In a media release, signed by NCSL Board Chairman Ian Tarutia, ncsl is undertaking a detailed and systematic process of checking and reviewing its I.T systems. The exercise, which commenced last week after the threat was identified on March 1st, prevented members from accessing funds and conducting any online business, especially in their Poro accounts. Members raised questions and heavily criticised the Society for taking too long to 'fix' the problem. The Society is now reassuring members that their funds and data are safe and secure, dismissing rumours that stated otherwise.

https://www.looppng.com/png-news/ncsl-confirm-threat-it-systems-118275

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Key points: The government's visa lottery would offer work rights to up to 3,000 people from the Pacific The Coalition says it backs the principle but not the lottery element Without the Coalition's support, Labor will need the Greens and two Senate crossbenchers Last month, the  government announced plans to establish a new visa class for up to 3,000 people from the Pacific region , giving them a pathway to citizenship and access to benefits such as social security payments. Likened to the US green card lottery and a similar scheme operating in New Zealand, the visa application process would involve a ballot for successful applicants.

https://www.looppng.com/global-news/coalition-oppose-pacific-visa-lottery-bring-more-workers-australia-118213

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The move to have an independent office from the former Community Development is a clear indication of the government's support to the implementation of the Lukautim Pikinini Act. CEO/Director for National Office of Child and Family Services, Simon Yanis told media during the Partnership Agreement signing with Save the Children PNG that this move is in the right direction to bring hope to children especially those street children and the marginalized. 'The government's move to segregate the Child & Family Services from the old system of Community Development is a strategic move that gives more prominence to the Children's welfare as an important issue,' said Mr Yanis.

https://www.looppng.com/png-news/creating-nocfs-strategic-118226

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Following his high-energy performance in Kerala, India last November, Anslom is set to take his music to more locations worldwide, and his hit song "Love Me Again" was frequently requested on Galaxy 107 FM in New Zealand, leading to his award. Anslom's music has been gaining popularity in New Zealand, Europe, and the United States of America, and he has received nominations in various categories from the International Singer-Songwriters Association (ISSA) in the USA. To support his music career, Anslom is organizing the Anslom Showcase as a major fundraiser.

https://www.looppng.com/entertainment/anslom-continues-world-tour-118248

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In line with the Kokopo City League calendar 2023, the tournament will run over three weekends from the 11 th to the 25 th March and will feature both men and women's teams from Kokopo, Rabaul, Gazelle and Pomio districts. The Agmark Kokopo City League 9s challenge is an initiative of the newly elected City League Executive under President Nicole Kamara. The 9s tournament would be used as a launch pad, to bring some life back to the local league, after being domain for the past two years, due to the pandemic.

https://www.looppng.com/sport/kokopo-9s-set-weekend-118246

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Lynn, who is about to lead his 101st expedition across the Kokoda Trail, said: 'The decline in management started after Australian Government officials shifted responsibility for the management of the Kokoda Trail from PNG Tourism to the PNG Conservation Environment Protection Authority (CEPA). 'Since then, the Trail has been managed as a socio-environment resource rather than as a tourism enterprise,' said the Kokoda tour operator. 'When it was managed by PNG Tourism, trekker numbers increased dramatically by 1,440 percent from 365 per year in 2002 to 5,621 in 2008.

https://www.looppng.com/png-news/call-inquiry-kokoda-trail-management-118176

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Established in 2016, PNGFDW is the largest and most successful platform for industry development in the country, driving greater visibility and recognition of PNG's fashion design sector in-country and abroad. "Aligned to the platform's vision of growing a sustainable fashion design industry in PNG, every year since 2016, we incorporate key messaging into our annual program delivery. Looking around today, we are proud of the positive, measurable change this platform has had on real industry development and growth," said Chairlady/Founder Janet Sios.

https://www.looppng.com/png-news/fashion-peace-118164

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For their part, the Tigers haven't tasted finals since 2011, while the Titans have been there just once in the past six seasons so both clubs are aware something needs to change. The acquisition of Api Koroisau, David Klemmer, John Bateman and Isaiah Papali'i, coupled with the ongoing development of Fonua Pole and Stefano Utoikamanu gives the Tigers pack a more potent look, but they'll need halves Adam Doueihi and Luke Brooks to come to the party if they are to trouble the top sides. Only the Warriors conceded more points than the Tigers in 2022 so it's imperative they muscle up and defend their line and they can make an early statement by silencing a Titans attack led by AJ Brimson and Kieran Foran.

https://www.looppng.com/rugby/wests-tigers-v-titans-brooks-api-stimson-set-start-118161

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CBBs are spreading rapidly across coffee growing provinces, destroying coffee cherries and threatening the coffee industry. These 1.5mm black insects bore into the coffee cherry and destroy the valuable coffee bean inside. As a result, exporters are reporting lower quality and quantity of crops. CBB infestation rates in the Jiwaka, Western Highlands and Eastern Highlands Provinces are very high, causing a drastic drop in incomes for smallholder coffee farmers. To combat the economic losses, exporter Monpi Coffee has teamed up with Australia's Market Development Facility (MDF) to train farmers in techniques to control the spread of the tiny pest.

https://www.looppng.com/png-news/combating-coffee-berry-borer-118355

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Acting Governor General and Speaker of Parliament, Job Pomat, will deliver His Royal Highness King Charles III's first Commonwealth Day Message. Formerly known as Empire Day, this annual celebration of the Commonwealth of Nations, since 1977 is often held on the second Monday in March to honour England, the unity between nations of the Commonwealth, and its ideals of freedom, tolerance and justice. Papua New Guinea will join 55 other nations in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Americas, the Pacific and Europe to celebrate this Commonwealth Year of Youth with the theme '‘Forging a Sustainable and Peaceful Common Future'.

https://www.looppng.com/png-news/commonwealth-nations-celebrate-year-youth-118345

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Data from across the country shows that women and girls still face enormous challenges, including the high risk that they will be a victim of sexual or physical violence in their lifetimes, that they may die while trying to give birth and often cannot access necessary health services, and that they still have difficult accessing a proper education or finding a job that pays enough. This International Women's Day, Governor Parkop, Chair of the new Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment (GEWE) reflected on the state of women's rights in PNG and said: 'I want to use my role as Chair to proactively oversee government officials and to push for more action by every single Government Department to improve the lives of our women and girls.

https://www.looppng.com/png-news/parkop-improve-lives-women-118342

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The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Unitech and awarding of scholarships takes place this week. It will be an ongoing scholarship program that Pacific Oil Management will be running with the university's Mechanical Engineering Department. This scholarship program is dedicated to Professor John Pumwa, the country's first Ph.D holder in Mechanical Engineering. The four scholarship awardees will be given work placement with Pacific Oil Management Limited, with opportunity to obt

https://www.looppng.com/png-news/pacoil-launches-engineering-scholarship-118344

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When Christopher was not selected for the high school of his choice, he came to Port Moresby to look for a paid job. He took up a short computer accounting course while working his first job as a security guard, but his passion for the creative arts eventually led him to apply for Theatre Arts courses at the University of Papua New Guinea. 'Studying Theatre Arts opened up a whole new world for me,' says Christopher. 'It helped me discover my passion for social work and community development, which is what I have been doing ever since.

https://www.looppng.com/everyday-people/security-guard-programs-director-118571

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The Minister's First Secretary Mr Uve Rova, when officially launching the meeting on Tuesday March 21, on behalf of the Minister, said the Minister was happy to endorse the MoA, provided that what is in the document had been agreed to by all parties, that the agreement is legally sound and that all parties are satisfied. The MoA Review Chairman Andrew Gunua, urged all parties to cooperate, adding that the MoA must be concluded in this round of review, as the State Team members have to attend to issues affecting similar projects around the country.

https://www.looppng.com/png-news/ok-tedi-moa-under-review-118731

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He emphasized the importance of strategic asset allocation and investment strategies in his presentation at the 4th Pacific Island Investment Forum held at the APEC Haus from March 27-31 st , 2023. Kumul Consolidated Holdings has worked to improve corporate governance practices and address past challenges while supporting the government by ensuring dividends are paid and providing critical services to the public. They also aim to privatize some State Owned Enterprises to promote economic growth and Dr.

https://www.looppng.com/png-news/kavanamur-corporate-governance-vital-118946

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Minister for International Trade and Investment Richard Maru announced the appointment on Friday 31 March. Popoitai's appointment was made pursuant to Section 12 (1) of the Capital Market Act 2015. 'It gives me great honor and privilege to announce the appointment of Mr Popoitai as a state nominated Director to the Board of PNGX,' said Minister Maru. Popoitai will take with him his wealth of experience to the domestic capital market. A distinguished person within the PNG's financial sector, especially with the Bank of PNG as Deputy Governor, Acting Governor and currently the Director of Financial Analysis and Supervision Unit (FASU) within BPNG.

https://www.looppng.com/business/popoitai-announced-director-pngx-118954

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Chairman for Infrastructure and Works, Andrew Minkiong said, 'We have been waiting on the national government for over 25 years, which the provincial government has gone ahead to build roads and bridges along the Lanzarote Highway. 'The National Government must now honor its commitment under the MOA signed in 2007 and pay back the Provincial Government,' said Minkiong. The Lanzarote Highway begins at Namatanai town all the way down to Metlik at the southern tip of the island of New Ireland. Minkiong also expressed disappointment at the Namatanai DDA for engaging a contractor who has failed to fix the Puman Bridge in the Namatanai LLG.

https://www.looppng.com/png-news/gov%E2%80%99t-told-honor-commitment-118953

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The Dragons are coming off a big win over the Dolphins and will be looking to get another victory against the Titans after coming from behind to get a first-up victory 32-18 in Round 1.  The Titans, coming off a bye, will be fresh to welcome the Red V to the Gold Coast but are also facing some injury concerns in their spine.  Both sides have met on 28 occasions with the Dragons winning the past two clashes in high-scoring fixtures. A Sunday afternoon scheduling on a sunny Gold Coast only looks set to add to a potential point-scoring try-fest.

https://www.looppng.com/rugby/titans-v-dragons-campbell-sexton-step-same-17-griffin-119111

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From a mixed parentage of East Sepik and West New Britain, the soft-spoken young man was pleasantly surprised when his grandmother, with tears streaming down her cheeks, pushed through the crowd and pulled him towards her in a tight embrace. 'I did not expect my grandmother to show up,' Wartupua said as she held onto his arm and laughed through her tears. 'She was sick. I was taken aback when she came out of nowhere and hugged me. I didn't think she was coming but I am happy that she did. 'Some of my family members also showed up at the last minute and I am truly grateful.

https://www.looppng.com/png-news/proud-grandmother-119148

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ENB's prominent leader and PNG's fourth Prime Minister passed away on 31 st March 2023. 'A great statesman and leader, Sir Rabbie served our people of Kokopo District, the people of East New Britain and our country, with passion and integrity, that will be dearly missed,' said Marum. 'Sir Rabbie is a national treasure and his death is a massive loss of wealth and knowledge not just to the people of Kokopo, East New Britain, but Papua New Guinea as a whole. 'Our people share the sorrow of a province and nation, but we celebrate the contributions and role model that Sir Rabbie was to myself and many who have come after him to serve.

https://www.looppng.com/png-news/marum-pays-tribute-late-sir-rabbie-119130-1

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The Dragons appeared to have had the game won when Ben Hunt crossed to break a 14-14 deadlock with seven minutes remaining before the Titans had three sets on the visitors' try-line for Sexton to bust through on the left edge.  Gold Coast held on from another final raid by the Dragons until Hunt, who was again everywhere for the Red V on Sunday, spilt the ball on the siren to hand the Titans their third win of the season.  It was a gritty win from Justin Holbrook's side, who kept their composure and played an up-tempo style in attack that always troubled the Dragons throughout the contest.

https://www.looppng.com/rugby/late-sexton-try-gets-titans-home-afternoon-thriller-119127

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In Port Moresby, the main church was again able to reach more than 500 needy adults and children, giving out food packages, clothes packs and snacks for children. Universal Church in PNG holds a bi-monthly Uni-social event where homeless and needy people on the streets go in for a feed and to receive a food pack at the church. This time on Easter Saturday 8 th April, it was a collaborative event held all across the world in 142 countries including PNG. At the main church in Gordons there were 537 adults on record that received packs of food and clothes, and 160 children were fed, whilst at the 8-Mile church 120 people turned up, making the total in Port Moresby to 817.

https://www.looppng.com/community/universal-church-easter-gifts-119136

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Prime Minister James Marape says his Government will do its 'utmost best' for the people of Papua New Guinea. He said this on Sunday, August 14, 2022 as he went through the process of selecting ministers and laying the groundwork for the next five years.   'On August 30, 2022, when Parliament resumes, the Governor-General will be addressing MPs,' PM Marape said. 'Our full Cabinet will be in place by then and I will make a response to the Governor-General and the country as to what exactly we will be doing and some Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that will hold the Government accountable,' the PM said.

https://www.looppng.com/png-news/marape-commits-serve-png-11552567

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Fifty-one (51) participants comprising of Senior Standard Inspector Basic Education, Standard Inspector Basic Education, Education Officers, Provincial Training Coordinators (PTCs), and primary school head teachers, attended The Trainer of Trainers workshop. These participants will then go back and implement trainings in 37 clusters in 17 districts of six provinces under the BEST PNG project. The workshop focused on Component 1, which is, Primary in PNG program. BEST PNG is a three-year program led by the Department of Education and supported by the Global Partnership of Education (GPE) with the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) as the Coordinating Agency and the Save the Children as the Grant Agent.

https://www.looppng.com/png-news/teachers-attend-science-training-115612

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The donation was presented by Audit Partner, Robert Maguma supported by a few colleagues from the firm on Tuesday 16 August. Operations Manager, Tom Sarwon said the cash donation will be committed to the hosting of the Patron's Major Fundraising later this year. Maguma praised the good work of the Cheshire DS, which is evident in the peacefulness and the well being of the residents saying that KPMG staff are the ones who eagerly contribute to this worthy cause. 'We see value in the work that Cheshire does in our community, the work that Cheshire does in offering dignity to individuals that would otherwise would not be given that opportunity to lead a good life is something that we're passionate abou,' he said.

https://www.looppng.com/community/kpmg-donates-cheshire-services-115610

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The U.S. Coast Guard arrived in Lorengau last Sunday, 14th August from Guam. They are in Manus participating with partners to support the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency-led Operation Island Chief and the larger Operation Blue Pacific through patrols in the Western Pacific in August and September 2022. Capt. Nick Simmons, U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam commander said, "Employing our unique authorities, capabilities, and access within Oceania is a privilege. We are eager to further integrate with our Allies and regional partners to protect national interests and combat illicit maritime activity such as illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.

https://www.looppng.com/png-news/us-coast-guard-henry-oliver-manus-115609

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The PNG Olympic Committee in partnership with the Kokoda Track Foundation (KTF), Grassroots Soccer (GRS) supports the program. The Australian Government further backs the K4K Program through their Development Program ‘Team Up'. The program is aimed at introducing an evidence-based sport for development (S4D) program that will empower adolescents to make better decisions about their health-seeking behaviours, the facilitation of youth-friendly service provision, while promoting inclusive and gender equality through sport in the communities.

https://www.looppng.com/sport/para-athlete-engaged-sport-program-115607

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The news prompted warnings from security experts for Apple users to update their devices. Here's what you need to know.  What has Apple said? Not much.  The company released a surprise round of updates on Wednesday and Thursday, not long before the next big software release — iOS 16, which was expected some time next month. Forbes tech writer David Phelan said the "wholly unexpected" timing of the update suggested it was solely about addressing "urgent" security changes.  But the limited details we know about the issues come from the update description page on Apple's support website, rather than a warning from the company.

https://www.looppng.com/tech/apple-security-flaw-could-allow-hackers-control-peoples-iphones-experts-says-users-should

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National President, Lowa Tambua said unlike 2017 where many police officers lost their lives under varying circumstances, the police force has done a marvelous job. He said although there are many issues raised by citizens and other stakeholders in the manner the election was conducted, it has nothing to down to the work of the police and other security personal. These issued raised under ambit of the Electoral Commission and the Government which they only can address. The police association is only concerned about the safety and welfare of the police officers.

https://www.looppng.com/png-news/police-association-commends-members-115731

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The Barras, who qualified for last year's T20 World Cup in the UAE, are currently taking part in this month's Top End T20 tournament where veteran batter Tony Ura last night whacked a 27-ball 50. Former Perth Scorchers seamer and Lewas head coach, Kath Hempenstall, said there was certainly some untapped cricketing talent within PNG. "However, as a developing cricket nation, providing regular opportunities for our players to compete at an international level can be a challenge," she said. "The partnership … will allow our players to participate in the same competitions and high-performance programs that their Australian cricketing idols have come through.

https://www.looppng.com/sport/new-partnership-aims-uncover-talent-png-vanuatu-115728

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