai still pointim pinga long ol!” "As the Governor for NCD, I am also responsible for the population of Western Highlands in Port Moresby, trying my best to make this place a better place for them and every one to live in," he said. “The onus goes back to the Western Highlands Governor and Member for Hagen Open to develop Mt Hagen because it’s not a small town but the 3rd city  of this country that holds people from all over the country.”

Tropical Cyclone Lucas had just passed through Papua New Guinea leaving behind severe effects in parts of Milne Bay and Central Province following gusty winds and heavy rains that penetrated the coastal region of PNG. National Weather Service said Cyclone Lucas is headed towards Vanuatu after the weekend, lessening the risks of further damages in the islands of Milne Bay and Central Province coastline. "PNG is no longer at risk of a major landfall, so are the coastal islands of Milne Bay and Central," said Acting Director of the National Weather Service Jimmy Gomoga. Mr Gomoga said Tropical Cyclone Lucas was first sighted forming at the tip of Queensland, Australia last week and eventually moved into the Coral Sea when National Weather Office gave out initial warnings and alerted communities of a possible Tropical Cyclone, with very strong winds coming through including West Monsoon stages expected across the country. By Friday the winds began to cut through, and the system started moving towards the East and on Sunday afternoon Lucas was identified and named. “When system forms within our region then we name it, but because it was outside of PNG within the Australian region and then developed into a tropical cyclone,” said Gomoga. Around 4pm Sunday afternoon Tropical Cyclone Lucas was at category one (1) and forming at the South and South East of the Milne Bay Islands and this morning it was upgraded to category two (2) having major effects on the Islands South of Milne Bay and the Coastal areas of Central Province. “However by 10 am this morning Tropical Cyclone Lucas has moved away from Papua New Guinea.” We do not know the extent of the impacts Tropical Cyclone Lucas had on the islands of Milne Bay Provinces including the coastal villages of Central Province yet. The disaster teams in Milne Bay and Central Province have being alerted and will carryout their assessment in both provinces. The islands South of Milne Bay would have most likely been the hit hard by the impacts of the cyclone and teams should be dispatched especially on Sidea Island, Misima, Tagula and Rossell Island, more so on the little island of Jinjo to assess the damages. The Weather office said wind strength is very high at this time for coastal areas, travelling at speeds up to 100km/hr and it can blow away trees and houses that do not have strong foundations including power lines. “The Gale wind warning still stands and everyone is advised not to go out to sea at this time until further instructions from the National Weather Office.” The Tropical Cyclone warning is now being lifted by the National Weather Office but the Gale Wind Warnings still stand for the next 24 hours. Currently the Weather Service is monitoring 3 systems, Cyclone Bina that is forming just East of Solomon Islands and North of Fiji while cyclone Anna that has hit Fiji and it is most likely Cyclone Bina will also hit Fiji very soon including Tropical Cyclone Lucas which had actually passed through PNG.

The old 6 mile Saraga Dump yard is now regenerated, revitalized and transformed into a new Suburb  that holds 164 blocks that will benefit the people of 2 Mile Hill, Paga and Konedobu Water Front who were displaced some 5-6 years ago because of the development of roads in the Nation’s Capital and Moresby South electorate. Moresby South MP and Minister for Housing Justin TKatchenko, Minister for Lands John Rosso and NCD Governor Powes Parkop jointly launched the first Settlement to Suburb Project at 6 Mile Saraga today. Minister TKatchenko said the sub division project was put together about 5-6 years ago when settlers at 2 Mile Hill, Paga Hill and Kone Water Front were displaced because of road projects.  He said it was NCD Governor’s visions that the Settlement to Suburb program was initiated and he felt it was the right thing to do for the people of Moresby South so he joined in. Minister TKatchenko in his official speech thanked NCD Governor Powes Parkop and Minister for Lands John Rosso for making this project become a reality. “NCDC gave K5million for the resettlement and to do the sub- division here, but with a short fall, the Lands Department came on board under the Ministry of John Rosso and gave an extra K1million for all the fencing, sub- division and the final survey plan.” Minister TKatchenko highlighted in his speech that this project is a joint effort from NCDC, the Lands Department working in collaboration with Moresby South Electorate. Minister TKatchenko further stated that the 164 blocks are 15 x 15 meters that will benefit 164 families, and these blocks will be given with land titles to each family. “Titles come with conditions, is not for people to get the land for free and then sell it and make money,” said Minister TKatchenko. “This is for those people who want to settle and find themselves a home for their family now and into the future.” He urged those who will be the owners to use the land title to get loans and build their houses, because with the land titles the land is secured and getting loan and building a good house is a better long term investment. Water has being connected already and power is ready to go when houses are built.  The new Suburb will also include some commercial blocks for shops, clinic, court house and many more services so that people can access services in front of them. “I want to take you to another level!” “We cannot continue to see people in match box houses with no proper services, those times are gone now,” said Minister TKatchenko. This is Stage 1, Stage 2 is Ragamuga Settlement, and the Settlement to suburb program for Ragamuga 6mile has already started with the NCD Governors Office, and more suburb projects will be happening in the City. This Development will set the new pace, new example and new template for what should be done when it comes to looking after the people of NCD, says Minister TKatchenko.

An elderly man from Amu Village in Abau District who works at the new Golden Birch Resources, a Platinum Prospecting Site on the Owen Stanley Range is alleged to have gone missing for over 6 weeks now. Mr Oabo Oabo Moses, in his 50s and a father of three (3) children had been missing for over 6 weeks now after attempting to return to his workplace by foot on November 12, 2020, but never arrived at his destination.   Reports have it that he was flown home on a company chopper on 8th November for a 4-day break at his Amau Village in the Cloudy Bay LLG, in Abau District, Central Province and after his break, decided to return to work by foot on 12th November.   Senior Constable Russel Penunu of Moreguina Police Station in Central Province said colleagues of Mr Moses who returned to their workplace after their two-week break confirmed that Mr Moses never returned to work and notified the Golden Birch Resources Platinum Prospecting Company and a missing person search was carried. They also notified the family and a combined search was carried out by relatives and his work colleagues for another four (4) weeks but to no avail. It wasn’t until last Friday that the family decided to file a missing person’s report with Moreguina Police Station but by then it was already the 6th week of him going missing. “Ol ples lain blong em ino bin tingting long come putim report long first place,” said Snr Constable Penunu. “If a missing person report was filed earlier, we would have notified the District Authorities, the Disaster and Emergency and the Search and Rescue team to carry out the search,” he stated. Snr Constable Penunu said right now even the Provincial Police Authorities are not aware of this report, but they still had hopes to find the missing person. The search for missing person, Mr Oabo Oabo Moses started this week, on 18th January 2021 and will end on the 18th of February 2021. Moreguina police have joined the family in the missing person’s search which started yesterday with all logistics support provided by the company he worked for, Golden Birch Resources Platinum Prospecting. “We do not know if the missing person is still alive but we will search until we find him.” Picture source:  Wikimedia Commons

18 selected primary schools in the four districts in the most rural parts of East New Britain Province will be lucky recipients of reading books under the University of Papua New Guinea East New Britain Students Association Book Drive. The University of Papua New Guinea's East New Britain Students Association is now ready to roll out the Book Drive in East New Britain. UPNG ENB Students Association Presidents Mr Tiolam Wawaga said the container of reading books which came in from South Pacific School Aid Australia and the PNG National Library and Archives as donations had already arrived in Rabaul and preparations are underway for distribution of books to schools in ENB. The distribution of the reading books under the Book Drive project will kick start on 25th January and finish on 5th February 2021. “The Book Drive will take exactly two weeks, because we will be distributing to 18 selected primary schools in the 4 districts of East New Britain Province,” said Mr Wawaga. “In this Book Drive we are targeting the schools in the rural are remotest parts of the districts,” he added. He further stated that out of the 4 local MP’s, the member for Kokopo, Emil Tammur was the only local MP who was very supportive and helped them all throughout and is the main man behind, pushing the project forward. Mr Wawaga also wants to thank the ENB Provincial Administrator Mr Wilson Matau for the tremendous logistic support and funding for sea transports as well as the land transports. “Above all I want thank all those who have supported our fundraising drives in Port Moresby”. 2020 was a very challenging year because of Covid-19, but thanks to all those who have showed support in big and small ways, because you cared to show support for the school children. "The East New Britain students in the rural areas will now have the chance to access reading materials," said Mr Wawaga.

A mystery disease carrying similar symptoms to Covid-19 has already claimed three lives and is affecting more people of Bona and Olabia in the Muluma District in Mt Bosavi area. Communities within Mt Bosavi have complained of experiencing flu-like symptoms, coupled with headaches, joint pains and shortness of breath but with the lack of health services in the area, a remedy to the unknown disease remains unlikely. A local community leader Andrew Awabi said a family in Bona village was experiencing flu-like symptoms and soon after, the disease had spread to everyone in the village. “The same is happening in Olabia village and has since spread to people in the whole of Muluma District in Mt Bosavi area causing everyone to become to ill.”   The lack of health services in the area means, that they may not be able to identify what the disease is, posing a greater risk to the communities at large. “The covid-like disease or virus is spreading, from kids to adults every day and until proper health checks and tests are done, we will not be able to know if coronavirus is actually here.”   “The scariest part is that we already have 3 deaths from this sickness, “said Mr Awabi. “We do not know what we are experiencing, if it is just flu and cough or actually the coronavirus.” Mr Awabi said a team from the Covid-19 Response Centre needs to be deployed to Muluma District as soon as possible to carry out testings and identify what the people are experiencing because there is hardly any health services, no Covid-19 awareness carried out in the area and no Covid-19 testing sites on ground.