Buka

Digital OB Improves Policing

This advanced digitized data system, developed in 2022, is being supported by the Australian Government in collaboration with the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary.

Paul Lehmann, the Minister Counsellor from the Australian High Commission in Papua New Guinea, visited the Buka Police Station to observe the implementation and rollout of the new OB.

Cyber training successful in Buka

The Cyber Sawe PNG initiative is part of the CPL Foundation's key objective to enhance education and empowerment for women and girls in Papua New Guinea.

The initiative aims to expand the knowledge of children, particularly young girls, on computer technology and safety practices while using mobile phones and computers on the internet.

The two-day workshop, held from February 18th to 19th, was attended by over 30 young people who learned various topics such as Cybergames, Physical Security, Digital Traces, Cyber Safety, and Coding.

Mothers welcome new Hahela market

This was in partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) and the New Zealand Government.

The construction of new market project has been a priority for the governments to support women who earn income from selling fresh garden food.

The project welcomed youths and the community to participate in and freely showcase their creativity and talent.

ABG hosts dedication service

The dedication service began with a ‘unity walk’ from the ABG Polytech Centre to the United Church, led by ABG Minister for Public Service, Joseph Mona, Member for Atolls, Pais Taehu and Acting Chief Secretary, Shadrach Himata.

Speaking at the dedication service, ABG Acting Chief Secretary Himata reflected on the theme of the service ‘God is interested in you and you are worthy to serve Him’, calling on public servants to renew their commitment to serving God by serving the people of Bougainville.

Huge leatherback turtle saved in Bougainville

A local school teacher, Anne Lydia Dandava, helped raise the alarm and a group from her village along the Lavelai Coast set off to rescue the turtle and push it out to sea.

“We beat the poachers. I think there were not too many of them. So they had gone back for reinforcements. And in the interim we rescue … we set the turtle free,” she said.

It's a rare success story in Papua New Guinea, where turtles and their eggs are considered a delicacy and often hunted as food.

For the critically endangered leatherback, the stakes have never been higher.

PNG Air’s first Buka flight since SOE

PNG Air flight CG1744 made a grand entrance into Buka at 1100hrs; all passengers obtained clearance by AROB SoE Controller prior to travelling.

“Passengers who choose to travel to Buka must contact the AROB SoE Controller directly by emailing arobcovid19occ@gmail.com and present written approval at time of purchasing a ticket,” said PNG Air.

“Upon arrival, all passengers will undertake mandatory 14-day quarantine.

National reconciliation set for November

The reconciliation, which was approved at the March Joint Supervisory Body meeting, is targeted at former combatants and members of the PNG security forces including defence, police and correctional services.

Acting Chief Secretary to the Autonomous Bougainville Government, Col. Thomas Raivet (Rtd), said this reconciliation is critical and must happen before the referendum to ensure Bougainvilleans are free to vote in November.

Bougainville geared for biggest Choc Fest

President Chief Dr John Momis will officially launch the two day Festival of activities and competitions at Hutjena Oval in Provincial capital Buka this Friday. 

This year’s festival activities include competitions for farmers, such as the Big Bean Competition and Big Pod Competition.

The highlight Chocolate competition has generated record levels of interest with farmers submitting their cocoa beans from as far as remote Nissan Island and Torokina in South Bougainville.

Asian shops looted in protest

According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred around midday.

Reports from the ground state the issue stemmed from disgruntled locals from the Wakunai area of Central Bougainville, who were protesting the sale of merchandise with the iconic Upe, which originates from the area.

The Upe is worn by young men as they are initiated into adulthood, and is a respected and taboo symbol in the area.

Women are not allowed to wear the symbol.

K5m jetty for Buka

The project is an initiative of the National Fisheries Authority.

NFA’s provincial support coordinator, Bolton Towok, gave an overview to Loop PNG during a recent field trip.

“This is the Buka Jetty and shore base facility. It will cater for fishermen to land and market their fish,” Towok explained.

“It will contain a fish market, cold storage facility, processing and office space on the top for the Autonomous Region fisheries.