Local mother's get business smart

Pese Poge, Margret Pato and Pauline Akman are empowering themselves through the people’s Micro-Bank and Women in Business.

In a joint effort by the two organisation’s to empower woman in the informal sector, women from all works of life are getting their small businesses registered and applying for start-up funds from the Micro-Bank to finance their activities.

Pese, Margret and Pauline are among many women who are stay-at-home mothers are making a living off their hand-craft’s and selling food to support their families. They have been drawn to the opportunities that are being provided through WiB and the people’s Micro-Bank.

Pese knits string bags and caps and sells them on the street to earn a living which sometimes can be risky. She is in the process of registering herself with WiB in order to access funding to expand her business.

“I came to Women in Business to register myself and apply for funding. Street sales are very challenging and you have to have the confidence to sell your products, to approach your customers. I don’t go to areas that I know are not safe. I also have customers that place orders so this also brings in money. I am looking forward to better opportunities and funding through the micro-bank and women in business,” Pese said.

“I used to sell my bilums (string bag) and crafts at the end of every month on a Saturday. My earnings depend on the number of tourists that come into the country. If there are more customers I get more. My plans are to expand my business through women in business and the people’s micro-bank,” Margret said.

The PNG Women in Business Expo is an annual event which attracts woman from all over country and neighboring countries such as Indonesia and the Solomon Islands to trade and do business.

Meanwhile, Pauline is a former teacher and since retiring from teaching has made a business out of selling her arts and crafts in Port Moresby and the East Sepik. She also registered herself and her women’s group in order to access funding and expand her opportunities.

“I started in 1991 and struggled along the way selling my crafts while teaching and I have registered my business with WiB to expand my opportunities.”

Janet Sape, President said the government provided K10 million to fund the first people’s Micro-Bank in Port Moresby.

“Since 2006 with a group of women, I’ve shared the idea and dream of having an institution for the women of PNG. I have a team of women who are co-founders who have teamed up with me and we have travelled the journey. The government approved K10-million and we have been receiving this money in stages to assist, mobilize and establish. We have come this far and now we have the bank.”

Ms Sape said the next step is to expand these opportunities to the rest of the country and open up branches in 89 districts. This move falls in line with the governments 2050 Vision to empower middle class Papua New Guineans by improving their wealth and the country’s economy.

“We are looking at the government to continue to fund the bank so that women can get loans. Our vision is to see this bank rolled out to the 89 districts. We also want government to fund women in business so that it can in turn assist the women.”

WiB recently show cased its strengths at the Women in Business expo held recently in Port Moresby, which coincided with the XV Pacific Games purposely to enable the women to sell their crafts to visiting athletes.

Prime Minister Peter O’Neill, also congratulated the WiB at the recent expo for taking the initiative to strengthen business activities for the woman which supports government policy.

“I want the Micro-Bank to be established throughout rest of the country for the women. I encourage the women to take this challenge up and assist the government in making this dream a reality.”

Stall owners from the Eastern Highlands province displayed several hand made arts and crafts during the PNG Women in Business Expo held in July this year.

First road to Waramuru in 40 years

Cyrus Howiga was reduced to tears as he talked of the new road that was recently graded into his little remote hamlet of Haiyigu, Waramuru.

Waramuru which can be now be accessed by road comes under ward 20 in east Yangoru/Sausia district, East Sepik province. The road built at a cost of K1 million starts at the Yangoru Station stretches for another 12km into a high mountainous area over looks the plains of East Sepik and then reaches Waramuru. It will then continue down the valley. 

Cyrus Howiga a community youth leader from a remote hamlet called Haiyigu in Waramuru said the new road is the first form of infrastructure in 40 years.

“It’s been forty years since Papua New Guinea’s independence in 1975 and this is the first time that we have received a service like this. For us this road is a life-line. By having a road built into a remote area like this, means that we can get services into this area, start businesses, get proper health services and education also, ” Cyrus said.

Cyrus is from a little clan called Haiyigu, which is nestled along side the highest point of East Sepik province, the great Mt Turupu. Up on the ridges of waramuru, the air is clear, there’s pleasant weather and most of all rich soil, which has the potential to grow many commercial crops.

This area has been untapped for many years and the people have had to struggle, walking many kilometers to the nearest market, school or aid post to access any proper services. The new road has brought with it many opportunities.

He said Waramuru is made up of four other little neighboring clans called Menjawen, Bauvi Zendenang, Hembo Waramuru and Kinendong who are people that are eagerly waiting impatiently for the same road to cut through their jungles and reach their hamlets as well.

For Cyrus and his village people it was like witnessing a dream unfold right before their eyes. Some said they couldn’t believe that for the first time a works department vehicle had reached their area by road.

Richard Maru, member for Yangoru/Sausia and Minister for Trade and Commerce also reached the area by road for the first time since the road was graded as the eminence of fallen trees and jungle vegetation still lay freshly discarded to the side.

Mr Maru said the people have waited too long and now begin to grow impatient for services reach their area.

“We are working as fast we can and I have asked my people to be patient but I understand that they have waited a long time. I am happy that funds have been made available by government for all the road projects, infrastructure and developments to take place in my district.”

Meanwhile, Minister Maru said aside from the road infrastructure, improving health and education is a priority in the district development plan.

This road connects Waramuru to the East Yangoru station which is located in the Yangoru Sausia district.

The Prime Minister, Hon. Peter O'Neill CMG MP, has assured the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) that it has the National Government’s ongoing full support.

PM O’Neill said the government would continue to work closely with the ABG to address ongoing challenges and enhance future opportunities in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB).

He made these remarks during the meeting of the Joint Supervisory Body (JSB) in Arawa, Bougainville, recently.

"This is a historic day as a meeting like this would not have been possible in Bougainville many years ago.

“This meeting today marks a new level of cooperation, particularly in addressing outstanding issues, resolving them and moving forward together,” PM O’Neill said.

"The National Government fully supports the ABG and our priority is to effectively deliver services to the people of Bougainville and Papua New Guinea as a whole.

"Our people deserve the best outcomes in our obligation to improving living standards for people on Bougainville.

PM O’Neill thanked the AROB President, John Momis, for his warm welcome and willingness to work together for the future.

"We all know there are many challenges ahead of us for Bougainville, for our nation and for our region, and these can be overcome when we work together.”

The Prime Minister said the National Government is working to draw down or transfer powers to Bougainville to increase service delivery at a local level.

"Outstanding matters such as the Peace Agreement, Special Intervention Fund, Provincial SIP, District SIP and Local Level SIP funding are being resolved.”

The comprehensive agenda of the meeting further included taxation issues and grants including the local level service improvement program.

The meeting was concluded by Prime Minister O’Neill and ABG President Momis signing a joint resolution.

(L-R) Autonomous Bougainville Government President, John Momis with Prime Minister, Hon. Peter O'Neill CMG MP at Aropa Airport in Bougainville.

(L-R) Autonomous Bougainville Government President, John Momis with Prime Minister, Hon. Peter O'Neill CMG MP being welcomed by a cultural group

(L-R) Autonomous Bougainville Government President, John Momis with Prime Minister, Hon. Peter O'Neill CMG MP at the meeting.

(L-R) Autonomous Bougainville Government President, John Momis with Prime Minister, Hon. Peter O'Neill CMG MP reaffirming commitment's made under the Joint Supervisory Body (JSB) in Arawa.

Acting Police Commissioner Andrews condemns attack on Jiwaka PPC Tondop

Acting Police Commissioner Jim Andrews today condemned the attack on Jiwaka Provincial Police Commander Superintendent Joseph Tondop and demanded village leaders to immediately surrender the attackers.

The Highlands Deputy Divisional Commander, Chief Superintendent Jimmy Onopia, PPC Tondop and their policemen were set upon by villagers at 10 am this morning during a meeting in which Mr Tondop was physically assaulted and a number of police vehicles badly damaged.

“This is totally unacceptable,” Acting Commissioner Andrews said, adding that the villagers have until Wednesday March 03 to hand in the trouble makers.

“I appeal to the village leaders to identify the attackers and bring them to police to be arrested and charged accordingly. The attack is uncalled for. Mr Onopia and Mr Tondop went in good faith to meet the people to hear their petitions following the death of a man in police custody when they were attacked by villagers.

“For the information of the public, especially the people of Jiwaka, we sent three police investigators from Port Moresby to Jiwaka and since then we have arrested and charged four policemen and one civilian for the death of the man in police custody.

“Contrary to what the people are saying we have been taking, we are taking and we will be taking action against policemen who take the law into their own hands. This is the people’s police force. The RPNGC exists to protect and serve the people of Papua New Guinea and we will swiftly remove any member of the force who is a threat to the public. They will be dealt with through the administrative discipline process and they will be charged criminally as well if needed.

“The attack on Mr Tondop is unwarranted and the assailants must be apprehended and charged,” Acting Commissioner Andrews said.

Meanwhile, Mr Andrews said contrary to what a number of critics have publicly stated, Police are taking action against rogue policemen especially over recent alleged police shootings. He said there is no cover-up and all policemen who break the law will face the full force of the law.

Acting Commissioner Andrews said one policeman has been arrested and charged with willful murder over the killing of Lae women Moanna Pisima. Another policeman has been arrested and charged with willful murder of a Tatana man. Another alleged police shooting in Wewak is completed and charges are expected to be laid within the next few days.

As for the Hanuabada shooting where two men were allegedly shot and killed by police, Acting Commissioner Andrews said the investigation was frustrated because witnesses are not coming forward to give their statements.

“What we have heard is that there was a disagreement between the Hanuabada people over the sharing of “Haus krai” monies paid out to the families of the two men who were killed and since then no-one has come forward to give statements.

“The ball is in their court, not the police. We are serious about removing rogue elements who do not respect life and property. We want to identify them and have them charged both administratively and criminally. So I am once again appealing to the villagers to come forward and give your statements.

“Also, as a proactive measure to stop further killings the police top management issued directives for all high powered weapons to be removed and locked away in armories across the nation. We have also directed that all policemen return to the classrooms for training on standard operating procedures with regards to the use of firearms as well as the rules of engagement.

“It is only after such training that weapons will be reissued to selected non-commissioned officers or commissioned officers,” Acting Commissioner Andrews concluded.

PM O’Neill: Government is Empowering Grassroots to Advance the Nation

The Prime Minister, Hon. Peter O’Neill CMG MP, said the Government is changing Papua New Guinea for the better by empowering grassroots men, women and children of the nation. 
He made these remarks when launching the Nipa/Kutubu District Five Year Development Plan 2013-2017 at the Nipa Government Station in Southern Highlands Province yesterday.
PM O’Neill said the right policies from the most effective Government in the history of the nation was enabling people to improve their lives. 
“This government is investing in districts, provinces and ward councils, which is taking service delivery to the people of our rural areas. Grassroots people know what is needed in their areas and they must be included in decision-making processes.
“Now councilors, village magistrates and court officers are funded by the Government, and this consistency facilitates leadership and decision-making at the local level.
“We will continue to strengthen the public service from the districts up to the national level.”
The Prime Minister said the government is building new public servants’ houses, cleaning up problems in the law and order system, and providing opportunities for children to be educated and families to have access to healthcare.
“Provinces are now receiving almost three billion kina each year for key impact projects. This is the first time in history of this country,” PM O’Neill said.
“For 40 years governments looked around for money as if we were one of the poorest countries in the world. Papua New Guinea had to beg for money from the International Monetary Fund, the Word Bank and countries like Australia.
“Now we have enough revenue, and we have proper management of how we spend this revenue for our people.
“Previously governments also put billions of Kina into trust accounts – but where has all this money gone? This must have been either stolen or mismanaged on so many bogus projects. These bogus projects were never delivered but were still needed in the country.
“Now you can look around and see the new projects being rolled out before your eyes.”
The launch was a memorable day for the people of Nipa/Kutubu, who gathered in thousands to witness the long-awaited occasion despite ongoing wet weather.
The Nipa/Kutubu District Five Year Development Plan 2013-2017 enables the local level government to follow a roadmap, aligned with Papua New Guinea Vision 2050, that is aimed at enhancing ongoing development in the district.
Accompanying the Prime Minister, were senior ministers including Works Minister, Hon. Francis Awesa MP, and Finance Minister, Hon. James Marape MP. 

Prime Minister Peter O'Neill (front) accompanied by Francis Awesa MP, and Finance Minister, Hon. James Marape MP

Prime Minister Peter O'Neill inspecting a guard of honor of the Royal PNG Constabulary in Nipa/Kutubu, Southern Highlands province

Prime Minister Peter O'Neill addressing people in the Nipa/Kutubu,
Southern Highlands province

District Development Authority is home grown

The District Development Authority is very much home grown.

Chief Secretary to Government Sir Manasupe Zurenuoc made this statement in his opening remarks at the District Development Authority Workshop held on March 2nd in Lae.
The workshop was for Provincial Administrators, District Administrators and Local Level Government Presidents for Eastern Highlands, Morobe and Madang Provinces.
Sir Manasupe said the DDA is home grown based on experiences of 40 years of service delivery.
“It is based on the experiences of Prime Minister Hon Peter O’Neill while growing up in Pangia,” Sir Manasupe said.
Secretary for Department of Provincial and Local Level Government Mr. Munare Uyassi said the districts already have the powers to bring services down to the district level.

   Chief Secretary to Government Sir Manasupe Zurenuoc

He said the District Development Authority Act now gives them the statutory power they need to make things work. 
Mr. Uyassi said DDA is not a new thing; it is what people have been asking for.
“It is about localized, accessible service delivery at short turnaround time.”
“We need political and bureaucratic will and the Act requires them to work together.”
Secretary for Department of Personal Management Mr. John Kali said DDA is the vehicle for public servants to use to deliver services that they are normally unable to deliver on.
He said it is through leadership and ownership that services can be delivered.
“Services are not delivered to where it is needed due to no leadership,” Mr. Kali said.
“Public servants need to take ownership and lead in service delivery.”
Sir Manasupe said the District Development Authority is the best possible opportunity to build our villagers and deliver services.
He also acknowledged the District Administrators of Morobe and the Provincial Administrator of East New Britain Province for their contributions to the development of the legislation that enables the DDA.

Powerful women speak out on violence

Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Ms Deborah Stokes, and First Lady Ms Lynda Babao-O’Neill have launched  a book – Powerful Voices – and film -Harim Mi - featuring women speaking out on violence against women and girls in Papua New Guinea.

Produced by FHI 360 with Australia’s support, the book and film contain stories of 49 women from 10 communities in Western Highlands and Sandaun provinces. 

FHI360, in collaboration with other community based organisations, provided cameras and trained women to use digital photography to document their lives and speak out. Ms Stokes said the book and film present different community and services perspectives on stopping violence.

“They show how community action to end violence against women and girls can be taken when men and women stand together. They also illustrate the need for community actions to reduce violence against women and girls to be  supported by    effective action by the police and courts, as well as by the delivery of education and health services,” Ms Stokes said at the launch on Wednesday 18 February.

Ms Deborah Stokes, Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, and First Lady Ms Lynda Babao-O’Neill

 

Ms Babao-O’Neill said the film and book demonstrate the confidence and self-worth of empowered women.

“I am delighted to see the level of confidence and the courageous step these women have taken to share their stories and of the communities that are supporting and embracing this change. In Papua New Guinea, and indeed in many countries in the world, it is often difficult for a woman to talk about personal struggles and challenges. It is my hope that women across our country will gain strength and courage from the Powerful Voices in this book and the film. I thank the Australian Government, FHI360 and all those who have made this possible,” Ms Babao-O’Neill said.

The book and film are part of the Komuniti Lukautim Ol Meri initiative, involving 200,000 people in Sandaun and Western Highlands, which works to prevent and respond to violence through mobilizing communities, education, improving access to services and empowering women and girls. Australia has provided AU$2.8 million to this program through the Strongim Pipol Strongim Nesen program. 

Ms Stokes announced Australia would provide a further AU$2.5 million over three years for FHI360 to continue this work.

“Gender equality and women’s empowerment is a key priority in Australia’s engagement with Papua New Guinea. We recognise that one of the best ways to achieve stronger communities, societies and economies is to empower women and girls,” Ms Stokes said.

Australia will spend up to AU$55 million in PNG, through the Pacific Women Program, to enhance women’s voice in decision making and leadership; increase their economic opportunities; reduce family and sexual violence, and increase access to support services to women and girls and families can be strengthened.

Story and pictures courtesy of Australian Aid

(L-R) Ms Lynda Babao-O’Neil being welcomed by a women involved in the program

(L_R)  Ms Lynda Babao-O’Neill, two women from the program and Ms Deborah Stokes, Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, 

People Around the Nation to Benefit from National Identity Project - Launched by the Prime Minister in Mendi

Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill,   in officially launching the Papua New Guinea National Identity (PNGNID) project,  said it will be of great assistance in planning and delivering Government services.

The program was launched when PM O’Neill opened the Southern Highlands Provincial Registry Office in Mendi yesterday, and then the Prime Minister’s details were entered into the PNGNID system.

In launching the PNGNID project, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of the program across the country from the largest cities to the most remote villages.

“The PNG National Identity Project will make it possible for the government to know where people are living and where they greater government services are needed.

“Government requires this information if we are to get better services to the people.

“If a village is growing we will need more roads, more police and more teachers for that area.

“This program will make it easier for us to plan government services because we will know when villages and towns are growing.”

PM O’Neill gave the example of the government’s plan to introduce a pension for people living with disabilities and elderly people over 65 years of age.

“We have to know how many older people are living in an area and we need to know where people with disabilities are living so that we can deliver pensions.”

The Prime Minister said further benefits to come from the program including the use of an identification card that will be used when opening a bank account, accessing free education and health services and being able to vote.

“You must go and register to be able to vote and candidates must encourage people to go and register.

“People can get ID’s and the country can have a good election process.”

PM O’Neill further extended his appreciation to churches and other stakeholders for endorsing the program as it is rolled out around the nation.

The registry office in Mendi is the first to be opened in a province with many more coming online in the months ahead as part of the National Identification Program.  This will bring the services of the civil registry office to the provincial level.