Port Moresby: Five West Papuan Small medium Enterprises (SMEs) from the different camps around Port Moresby were proud recipients of resources that will aid them in their business operations from the Migrants and Refugees Desk of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands.
Held on Wednesday September 18, 2024 with the theme: Creating Sustainable Economic programs for West Papuans in Port Moresby, the program was attended by the representatives of the West Papuan Communities within Port Moresby, the SME owners, staff of CBC and media personnel.
The purpose of the program was for the signing of the Deed of Agreement and presentation of resources to west Papuan SMEs under the International Catholic Migration Commission funded project titled: Recognizing the Dignity of Refugees and the Displaced in PNG.
Following the opening prayer led by Ms Stephanie Gerep, the opening remarks were given by Migrants and Refugees Desk Coordinator Mr Jason Siwat.
Siwat gave a background on the work done by the Catholic Church to support and empower migrants and refugees, especially the local church here in Papua New Guinea.
“Despite the challenges, it is the moral duty of the church and our commitment and responsibility to ensure that every person is seen with dignity. Today marks a historic occasion for the Migrants and Refugees Desk and all of you present here to witness this SME presentation are part of this history. This is the first time we (Migrants and Refugees Desk) have assisted our West Papuan SMEs with resources”.
Siwat also reminded the recipients of the resources to not take the items as gifts but as tools to use for the betterment of their livelihood.
“These resources are like seeds that we are giving you to nurture and grow. Use them wisely so that your businesses can flourish and thrive”.
He also encouraged the community leaders and members of each camp to work alongside the SME owners. With which, he also reminded them that the businesses will go a long way to help them become self-reliant.
Siwat concluded by sharing sentiments of joy that despite many challenges faced along the way, all five SMEs are now registered under Investment Promotional Authority and are recognized by the Internal Revenue Commission once they reach a certain threshold.
Sharing the same joyful sentiments as Mr Siwat was Migrants and Refugees officer Mr Ephraim Bavi who said the SME presentation was the result of hardwork, persistence and the willingness to learn by all parties.
The signing of the Deed of Agreement took place after the welcome remarks and had each of the SME owners co-signing the deed with a witness from the respective West Papuan communities.
CBC General Secretary Reverend Fr. Giorgio Licini PIME led the prayer for the blessing of items and congratulated the recipients before the presentation.
Each of the five businesses received funding of around K7600 each and had to go through various trainings sponsored by the Migrants and Refugees Desk and they are:
Fokos Computer Services - 9 mile
Makomo Firewood Services - Waigani
Cyclop Farming - Gereka
WestPa Laundromat Services - Rainbow
Sisters Catering - Hohola
West Papuan SME Representative from Cyclop Farming Mr Philip Yembe thanked the International Catholic Migration Commission through the CBC PNGSI Migrants and Refugees Desk for the initiative taken to support the West Papuan communities within Port Moresby saying that the resources they receive will go a long way in helping them make a living.
“We are blessed to be receiving these resources that will help us and we are grateful to the Catholic Church for always assisting us in their initiatives”
Mr Yembe concluded by urging fellow recipients of the resources to look after them and use them wisely.
“When we look after something, it lasts, therefore that is the same principle that we should apply to the resources we receive today and we should use them for their intended purpose”.
The program ended with a group picture of the recipients to mark the significant occasion.
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