Post Courier, Wednesday August 30, 2023

Ethnic battlefield

NCD top cop says tribal clashes endless

THE city of Port Moresby is heavily polluted by “primitives and animals” who utilise their native culture to address issues when there is a way or the law is there to deal with such issues, says a senior police officer.

Metropolitan Commander Silva Sika did not mince his words, after Post-Courier was notified of several clashes around the city between different ethnic groups.

- CONTINUE ON PAGE 3

STATISTICS IN ONE WEEKEND

9 Mile: Three shot after a clash amongst the people of Hela.

6 Mile: Chimbus and Eastern Highlanders clashed over betelnut

Laloki: A brawl erupted between Goilala and Enga.

Gerehu: Enga and Western Highlanders clashed, allegedly over the killings of a father and child in Enga.

Kennedy Estate: Unknown casualties but police managed to stop a fight between two groups (yet to be confirmed which group).

Waigani: A woman was stabbed which sparked a fight between her people and her husband’s people all from Hela.

ROGUE SOLDIERS DETAINED PAGE 4

Gold syndicate investigations continue

BY MARJORIE FINKEO

POLICE remain quiet on investigations into the gold removal syndicate in the country that was done at the Newcrest Mining Limited site in Lihir, New Ireland province. New Guinea Island divisional commander Assistant Commissioner of Police Perou N’Dranou said it was an ongoing investigation, and nothing could be said until arrests were made.

- CONTINUE ON PAGE 4

PANGUNA FORGOTTEN

LAE: SEE REPORTS PAGE 7, 8, 27

PRODUCTION COST HIGH

Zenag raises concerns on increasing production cost of chicken

BUSINESS: PAGE 25

METROPOLITAN Commander Silva Sika

REGIONAL FORECAST

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2023

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2023

SOUTHERN

WEDNESDAY: Isolated showers.

THURSDAY: Isolated showers.

FRIDAY: Isolated showers.

Renewal of strong winds warning for coastal waters of Southern PNG/Indonesian border to Daru to Kiwai Islands to Kerema to Port Moresby to Hood Point to Samarai islands.

MAMOSE

WEDNESDAY: Isolated showers and thunderstorms.

THURSDAY: Isolated showers and thunderstorms.

FRIDAY: Isolated showers and thunderstorms.

Strong wind warning for coastal waters of Finschhafen thru Vitiaz Strait to Siassi and Long Island. Final gale wind warning expected for Vitiaz/ Dampier straits including southwestern sector of Bismarck.

Very strong southeast winds of 34/48 knots are expected continue for the next 24 hours causing very rough seas.

NEW GUINEA ISLANDS

WEDNESDAY: Scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms with areas of rain over New Britain Island.

THURSDAY: Scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms with windy conditions.

FRIDAY: Scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms with windy conditions.

Strong wind warning for coastal waters. Gale wind warning expected for western tip of West New Britain including southwestern sector of Bismarck.

All small crafts and boats are advised to take necessary precautions before going out to sea especially in the warning areas.

HIGHLANDS

WEDNESDAY: Isolated showers, then scattered morning fog.

THURSDAY: Isolated showers and thunderstorms, then scattered morning fog.

FRIDAY: Isolated showers and thunderstorms, then scattered morning fog.

INSIDE TODAY

GOROKA SHOW GETS K100,000

THE Eastern Highlands provincial government has contributed K100,000 towards the 67th Goroka show this year. Governor Simon Sia yesterday (Tuesday) presented the contribution to the Goroka Show Committee chairlady Keryn Hargreaves in Goroka.

READ STORY ON PAGE 16

MRDC SIGNS DEAL WITH UNITECH

MINERAL Resources Development Company has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with PNG University of Technology’s Communication and Development department, particularly the communication for development studies.

How to contact us

EDITORIAL

EDITOR

Matthew Vari

Ph: 309 1032

Email:mvari@spp.com.pg

CHIEF OF STAFF

Miriam Zarriga

Ph: 309 1059

Email: mzarriga@spp.com.pg

BUSINESS EDITOR

Dale Luma

Ph: 309 1173

Email: dluma@spp.com.pg

SPORTS EDITOR

Simon Keslep

Ph: 309 1068

Email: skeslep@spp.com.pg

BUREAUS

LAE: Franco Nebas

Ph/fax: 472 4166.

Email: fnebas@spp.com.pg

KOKOPO: Jean Nuia Morea

Ph: 982 9186. Fax: 982 9147.

Email: nuia75@gmail.com

MT HAGEN: Mal Taime

Ph: 542 2602 fax: 542 3039

Email: mal.taimeh@gmail.com

Mobile: 76725260/72854454

GOROKA: Nelson Joe

Ph: 76996961

Email: njoe224@gmail.com

CIRCULATION MANAGER

Betty Bona

Ph: 309 1102 Fax: 321 3284

Email: bonab@spp.com.pg

ADVERTISING & MARKETING DIRECTOR

Ryan Morgan Ph: 309 1044

Email: rmorgan@spp.com.pg

EDITORIAL ADVERTISING COORDINATOR

Allan Sariman

Ph 309 1012

Email: asariman@spp.com.pg

City Mission assists Buimo

juveniles who are committed to being a full-time members of the mission.

BY NATASHA WATAH nwata@spp.com.pg

CITY Mission plays an important role in reforming young men to become good citizens, leaders and future fathers.

The Lae City Mission received its first discharged juvenile from the Buimo correctional institution following completion of his time in prison.

Martin Leslie decided to go to City Mission a month ago after he was told about what the organisation is doing in helping

The Banis Discharge Prisoners Reintegration Services was the channel to connect juveniles from Buimo to City Mission and it was through this arrangement that Leslie became a part of the mission.

Officer in-charge of Lae City Mission Henry Paul said they are very happy to partner and help Buimo juveniles with direct entry with recommendations from Buimo Rehabilitation and Banis discharge prisoners under BDP Reintegration Services.

Banis Discharge Prisoners Reintegration Services consultant Mason Mai said he is concerned that many young people who were being sent back into the community, often, ended up back in prison.

“Seeing the kids in prison makes my heart break. I really want them to further their education and learn life skills so that they’ll be given an opportunity to graduate in school after completing each step and given a chance to be employed.

“I am at peace seeing Martin being given that second chance in City Mission,” Mr Mai said.

He added that he is so grateful for City Mission as it is focused on God and all juveniles who go through the programs there are encouraged to fully commit their lives to God first.

He said knowing the fact that City Mission has opened its door for Martin, this will be the same for others discharged juveniles.

Flooded Situm River bursts banks, threat to bridges

NAWAEB MP Theo Pelgen visited two vital bridges that connect the people of the district to Lae city last Friday following heavy flooding in the Situm River.

The river burst its banks due to the heavy rainfall experienced in Lae city and throughout Morobe Province.

MP Pelgen with a Nawaeb district technical team (Engineering Team from Allied Group Limited) inspected the Poahom and Bualu bridges.

The two bridges will be upgraded with steel reinforcements and other technical equipment to ensure they are up to standard and quality for usage.

Project engineer Hamuel Gena explained that the two bridges will undergo major repair works with recommendations done from site reports.

“The Pohaom bridge is a Bailey Compact-200 bridge where it is said to be technically stable in terms of its superstructure, however, gabion baskets will be built on both approaches of the bridge in order to act as reinforcements to the abutments so that this will help the bridge withstand the impact of high tides and flood levels. By doing so, structural damages will be prevented where the bridge will be structurally stable in order to make it accessible for use at all times,” Mr Gena said.

He said timber logs have been used as decks for the Bualu bridge for a long time therefore; the Allied Group Limited will remove the logs and replace with steel decks. Steels rails will also be installed in order to prevent accidents.

“Gabion baskets will be built on each side of the bridge at the up-stream and

also at each approach of the bridge in order to strengthen the abutments from being washed out or damaged during high tides, “he said.

Mr Gena said other structural parts or components of both bridges which are damaged will be replaced with new ones. Both the bridges will finally be painted in order to give a new look to the road users.

At Situm River, MP Pelgen upon seeing the extent of the floods told the locals that construction of the new 300 meter bridge will commence early next month.

He hopes that after completion, the bridg-

es provide the safest avenue for travelling public and vehicles into Labuta LLG.

“The river will be diverted to its original path, so the diversions will relief the nearby villages and houses that have already been destroyed with the river running into the area when flooding happens.

“The act of river flowing when flooding is a natural disaster and therefore it is unfortunate for the people to lose their homes and gardens,” Mr Pelgen said.

MP Pelgen reassured that once the diversion of river flow commences in September, it would be a relief for the locals.

Pokanis: Prison escapes occur due to human error

INCREASE in jail breakouts in caused by human error, a senior prison officer said.

Correctional Service Commissioner Stephen Pokanis said the common trend shown from all the internal investigations from the jail breakouts in the country are a result of warders lacking concentration on their work while on duty.

“The low level of concentration by our

officers on duty especially the supervisors not monitoring their guards on duty and the guards doing their own thing not monitoring each other have caused breakouts to occur that is where the issue is.

“Almost all the investigations have shown that there is lack of performance and most of the breakouts happened during lunch break where one to two officers

out to take a break,” Mr Pokanis said. He said one of the solutions to the ongoing escapes is trained warders on refresher courses at the training college.

“We need to train our officers and find solutions to address escapes occurring in the jails.

“But funding is one of the biggest challenges faced.”

MP Theo Pelgen (right) pointing at the flooded Situm River while residents look on during an inspection of the river. PICTURE SUPPLIED

Magistrate to decide on disqualifying himself today

BY PRUDENCE AUVITA IPAPE pauvita@spp.com.pg

A COMMITTAL Court Magistrate will make a decision today whether to disqualify himself as the presiding magistrate taking carriage of a perjury case against former Prime Minister and Member for Ialibu Pangia

Peter O Neill

Magistrate Albert Daniels will hand down a ruling on whether he will recuse himself in presiding over a matter involving O’ Neill on the allegations of perjury .

Mr O’ Neill was accused of giving false information under oath.

Magistrate Daniels had informed the parties in the last hearing that in 2012, when he was still a lawyer with a Law firm, that Law firm was engaged by O’Neill when he was Prime Minister and he was to work on a constitutional matter.

Based on his suggestions in court to disqualify himself, the prosecutions filed a Notice of Motion to have him recues himself because of his prior involvement with O’ Neill.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Christian Iga submitted that

the matter mentioned was reported widely in the media thus his Worship Mr Daniels should not continue and recuse himself because there may be a perception of bias especially the public in their discussions which can greatly taint the image of our justice system.

O’Neills lawyer Philip Tabuchi objected to the motion arguing that Daniels was part of a legal team in 2012 who addressed some constitutional issues when O’Neill was then the Prime Minister, but this is a different case altogether, although he (Daniels) was involved it does not necessarily mean there will be biasness in

THE DRUM

this case. He submitted that Judicial Officers should resist being driven from their courts and be slow in readily acceding to applications or intimations to disqualify just because the media has reported on the proceedings before the court that is with respect not the law. He urged the court to refuse the application by the prosecution to recues himself from presiding over the matter.

O’ Neill was charged with three counts of giving false information at the commission of inquiry of the US1.2 billion loan which was acquired in 2014 when he was the Prime Minister.

Airport a milestone in Hela’s progress

DEPICTING the Hela Wigman, the Tari Airport is seen by its people as a symbol of a catalyst to economic growth and also a gateway to both domestic and investments.

Hela Governor Philip Undialu said; “Our aim is to create an environment where people are not only connected to the world but also inspired by the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty that our region has to offer.”

Governor Undialu described completion and opening of new terminal building for Tari airport is a ‘significant milestone in our province's development and progress’.

“This new terminal stands as a testament to our collective vision, determination, and commitment to enhancing connectivity and fostering economic growth,” he said.

“This state-of-the-art terminal embodies our commitment to providing a seamless travel experience. Equipped with modern amenities, advanced security systems, and efficient passenger facilities, it will ensure that every visitor who passes through its doors feels welcomed and comfortable. Our aim is to create an environment where people are not only connected to the world but also inspired by the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty that our region has to offer.”

Hela Provincial Government

has allocated over K20 million for land acquisition, sealing of airport perimeter road, and looking forward to spend more to extend runway to allow bigger planes to land the governor said.

“In conclusion, today marks an exciting new chapter in our journey towards a brighter future.

“The Tari Airport terminal represents our unwavering commitment to progress, prosperity, and the well-being of our community.

“Let us celebrate this milestone with a sense of pride and anticipation for the opportunities that lie ahead,” Mr Undialu said

“Thank you, once again, to all those who have made this

dream a reality. May this terminal serve as a beacon of hope, unity, and economic vitality for generations to come. Together, let us embark on this new adventure and soar to new heights.”

Minister for Civil Aviation Walter Schnaubelt said; “Through the MTDP IV 2023 -2027 and the National Transport Strategic plan, our government endeavours to create an integrated, safe, reliable and sustainable transport network that effectively connects all regions of Papua New Guinea through land, sea and air.” A reliable and effective transport network, is an enabler for economic growth and development. Moreover, the Connect PNG initiative endeavours to

bridge the gaps in connectivity across our diverse nation. Our government’s aim, is to ensure that all Papua New Guineans can access essential services, goods and opportunities, regardless of their geographical location he added.

“I am proud to also announce that the Tari Airport will soon get its Aerodrome Operating Certification (ADOC) to comply with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs). NAC and CASAPNG are working together to ensure this accordingly. This will be a milestone for the province as it was never certified since it changed its status from an airstrip to an airport,” he said.

City top cop calls for more support for police

FROM PAGE ONE

SO FAR 101 men were arrested for various crimes in the city however there has yet to be any arrests to do with ethnic clashes.

Police say this is because it is hard to pinpoint who started the fight as the communities suddenly close rank and do not give up suspects.

Police further stated the cycle continues and more fights erupt.

Met Supt Sika further stated that while; “The police are still continuing to do community policing awareness tirelessly to the people in the city to abstain from lawlessness and

respect one another or submit to rule of law, the tribal war or pay back fighting continues to be imported into the city, people should now know that the city is not for bad people but it is for good people only to live peacefully.

“At the same time police are still arresting offenders and showing visibility.”

In condemning the disregard of groups bringing in their tribal fighting from their home province, Met Supt said; “Police with limited resources continue to do their job diligently and they do their job under stressful circumstances without complaining and never say give up or give in.

“Neighbourhood police stations should be built in all the settlements and we allocate police resources to show visibility as a deterrence.”

In one weekend, Post-Courier was able to tune in to the police radio and heard for themselves the continued efforts of police officers responding to several ethnic clashes around the city. From 9 Mile where three men were shot and rushed to hospital, to 6 Mile where fighting erupted from betelnut, to Laloki where another ethnic clash erupted over an undisclosed issue causing traffic to stop and wait for police to secure the area. Many residents who raised

NAMBIS PIKININI

White man interviewing son at the beach about life in Manus. The father walks over because he wanted to be part of the story his son was sharing. White man asks; And whom might you be? After son translates the question to the father, he replies, “Mi Pikinini blo nambis!!”. White man looking confused asked for a translation….Son intervenes and says, “He is son of a beach”.

KARMA IS SERVED

Not even the Government was immune to being left stranded. PM and his entourage of VIPs were told that the plane they were going to get on was unable to return to pick them up after the Tari airport opening yesterday because the plane was ‘bagarap’. Looks like many got a break and enjoyed the view at Ambua Lodge.

DO IT YOURSELF

Who says shop assistants don’t have a sense of humour. Chap was sent to the supermarket by his wife to buy some vegetables . She reminded him she wanted only organic vegetables. Making sure he did the right thing he told the girl he was buying vegetables for his missus and asked whether these had been sprayed with poisonous chemicals. Assistant replied, “no sir, you have to do that yourself.” Ouch !

NEW TARI AIRPORT

Encouraging to see the K79m spent on the fabulous new Tari Airport . It is a worthy addition to the province . Now we can only hope it is well looked after.

NIPA-MENDI ROAD

How much has been spent on the Nipa to Mendi road so far ? The amount expended just does not seem to match the work on the road . Claims it was already sealed have been debunked by the local member who drove the road last week and saw not one section of seal. What is going on ? The contractor needs to explain to the public the status of the project .

MOVE ON

Reader sent us a sign she found in one of those stationery supermarkets, which would be of interest to all young people still staying at home. “Tired of being hassled by your stupid parents? Act Now! Move Out ! Get a Job! Pay your own bills! Start now while you still know everything!

FLY ME TO THE SUN

AN INDIAN landing on the moon has raised such high feelings , that our own scientists have decided to go for a landing on the sun. Impossible you say. It is too bright and hot. But the proponents have all contingencies covered. They will go at night! Ouch!

- PENGEE: thedrum@spp.com.pg

their concerns say they feel trapped in the city as an influx of people continue to come into the city and fight amongst themselves.

“I feel scared of driving out or moving around the city,” one resident said.

This isn’t the first time Met Supt Sika has been vocal about ethnic clashes, earlier this year he made an appeal to the city residents to stop with the ethnic fighting.

In mid-February, it was reported that violent crime in Port Moresby had changed from organised armed robbery and carjacking incidences to ethnic clashes over the last five years.

THE new Tari Airport terminal.

Four soldiers in military custody as probe continues

FOUR soldiers who were found with marijuana and ammunition in Gulf Province are now in military police custody as investigations are carried out into their involvement in the movement of marijuana.

Acting Commander of the PNG Defence Force Commodore Philip Polewara, in a short interview with Post-Courier, said that the men are being investigated with the allegations being taken seriously by the PNGDF hierarchy.

“This case is being investigated.”

Those personnel involved in the alleged drug trafficking in the Gulf Province have been apprehended and are currently detained at the Goldie River Training Depot,” Commodore Polewara said. “I want

Landowners say they are being scammed

A GROUP of landowners from Gulf province say they have not been getting their land settlement payment for a school in their village and are urging the State to watch out for scammers.

the Lalavaipi primary school established on.

to assure the citizens of this country that the Defence force is for the good, and those involved with will be dealt with,” he added.

Last week, four soldiers were stopped at a police roadblock at Malalaua as they were returning to Port Moresby. It was alleged by police that the four soldiers had picked up several kilograms of marijuana. However, a military bag found inside had residues and traces of Marijuana and smelled strongly of marijuana police said. Allegedly they had firearms but may they may have off-loaded or discarded them along with the drugs after having been informed that there was a police roadblock ahead. Police continue their investigation.

Three soldiers involved in drug bust in Gulf escape

BY MARJORIE FINKEO

THREE soldiers attached with Daru Forward Operating base and a civilian caught in a drug bust over the weekend by police at Vereibari village, East Kikori LLG area, Gulf Province, allegedly escaped on Monday night.

“My policemen tried to take the men in for questioning but they refused to cooperate and were left there but had escaped in the night to Daru.

“When the body of the skipper showed up last night (Monday) they denied that it was their skipper saying the person never travelled with them.

“In the cover of the night they got another dinghy and escaped we believed they could have arrived in Daru,” Provincial police commander chief inspector Jeffery

Lemb said yesterday. They took refuge in Vereibari village close to Kikori and the policemen went there to capture them for questioning, however, they then decided not to confront them because they were armed and refused to go forward.

He said, he has not received any word from the PNG Defence Force hierarchy of the incident as of yesterday and still waiting.

He said the soldiers should have a genuine reason as to why they travelled all the way from Daru to Gulf while operating in Daru FOB and travelled that far and that was their concern.

“I need to be informed what sort of business they are doing in my province if they have an operation in another province, they must let us know and such similar operation has been going on for too long.”

Mt Hagen law and order maintained

POLICE in the Western Highlands Province will continue and consistently maintain law and order in Mt Hagen City and the province at large.

Western Highlands Provincial

Police Commander Chief Superintendent John Sagom said this on Monday while raiding Mt Hagen’s Jiwaka Kona for the second time on Monday. Supt Sagom said his police team cleared Jiwaka Kona a month ago but had to do it again because it is becoming a

breeding ground for petty crimes.

“But the crowd has gathered again so we raided it again on Monday warning those selling and mending mobile phones that it is not the right location to do their business. “ Supt Sagom said.

“The crowd becomes a suitable environment for petty criminals who disappear into these crowd.”

He said this mobile phone market is the main cause of mobile phone thefts in Mt Hagen, where they are quickly sold at this market.

The Lalavaipi landowners of the Ukitai village in Malalawa, Gulf are urging the provincial government authorities to assist them locate a local land mediation decision of 2019 which they said someone has been using to take money which rightfully belonged to them.

They say they are the landowners of land portion number 208 and gazette G-15 of 2019 which has

Spokesman, James Uari Lausi, said that a land mediation in July, 2019 that followed a land boundary demarcation ended in a decision where he was given 74 percent ownership of the land portion 208 while the balance of the percentage were given to two of his relatives

“There was a mediation meeting and the chairman of the meeting from the Land Title Commission, Lae Makeo said to hand us the decision within 19 days, but when the day came, me nor my two other relatives got a copy of the

said decision and therefore we lost our rights to our land settlement payments,” he said.

Lausi and family representatives, Gabriel Lovato, Keith Nickson and Josephine Hui Lausi, are urging the respective authorities to assist them locate any relevant document in relation to the mediation of 2019 which would help them to have access to their payments.

They indicated that they have yet to create an incorporated land group but being the true land owners, they have been deprived of their payments and had no idea who the monies were going to.

NO RAIN, NO FOOD!

Police to look into other sites for gold syndicates

FROM PAGE ONE

LAST week, 12 miners pulled off a clinical heist that netted them K2.4 million in over 12 months in an illegal operation have now made connections to other people of interests and companies involved earlier this month.

The province has two mining companies, major investments to logging, oil palm and other major business companies and investigations will continue if there is need and if complaints are reported.

“I will not reveal any information to media on how other mines are operating until we are ready to speak to media of our ongoing investigations and cannot preempt what we have until we complete

cases.

“The 12 suspects have already appeared in Kavieng district court and will return on September 28, once police files are completed,” New Guinea Island divisional commander Perou N’dranou said. We will need to pick up persons of interests related to the case and I must thank the Newcrest Mining for the support to our police in the case in many administrative matters and we intend to continue the hunt for others.

Mr N’dranou said the special team formed since last year in the region is working closely to clamp down major cases in the region, however, funding is one of the major issue to move policemen to the area of incident to investigate otherwise it takes time for us to wait to

investigate major cases.

“I’d like to mention that there is a team of investigation task force appointed that we can put them together and send them to provinces where police do not have the capacity to investigate.

“They won’t take over the lead investigation team but we will be there to assist them because we have the capacity.

“If similar incident in New Ireland, East New Britain, West New Britain or Manus we have the team a team that we have built up to investigate major cases,” he said.

He said the local criminal investigation division police are there and this special team are on standby if their assistance is needed, they will call in to investigate and carry out arrests.

THE prolonged dry weather in parts of Central Province and the impending El Nino drought has slowly begun affecting the supply of garden food into markets across Port Moresby. Mother of five Kila Agiri from Boregaina village, Rigo district, has raised concerns that their gardens are beginning to completely dry up and there is no sign of any rain. SURVIVING PORT MORESBY: READ STORY ON PAGE 13.

Contractor failed to start Buimo jail expansion

new building contractor is engaged.

Former Laloki Hospital’s CEO files not ready

BY PRUDENCE AUVITA

FORMER chief executive officer for Laloki Psychiatric hospital

Dr. Lovasati Wilbur Dougunu has returned to the committal court yesterday for her case to be mentioned.

Dr. Wilbur is a Fiji National who is married to a Papua New Guinean and was appointed as the CEO for Laloki Hospital, however; she was accused of misusing the hospital’s funds for her own benefit, hence; was arrested and charged for misappropriation.

Defendant’s lawyer informed the court that a proper Notice of Motion will be filed on the next returnable

date to have the matter struck out for failure of hand up briefs, after prosecutions told the court that they need a month to complete the files. Police alleged the defendant operated against honesty and transparency in terms of financial expenditures to milk out hospital funds for her own benefits instead of the hospital’s interest, through fraudulent means when she funded a company namely Lokosibi Consultation and Investment Ltd allegedly with the hospital funds when this company is directly owned by the defendant and her husband. The alleged details of offence committed are respectively outlined below.

a. Since 2019, the accommodation rental per week of K1, 250 checques is deposited straight into the defendant and her husband’s private company LOKOSIBI Ltd.

b. Have used hospital vehicles 24/7 whilst also being paid motor vehicle allowance of K18,000 per annum.

c. Increased her rental allowances from K5, 000 to K6, 600.

d. Hospital funds diverted straight into the defendants company in the pretext of supplying food vegetables to the hospital and;

e. Bribing central command police personnel in order to allegedly defraud justice.

The matter was further adjourned to September, 28,2023 for mention.

BY MARJORIE FINKEO mfinkeo@spp.com.pg

THE Government terminated a building contractor paid over K500,000 who failed to startup a project in Buimo jail in Morobe recently.

Correctional Service Commissioner Stephen Pokanis said a building contractor won the bid for the 100-man dormitory and received payments to start off the work, but never turned up for almost a year ––causing the delay in the expansion of the jail accommodation resulting in overcrowding.

The project is now on hold until a

“The government plans to expand the jail facility is now on hold because of the issue I have written twice to procurement office to get their advice on what steps to take because all the materials are still on the ground waiting for actual work to start,”Mr Pokanis said.

He said Buimo jail currently holds 978 prisoners the biggest in the country followed up by Baisu in Western Highlands and Beon in Madang. The government has future plans to build two more jails in Mumeng, Bulolo and Erap but still under negotiations between the government and locals. He said the land in Erap was given to the department to build 100man dormitory once all funding is available then work will commence.

Reading is a vital tool

More support to reopen Porgera Mine

BY FRANK RAI

PORGERA Mt Kare Young Generation Association has thrown its undivided support behind the State for the re-opening of Porgera mine in Enga province.

This is after an annual general meeting (AGM) between Special Mining Lease (SML) and Lease for Mining Purpose (LMP) landowners which endorsed PMKYGA to be the rightful mouthpiece for all clans and agents of the new Porgera mining project.

In the same meeting, PMKYGA interim chairman Peter Kilipa was given the green light by 80 landowner representatives to spearhead landowner negotiations and campaign.

The meeting resolve among others the engagement of Project Coordinator, Relocation and Resettlement Program of Porgera Landowners Adose Namun for the relocation scheme involving people living within the SML, LMP, Lime Stone, electricity and communication grids, water supply and riverine areas.

PMKYGA interim chairman Mr

Kilipa said the association had fought for landowner benefits including those impacted by the mine for the past 30 years, essentially contemplating for a new mining deal.

Mr Kilipa said PMKYGA initiated the process to have the mine shut down and this was fulfilled by the Marape Rosso government.

“Marape Rosso government delivered and there is no other issue, as long as 51 percent stays in the country and that is very important. This is a milestone deal which has never come in our lifetime, in our generation. This was only a dream but it was made into a reality,” he added.

Mr Kilipa said the future can be built on such a great platform now and this legacy can be carried on for generations to come. “Whatever the provincial government gets, landowners’ gets and State gets are discussion to be implored later. The very important thing now is for us to start the mine,” he said.

Meanwhile, PMKYGA public officer Philip Mungalo said lawlessness was crippling Enga because people were restless, hence

resorting to violence. “If the mine operates, we will see all violence come to a stop when everybody is busy. PMKYGA has big plans to alleviate and provide relief and talk to the people,” he added.

Mr Mungalo further called on the Prime Minister to honour the K10million commitment made to the association to carry out restoration programs for the landowners

The PMKYGA is appealing to Governor Sir Peter Ipatas to work with the State even if the Porgera Mine Development forum continues in Wabag, Alotau or Port Moresby. He said the venue was not an issue, stating that the issue is the delay of the forum and that concerns the landowners and the people.

In addition, Mr Mungalo also appealed to fellow landowners to work together as one team to successfully see the reopening of the mine. “We cannot continue to hold the people of Enga and the country as a whole to ransom when our country is facing major economy crisis amids a period when gold price is at the highest. The Porgera gold mine also belongs to the people of PNG and we must not deviate.”

BY ROBERT TIKI

STUDENTS of Mt Hagen Day

Secondary School have been urged to consider reading as an important component in their learning.

This was the message given to students by the head of english department Pius Mong during the celebration of World Children Book Week last Friday.

Mr Mong said reading gives broad knowledge thus students must make it as an integral part in their learning.

“ When you take reading seriously and make it their number one priority , then I can assure that you

will be more advanced among other students in terms of knowledge.”

Mr Mong also highlighted the importance of reading when it comes in diseminating information.

“Many people rely on other information that they extract out from reading. Sometimes, you would be fed with wrong information making you believing onto what they relay to you and can lead you astray.

“This is not good.You must get concrete information yourself by reading rather than depending on other people’s hearsays,”he said.

He urged students to take reading seriously during their leisure time for a brighter future.

Dei returning officer committed to stand trial for forgery and uttering

FORMER returning Officer for Dei Council in the Western Highland province, Jameson Nukundi, has been committed to stand trial in the National Court on charges of forgery and uttering.

Yesterday at the Waigani Committal Court, Magistrate Danny Wakikura made a ruling that there was sufficient police evidence to commit Mr Nukundi.

Nukundi, 39 of Buka village in

Western Highlands, yesterday presented his section 96 statement in response to the police findings saying that he understood the offense that he was alleged to have committed which included;

1.Forging a letter from the Electoral Commission office between July 29 and 31 of 2022.

2.Uttering false documents from the Electoral Commission between July 29 and 31, and, 3. False assumption

of authority of the Electoral Commission office between Aug 5 and 8, 2022

Nukundi denied the allegations saying he was transparent and ran a free and fair election during the 2022 NGE. Police alleged that Nukundi produced and falsely claimed that a letter dated July 28 was from the Electoral Commissioner Simon Sinai directing counting officials not to count the Kenembo ward

3 ballot boxes. On Aug 5 Mr Sinai wrote a letter denying that he sent such a letter to Nukundi to enforce such directives. Mr Sinai then in another letter revoked Mr. Nukundi’s appointment as the Dei Council Returning Officer but on the same day, Mr Nukundi ignored the Chief Electoral Commissioners revocation notice and declared the current Dei Council MP. Mr Nukundi is expected to appear

at the National Court in Waigani for his first mention on September 25. Meanwhile, an aggrieved Nukundi said while he respected the court’s decision, he did not know why he was committed because no reasons were given by the court and he has instructed his lawyers to immediately appeal the decision and also seek a stay on the committal court’s decision and he is confident of a favourable outcome.

PMKYGA interim chairman Peter Kilipa (seated middle with tie) surrounded by landowners in Wabag, Enga province yesterday. PICTURE: SUPPPLIED

HEAD of the english department for Hagen Secondary Day School Pius Mong with students during the celebration of World Children Book Week last Friday. - PICTURE: ROBERT TIKI.

Teach Art as well, says Fr Jan

BY PHOEBE GWANGILO

TEACH Art as well, says the Department of Higher Education Research Science and Technology acting secretary Fr Jan Czuba.

He told the University of Goroka that recent research had found that incorporating Art in teaching the traditional science technology engineering mathematics subjects will bring learning to another level. He said this saw the approach as being a part of STEAM.

STEAM education is an acronym for science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

STEAM aims to foster imagination, creativity and innovation. It provides a holistic learning approach that combines scientific inquiry with artistic expression, promoting interdisciplinary skills for the future.

Now that the Government has successfully rolled out STEM in all the six schools of National

Partnership to combat ‘night walkers’ trend

BY ANCILLA ILAVE ailave@spp.com.pg

LAE police and PNG Defence Force from Igam Barracks have joined forces to address a new trend of criminal activity in and outside of the city.

Armed criminals of about 40-50 men, labelled as ‘night walkers,’ are breaking, entering and stealing during the night.

Provincial police commander Jacob Singura said police and army are working together to combat this

organised crime which is happening within the city and on the outskirts and outside (miles areas) of town as well. “We are working in partnership to combat this new criminal trend of night walkers in the city,” PPC Singura said.

The PNG Defence Force Engineer Battalion Commanding Officer

Lieutenant Colonel John Wani has provided troops for night patrol duties to assist police to assess the escalating law and order within the surrounding communities of Igam Barracks, Tent City, East and West Taraka and the other high-risk areas within the city.

Lt Wani’s actions were in response to an article published by Post-

Courier on Wednesday August, 23 in relation to the night walkers.

“It is a great concern for us and our families here at Igam and our surrounding communities when the criminal are numbering up to 30 and more men,” he said.

The engineer battalion will conduct night patrols from 11:30pm to 5am in the areas of interest.

Lt Wani said there is a need to deter any other lawlessness activities which are about to be conducted and by intervening and collaborating with the police, this will ensure the communities’ safety and also give confidence back to business communities to do business without any threats.

Doctors strike addressed, says Sansan

THE Department of Personnel Management has dealt with the ultimatum issued by National Doctors Association (NDA) for the State to respond to their log of claims within 72 hours.

Secretary for the department

Taies Sansan said in a recent media report, the president of the NDA Dr James Naipao issued an ultimatum for the State to swiftly respond within the next 72 hours to their log of claims, otherwise there will be a nationwide stop-work.

Ms Sansan said the ultimatum, which the Post-Courier ran on August 28, 2023, has been dealt with by the Department of Personnel Management and the National Department of Health as their employer.

She said the NDA log of claims have been re-assessed by DPM and NDoH, and has progressed well beyond what has been reported by Post-Courier.

Ms Sansan stressed that there are no industrial disputes as we just commenced the negotiation process.

She said in the event the parties are unable to reach an agreement, either parties wishes to register a “failure to agree” or a dispute, then the procedures to be followed are prescribed by the Public Service Conciliation and Arbitration Act.

“The Industrial Registrar has advised that the purported threats of withdrawal of labour by the

Doctors Association is illegal.

“The NDA were invited on two occasions on the (3rd and 4th of August, 2023), and have met with Secretary DPM and Secretary Health on 3rd and 4th August, which was also attended by the Industrial Registrar. However, the NDA team walked off the meeting”

She said the issues for discussion at the two meetings were Log of Claims and the term of Office of the Executives.

She said the two meetings did not finish well as intended, as the NDA Executives walked off and demanded that they would like to proceed to have a new MOA signed as soon as possible.

“It was very unprofessional conduct by the doctors and uncalled for. This indicate that the doctors do not understand the industrial processes and is also a clear indication of not respecting and undermining authorities empowered by law to perform their mandated duties and noncompliance to the Industrial Processes and Procedures.” Sansan said in the meeting, the Industrial Registrar appealed to the NDA Executives to complete the process

of Election of the new Executives whilst the State team continue and complete the negotiation process.

Ms. Sansan said at present, the technical teams of DPM and NDoH are reviewing the log of claims for a win-win situation for both parties.

In receipt of the letter dated 21st August, 2023, issuing the 72 hours’ ultimatum, the Industrial Registrar, Ms Helen Saleu has written to Dr. Naipao of NDA advising him that the withdrawal of workforce and the imminent strike is illegal.

Furthermore, the Secretary for Health, Dr Osbourne Liko has written on the 24th of August, 2023, to Dr Naipo and has reinforced DPM Secretary’s letter dated 4th of August, 2023, and advised that the State team is finalising the assessment of the Log of Claims to have it ready in preparation for the new Executives to sign.

Ms Sansan said the State, through DPM, is committed in addressing this matter in an amicable way, and once the election of the new Executives is completed, signing of a new Agreement will take place.

“Right now, NDA is advised to conduct the election of their new Executives, while negotiation is taking place for a way forward”.

National Doctors remain on full pay based on the MOA of 2014 to 2016, and have not been affected to date with all entitlements paid respectively.

Excellence since 2021, UOG is working against time to produce specialised STEM teachers to teach in the Schools of National Excellence.

Fr Jan urged them to upgrade from teaching STEM to STEAM.

In 2020, the National School of Excellence was approved which saw all the six national high schools being converted. In 2021, the Education Department implemented STEM education through these six national schools of excellence.

Education Secretary Dr Uke Kombra said a total 203 pioneer STEM students selected to do the six National School of Excellence in 2021 had just completed their grade 12 last year.

He said 60 of them were shortlisted by the Education Department for a government funded pioneered scholarship program which reduced to 43 only confirmed finalists who made it to US recently to study various bachelors’ program.

Drug addicts turn a new leaf

BY ROBERT TIKI

ABOUT 47 men and women who used to be addicted to Marijuana are finally turning their life around.

The men and women from the Roloka tribe in Gumanch village in Dei District,Western Highlands Province, vowed to stop smoking drugs, and surrendered their life to the church during a fellowship hosted by the Lutheran Reform Church of PNG last week.

These newly repented souls are now members of a registered organisation called Highlands Marijuana Victim Rehabilitation Centre. Senior Lutheran Reform

Church pastor for Dei Ramba Johnson Kai described their transition as a break-through for the community.

He said it is a great spiritual move for such people to change their lives.

“For drug addicts to surrender and give their lives to God Almighty is not easy, because the habit of taking Marijuana is embedded in their system. It is quite hard, but God has changed them, hence, I want to thank God for that. I would like to also thank the 47 for making the good decision to change.

“You are making a radical decision which will be helpful for yourself and your family,” he said.

Successful training for leaders

BY ANCILLA ILAVE

FOUR women ministry leaders of the Assemblies of God Church were among 11 pastors certified after a week- long church operation management literacy training in Port Moresby recently.

The women were provincial women’s coordinator, Pastor Merelyn Pawa, women’s ministry adviser, Pastor Ruth Pandu, and local church Pastors Jennet Wani and Sabina Mercy. The training covered thinking development, policies and guidelines, organisation structure and systems, social mapping, office equipment and the use of Microsoft. Other areas covered were the National church development plan, finance and budgeting, risk and compliance and reporting.

The training also covered, setting vision, mission and goals, standard operating procedures, key ministries roles and responsibilities, local church operating plan, use and benefit of internet, leadership and management, meeting and

decisions. The director of the church project management unit Brian Sam facilitated the training, while the church national treasurer, Noel Norikgu and SME director, Steven Maken assisted in the training.

Pastor Pandu said the management training was the first in the church for pastors and will be conducted in other centres in the future.

NCD provincial superintendent, Pastor Matthew Pawa said the training was an eye opener for pastors and asked the church to continue such program annually.

He said the training has broadened his knowledge of administering a local church in line with the vision and mission of the national church.

“Despite knowing the process and procedures of running a local church the training was a refresher course to redirect the vision and goals of the pastors, in line to the national church and World AOG Fellowship.” The women leaders commended the church for conducting the training because it was informative and provides practical guide lines to manage local AOG churches.

DEPARTMENT of Higher Education Research Science and Technology Acting Secretary Fr Jan Czuba speaking to the University of Goroka Chancellor Joe Wemin and the vice chancellor Dr Teng Waninga at the launching of the University’s Corporate and Strategic plans 2023-2027. - PICTURE: SUPPLIED.

PARTICIPANTS with their certificates of recognition. - PICTURE: SUPPLIED.

TAIES Sansan.

lae daily

If you have a story to tell, call us on 472 4166 or email: nkalimda@spp.com.pg

Forgotten agenda in Panguna

BY DALE LUMA lwohi@spp.com.pg

OUT of all the progress in the extractive space, there is a forgotten agenda in the case of the Panguna Mine, says Bougainville Minister for Community Government and Member for Ioro Constituency Theonila Roko Matbob. Speaking during the Canconex yesterday in Lae, she said the issue still stands that the mining law needs to be reviewed and properly regulated to settle the issues faced by Bougainvilleans during when the Panguna mine operated.

She said currently there is a Panguna Mine Lagacy Impact Assessment without PNG government representation.

“I’m hearing all these progresses happening and in the extractive industry space, you have a forgotten agenda in Panguna,” Mrs Matbob said.

“That an issue has never been given a formal closure.

“If you cannot give a formal closure to Panguna, I doubt you will be able to give closure to all the other mines.

“We need to train ourselves to create and opening and put a closure before we start a new agenda.

“The Government of PNG will not think of us anymore, they will think of other projects.”

Mrs Matbob said during the operation of the Panguna Mine, environment destruction, land destruction was not controlled and displacement of people

Keep politics out of business, says former manager

BY DALE LUMA

FORMER Bougainville Development Corporation (BDC) chief executive officer Paul Nerau says it is important to keep politics out of business.

Mr Nerau highlighted this when speaking during the Canconex session on Lessons from the Bougainville Closure yesterday. He also posed the question that is Papua New Guinea ready for the major resource projects that are yet to come online.

“How many Papua New Guinea youths or young people who are walking the streets are trained to be engaged and employed?,” Mr Nerau questioned.

“We need to fast track training for our young people otherwise we will bring outsiders to come in and get all the contracts.”

Drawing from the Bougainville experience, Mr Nerau said at the time of the Bougainville copper mine, most of the contracts were owned by foreigners.

BOUGAINVILLE Minister for Community Government and Member for Loro Constituency

Theonila Roka Matbob.

was real.

“These were the complaints and somehow if the laws and the policies can accommodate for that, this were the things that were happening.

“What happened after all these years of fighting, we forgot that initial agenda was fixing the law, we forgot it.

“We left everything and Bougainville has reached a point of no return and want to gain independence but the real agenda stands.”

Prime Minister James Marape when speaking during the Canconex also explained that what happened in Bougainville was a result of a 1967 act of Parliament that consolidated the Bougainville project and had minimal respect to the Bougainville people and their rights and minimal respect to the Government close to the people.

Project benefits enjoyed today as a result of Panguna

BY DALE LUMA

THE benefits that landowners of resource projects and communities are enjoying today are result of the Panguna Mine, says PNG Chamber of Mines and Petroleum Anthony Smare.

Officiating the session on Lessons of the Bougainville Closure during the Canconex in Lae, he said the session was the most important of the Canconex, the extra effort that Governments and Developers put into in consultation of resource projects to obtain and maintain social license eminated from the lessons of the Panguna mine.

“When you look at all the benefits, virtually all of them is a result of Panguna,” Mr Smare said.

“When you see the benefits that our landowners and communities enjoy today, that extra effort that Governments and developers make in consultation in obtaining and maintaining social license, all of that emanated from a very tragic period of our history surround-

ing the circumstances that lead to the closure of the Panguna Mine.

“That is why this session is the most important session in the next few days.

“It’s really important that inorder to avoid the same mistakes of the past that we learn from those who were there when the mine closed. To build the lasting solution for the communities that were impacted.

“The impacts of Panguna wasn’t just on the landowners of Panguna but the entire island and a lesser way the rest of the country.”

Due to the sensitivity of the discussion, certain issues were not discussed such as the reopening of the Panguna Mine and Bougainville being open to Business.

The discussion focused primarily on Lessons from its closure, the things that happened after its closure and learnings from it.

It is understood this was the first time the Panguna story has been told publicly.

“There was no Bougainville business that was able to take major contracts.

“There were companies like Honibrooks, Bowman’s, these

FORMER Bougainville Development Corporation

“One of our pillars was to train Bougainvilleans.

“In that period from 1975 to 1989 we trained more than 30 graduates from various Universities and also the high schools.

“The Bougainville Development Corporation is a business arm of the provincial government.

“At the time of Independence in 1975, Bougainville was the first provincial government and through the chairman, to set up the business arm of the provincial government.

“BDC started with a prospectus to bring in investors.

“The shareholding was right across Bougainville but the majority was the provincial government and the Catholic church.

companies operated and also companies from the US.

“There was no local company able to participate in operations or the contracts and BDC was the idea behind trying to get our involvement. Through the shareholding, we were able to give dividends to the shareholders every year.

Mr Nerau added that: “One of the things that Id like to say as someone who was involved with BCL as a mine, BCL was a corporate citizen entity, they followed the law.

“This is very important for us, that we follow the law and process. You must know what you are required to do so the business you provide generate turnover that will give you profit and you pay your dividends, pay your tax

(BDC) chief executive officer Paul Nerau speaking at the CANCONEX meet in Lae.

3700 beneficiary accounts and projects managed by MRDC

the incorporated land groups (ILG) and clan groups.

Consistency key to sharing benefits

BY ANCILLA ILAVE

tion fees for 3,388 students.

BY ANCILLA ILAVE ailave@spp.com.pg

THE Mineral Resources Development Company manage’s 3,700 bank accounts and the money is paid directly to the beneficiaries’ accounts.

According to MRDC chief executive officer and managing director Augustine Mano (pictured) when the Minister makes the determination, the organisation goes out and creates those accounts for each of

Mr Mano said initially the organisation used a covert operation because there was no banking system.

“The money was transported during night as cover to go on the project site and make payments to the ILGs and the clan groups.

“It was a risky business and gradually MRDC became smarter and opened banks and encouraged the beneficiaries to open accounts to make transactions easier,” he said.

MRDC is also involved in scholarship programs in schools. Last year K16 million was spent to cover tui-

“This is an annual program that we’ll keep doing, and we don’t want to compete with the government and everybody else but the initiative will compliment and supplement where there’s a need we step in and help the students because these are our future generations,” Mr Mano said.

To maintain its presence in all the project areas MRDC has established extended field operations and office for PNG LNG.

“That takes MRDC to the people to feel the company’s presence on the ground and that is a primary reason

for project security as stated by the Prime Minister because the people need to see us out there on site,” he said. MRDC has liaison officers as representatives on sites.

Call to amend Section 5 of Mining Act

BY MARIE SONNY

MOROBE Governor Luther Wenge has urged the government to look into amending Section 5 of the Mining Act to give full custody to landowners.

The Section 5 of the Mining Act 1992 – Minerals the property of the state was queried by Mr Wenge and he has requested that the act be amended.

“I want Section 5 must be amended. We must give the total ownership to the landowners.

“All the minerals mined or where they have been found, as long as there are owners out there, they must own it by 100 percent.

“Likewise for oil and gas, if we find oil and gas somewhere, if there was any human being living there when oil and gas was found and he claims that he is the owner then he should be the owner and by virtue of being the owner, Section 6 of the Oil and Gas Act should be amended.

“Prime Minister, we should change the law.

“Otherwise, we are just talking

and dreaming of making this nation rich while we are exploring at rate where eventually one day, I don’t want another Wau- Bulolo,” he said.

“The diggers came and dug the mine and took every mineral on the surface of the land while the Bulolo people are drinking mercury, they continue to drink and eat mercury.

”And they are as healthy as before or less healthy than before?

“We have to flourish; this is our country and we have lived here before our friends from the international community came in.

“Why should we come up with a constitution which says that for the sake of integral human development, all the resources should be shared equally and fairly and we must take control of our resources?” he said. “We have said that but since independence, we fall short to achieve that goal and that’s the biggest offence for our people.

“I apologise but if I don’t say anything, who is going to come and say it. I have a mandate and I’m talking for the interest of not just the Morobe people but for our country.”

CONSISTENCY is the key to success for any organisation, says Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC).

Speaking during the Community Affairs and National Content Conference Expo (Canconex), MRDC’s managing director and chief executive officer Augustine Mano said to run an organisation whether private or state, there is a need for consistency year after year.

“Everyone has been practicing governance framework, but what has worked for MRDC is consistency,” Mr Mano said. MRDC manages the money that comes into the trust entities through a management agreement that is split 40:30:30, which 40 percent is paid as cash benefits to the current generations. The 30 per cent is invested for the sovereign wealth fund for the future generation and the other 30 percent will look at community investments projects such as infrastructure developments.

“This is the fundamental principle in law and we have been following and its working which means that every 40 percent of the revenue should support the national budget. The 30 percent should be saved for future generation beneficiaries and the other 30 percent will go to infrastructure projects” he said.

The MRDC has followed the process and have achieved results in a

WITH GARY BUSTIN

SORCERY Accusation Related Violence is a ugly thing.

It is the act of humans showing a lack of value for life itself. Most of the victims are innocent women but sometimes they are innocent men and, even worse, at times the victims are innocent children. You cannot describe the fear and pain these people feel. Can you imagine an entire community dragging you to a fire where they burn torture you until you die? Most of them beg for death to stop the pain. Those who do not get their wish for death are scarred for life both on their bodies and in their spirits. How would they ever feel safe again? How would they return to a normal life?

Few have seen the darkness that my team and I deal with on a regular basis. One does not forget the screams of pain a woman makes when a hot iron bar is shoved inside her body while barbaric men spread her legs apart with ropes. We have sat and held those who survived while they cry and ask why such a thing would happen to them. We have waited in the hospital with women while they slowly die because the insides of their bodies have been damaged too badly to repair. The darkness is very real and sometimes it is almost unbearable for those of us who struggle against it. People sometimes ask why we continue to fight against SARV with such massive obstacles and incredible odds. They can’t imag-

ine what motivates us to keep going. I can’t tell you what motivates others but I can tell you what I know.

I know that we in PNG are too good to tolerate SARV. I know PNG from the remote highlands where I lived as a child to the islands and the costal river plains. I have slept on the dirt in the smallest of huts and in massive Sepik houses. I have been in the jungles of Hela Province and swam in the seas of West New Britain and I can tell you that at base PNG is made up of good people. We are kind, peace loving people who treat others with respect. We love our families and our communities deeply, and we would do anything for our tribesmen and women. We are a generous people and we love our customs and traditions. We enjoy our music and dancing and we love to laugh so much that some of our people laugh in waves and echoes. Ha! Ha! Ha! woooo…. woooo. You know how it goes.

SARV is not carried out by normal Papua New Guineans. It is carried out by an evil few who live among us. It is perpetrated by merchants of death. These people are not us. They do not belong in our society. They belong in prison. We are not them. We are too good to tolerate their evil. We are too good to tolerate SARV in PNG. Join us in the fight to end SARV. It is not part of our culture and should have no refuge in our land.

Safe house closes due to water bill

THE country’s oldest counselling service since 1973 operating its own safe house serving thousands of women and children in Port Moresby is temporary closed after Water PNG disconnected water supply into the safe house of more than K2500 outstanding water bill.

Lifeline executive officer Bugave

Kada said yesterday, the safe house operating in Moresby Northwest is temporary closed earlier this month due to funding crises faced as a nonprofitable organisation. It is hard to operate humanitarian services where funds are exhausted.

“I have paid K3500 last week thinking the water will be reconnected but I was advised we have to pay K2500 more for reconnecting the water sup-

Gap in addressing SARV between organisations

THERE is a gap between the government and civil society organisation working together addressing sorcery accusation related violence in the country.

Many church-based organisations providing the service for sorcery accusation related violence (SARV), safe houses, counselling centres, gender-based violence awareness programs and many others continue to work with development partners such as UN Women, UN Development Program, UN Population Fund and many others without following government processes and structure that has been at the provincial and implemented. Recently, the Department of Community Development and Religion, Secretary Jerry Ubase said most times we don’t coordi-

nate, we implement things head of basis everywhere and when that happens now we have issues.

“CSO complains that most times government is not recognising them because most of them continue to work with development partners they do not follow due process in terms of government structures that we have, the structures is already at the provincial level and districts and they should go through the processes there.

There will be challenges of sometimes the provincial desk is not operating and they will complain but again they need to go through the system to the provincial level we can then liaise with community development advisor at the ground level to try to address their needs.

The way CSO are operating they

are going directly to development partners and again the development partners are engaging directly with CSOs so there is a miscommunication and a hug gap in between.

They are communicating outside of the government system aligning with the development partners.

When the program comes to an end and to sustain and it cannot be sustained. The program died it needs to be coordinated better through the government system. Government does have problems but these problems still can be ironed out and we still can have successful outcome. If they continue to operate like now we will not see a better outcome of what is expected.

ply.

“We receive survivors into our area but we only assist and send them back because we cannot accommodate them due to water issue,” Mr Kada said.

I want to thank Westpac for renovating our building because our counsellors can work in much decent office with air conditions working with installing of the new telephones.

He said the management has written letters to telikom to partner with the toll-free counselling service.

Lifeline currently has two counsellors providing counselling services from their mobile phones through text messages, calling and WhatsApp. It is a free service and open to anyone. All information of the clients is kept confidential.

Families takes refuge in makeshift home

MORE than 7000 women and children are taking refuge in family homes, outside makeshift homes and churchbased organisations as tribal fights continue in parts of Enga Province.

“Girls between the ages of 12 and above are raped by hired gun men, forcefully removed from homes from their parents and the boys between ages of 10 and above are leaving their mothers are given knives or guns to fight enemies in tribal groups.

“As a volunteer work and with little resources, women and children cannot be all catered, it is worse than what the government thinks or have seen in the social media.

“You see the smokes rising from the mountain, a village is burning and

group of men chanting when someone is killed,” a volunteer on the ground said.

He said children below the age of 10 follows their mothers moving away to higher grounds. There are houses accommodating two to three families which is 30 to 40 family members each home. While a humanitarian frontline worker, Franklin Kunjip finds himself in a hostile situation travelling in a local Public Motor Vehicle as he makes his way from Mendi, in the Southern Highlands, to Wabag, Enga Province, to complete a humanitarian mission as vehicles stopped moving through the main highway and women and children are being displaced as their villages are burnt to the ground.

WE ARE TOO GOOD TO TOLERATE SARV

FATHER Gibbs (DWU), Ruth Kissam (Tribal Foundation), Denga Illave (Femili PNG) and Lili Be Soer (Voice for change) during the inquiry at Parliament in May. PICTURE: TARAMI LEGEI

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2023

Audit Connect PNG

THEGovernment’s flagship transport infrastructure program – Connect

PNG – was rolled out in 2020.

The aim was to move the country towards a more broad-based economic growth strategy by connecting the four regions of Mamose, Highlands, southern and Islands through improved key economic road transport network connectivity over the next 20 years.

The 20-year program will cost the government a whopping K20 billion and since 2020, the government has put money away for this program, supported by development partners that amount to nearly K2 billion annually in total over the last two years.

This year, the government has allocated under K2 billion on roads and bridges, K56.3 million on sea port facilities and K434.7 million on air transport infrastructure projects.

The flagship program identified the road projects that are to be constructed or upgraded around the country, it sets out the implementation plan and the costs.

So far some projects that are either work in progress or completed include the Lae-Nadzab, the Highlands Highway, the Kagamuga-Keltiga, Morobe to Gulf highway, Central to Milne Bay road, Finschhafen Highway, Boluminski highway, Kokopo-Kerevat highway, Hiritano highway and several key bridges around the 22 provinces.

Other missing link roads under the Connect PNG Program include Madang-Gulf Highway, Trans-fly Border Highway from Kiunga to Aiambak section, Tabubil -Telefomin, and the Trans Fly Border Highway from Oriomo.

Yesterday, as per our report in this newspaper, Dr Billy Joseph, the Member for Nipa-Kutubu called on the Department of Works and Highways to carry out an independent assessment on the K221 million road rehabilitation project from Kiburu to Nipa in his electorate.

According to Dr Joseph, the contractor was paid 40 per cent upfront payment (K90m) already but only three kilometres of the road was rehabilitated with gravel only and nothing much, even the sealing, was never done.

He said the payment was made in 2021 and 18 more months remained before the contract expires.

The call by Dr Joseph comes at a time when concerns have been raised that the Connect PNG program is a huge scam, designed to divert public funds into the pockets of those connected to the government, leaving unfinished or poorly constructed roads behind.

While the concerns on the program outcome remains, the Connect PNG policy is also facing resistance from some coastal provinces who do not like their provinces to be connected to the rest of PNG.

These provincial government resist because they are against the rural-urban migration and its associated problems like the escalating crime problem confronting Port Moresby and Lae cities today.

The Connect PNG Program is a very expensive program and its intention is noble.

We support Dr Joseph and call on the Department of Works and Highways to carry out an independent audit into all the projects that were funded to determine their socioeconomic benefits and the status of all ongoing projects for public information, and to further determine whether this flagship government program is in fact a huge scam or not.

For far too long, PNG relied on the nonrenewable resource sector, which has proven to be an unsustainable policy. The Connect PNG policy is more dynamic, all inclusive and integrated, breaking this cycle of dependence on the non-renewable resource sector but if its implementation is marred by corruption and flawed, our people must be told and those responsible are held to account.

Letter of the day Anslom is an inspiration

AS FAR as the PNG music history and industry is concerned, no local musician has reached the height as former Kuakumba Roots band member, Anslom Nakikus.

He has set a benchmark which is also PNG’s musical history having to win a global music award in the US recently.

Everyone can have a dream, but only hardworking and a deserving few get there.

Just like in any other other profession, our rugby league players will prosper to NRL after Marcus Bai and that was proven when Justin Olam also did.

Now, PNG music is shaking with excitement when one of

our very own in Anslom Nakikus is towering and flying the PNG flag higher for all to see.

He is a world music artist. He is our latest version of a singing sensation – our hero indeed.

The Wailers have contracted the PNG music king to make a record so we are anticipating another crack at the world music festival.

The late Bob Marley funded the Wailers back in his prime singing days and produced many records under the Wailer’s recording label, like; IronLion-Zion.

People, especially music lovers, the world over know IronLion-Zion so now they will hear a Pacific flavoured Iron-Lion-Zion … and mind you, the Wailers’ fan base is spreading across the world so this Tolai man is now on the hunt for a pot of gold and

IF YOU HAVE ANY DEVELOPMENT STORIES OR CONCERNS FROM

YOUR DISTRICT

Email: yutok@spp.com.pg

Take ownership of Repentance Day

REPENTANCE day fell on a Holy Sabbath day which many did not realise or forgot so I am reminding all of us to repent if we have to. God is real and Satan is real too.

For PNG to commit a day as a holy- day designated to repentance is a rare intimacy unlike many Christian nations.

We build our constitution on the principles of the holy bible, we are Christians, we have our denominations and we love our Almighty GOD so we only worship Him.

However, as generations past our people tend to forfeit their worships and faiths and are so dissolved or being consumed into the world of contemporaries and dominions.

The late Sir Michael Thomas Somare, when alive, saw and knew that PNG will drift away from the basic principle of honouring and worshipping the Almighty

God so decides to choose August 26 as the Repentance day for PNG.

PNG seems to be facing too many problems so it needs to seek direction from our God Almighty. I personally, am convinced and believed that PNG is surviving on the mercy of God every day.

To ignore Repentance is to add to the fire more flames. Only God will add years and blessings to your life if you repent otherwise, you will miss out. Repent now and be saved from the world of sin here and there- everywhere.

God is good all the time, He is good. Finally, PNG is struggling to grow spiritually in heart so is facing many struggles… so repent in the heart to please Him … our true God Yaweh.

CITIZEN

diamonds, that is, world fame and glory.

For Anslom; the sky is the limit. What about our young and emerging musicians?

Do not be held down by the negative attitude by people who say that local music cannot live up to world standards, it can, definitely.

What about the primitive African music most of us enjoy without knowing the lyrics and dancing moves? Aren’t they foreign ?

Never give up and never give in to giving up. Strive on till death separates you from your dream … make it happen while you can still breath.

Remember that patience, sacrifice, perseverance, commitment, focus and discipline must prevail at times.

JB, KONE NATIVE

Police strategy in dealing with Enga

THE media statement released by an acting commissioner of police on Monday, August 28, 2023 that police continue to be vigilant and are maintaining their presence in Enga is timely.

At least it gives a brief outline of the police plan of action. Perhaps the “calming of tensions” is the calm before the storm. We shall see.

The strategy utilised by police here under the commissioner’s name appears admirable and well founded. It is a pity that a similar strategy was not adopted in Hela in the past or during the Mt Bosavi kidnapping incident. In any case, better late than never.

It is also good to see that the strategy comprises key elements of those pioneered, tried and proven by PPC/Hela CSP Joseph Tondop in his various commands in Jiwaka, SHP, WHP, Enga and now Hela, specifically the community outreach component. Unfortunately, Tondop was never given the support he needed at PHQ level but despite all that he achieved resounding success. If we are to be honest

They

and do a critical analysis of policing in PNG, Tondop achieved in these provinces what Anthony Wagambie achieved in Lae as Met Supt/Lae. Wagambie was rewarded with a promotion to ACP while Tondop is still marking time as a Chief Superintendent. Funnily enough, many other officers who have achieved absolutely nothing apart from warming seats have been promoted. A reflection of the criteria Manning uses. The media statement by Dr Mitna sheds some light on the thoughts of police leadership going into Enga and I hope and pray they are successful seeing as this time round. There is no reason for failure as from the resources being committed here, I am certain there is a large war chest of funds available to draw from to achieve the strategic intent.

My only concern is the people who are expected to execute the intent. ACP Kua is an experienced SSD man. Is he the man for a multi-targeted operation of this type? The tools mentioned by Mitna are offensive tools.

To compliment these, he has developed Task Force Miok. Given the strategy is based on one developed by another officer, it would make absolute logic for the strategy designer to take the lead instead of another who had no clue of such conceptualisations.

Another small consideration is the calibre of leadership of the leader of such operations. The question here now is; what is the level of respect Kua commands on the ground from Engans?

What has he done that Engans know in Enga? Will he be able to walk the talk? These are not rhetoric but fundamental and critical questions.

They are the reasons why we have the current situation there because those talking did not walk it. That is the reason why Hela has changed – because the leader walked the talk personally and did not just send his men to walk for him.

If Kua can do that, then well and good.

Know that Jesus loves you

I NEVER really believed it until it happened that night.

I went into the classroom to choose how to take my own life. This is it I said. I rather die peacefully than to live on with all the pains. The suffering I was going through took the best of me. No one was with me that night in the classroom.

All I could think of was the low grades I was getting. The family challenges I was going through. In simple words, all I saw was darkness. Four methods of killing came into my mind. Stab myself to death. Hang myself to death. Jump off the cliff near the school mess of Kerevat National High School. Finally, I would climb to the top of the mountain beside the school admin where there was a Southern Cross tank and just jump head first.

It was all a matter of choosing one. Before I did, a white flash of light came into my mind. Then popped up a question. What if you die tomorrow? What will happen to your siblings? What will happen to your community? What will happen to your province? What will happen to your country? I knew this was

10 years ago

Students, focus on your studies and goals

not ordinary. I was still a low student. I was still going through my struggles. However, that encounter, I knew was out of the norm. Then I saw a statement in my mind.

“You are like a stone thrown into the water. Though your life feels like sinking, like the stone, it is creating ripple effects.”

I never understood it at the time. All I felt was a peace I cannot understand. People say they find Jesus.

For me, I don’t think Jesus was lost.

I was the lost one. He found me that night. If He didn’t, I won’t be writing this. This is the first time I openly share this. I don’t normally do it. By the leadership of the Spirit of God, I am writing this to you. Jesus loves you.

Even if you are like me, you don’t love yourself. Jesus still loves you. That night was my turning point. I cried till morning. That happened eight years ago. My two siblings are now in Universities. God’s grace enabled me to touch and inspire thousands of lives with ripple effects.

GLEN BURUA AUTHOR/SPEAKER

YOU should focus on your studies.

You should focus on your goals and dreams. You should focus on what matters to your studies and goals.

A boy-girl friend relationship is a waste of time, energy, and resources. It will distract you from the things that really matter.

It will blind you and lead you to blindly and foolishly go after unnecessary things. It will give you unnecessary depression, sleepless nights, countless heartbreaks without your parents knowledge, poor grades, and toxic habits and thoughts.

Many primary and secondary students spend more time with their peers than on their studies and goals. When they are in the classroom, they’re on their phones when the teachers are not around.

And even for some, even when the teacher is in front, they’ll be on their phones. This is a common trend happening in schools across the nation.

That is why many lose focus, get poor grades, and then blame the teacher as an excuse.

They tell many lies to their hardworking parents. Many teachers try their best to teach them, but these students do not put their priorities right. They focus more on their social life.

If you’re one of these students, take heed of this message.

To excel academically, you need to set your priorities right. After this, work according to your priorities. Use your time, energy, and resources according to your set priorities.

Put God first, your studies and

goals second, and then your family.

Put that person aside. You may be wasting your time on your peers. Remember that the future is unpredictable. People change when they want to. They leave when they want to. That person you may be with is someone else’s wife or husband. That is why you have to focus not on them but on your studies and goals. There are many married people who can tell you about their experiences. They will tell you exactly what I’m telling you. Remember that concentrating more on your social life at the early stages of education is not a blessing but a distraction.

ABEL TOPIDIK RUDOLF

This to me is the opportunity to make the rest of the world know what the country can offer and put PNG on the map through music. It would not be possible without my management Bassline.

Parliament and its unique ways

BY BARNEY ORERE borere@spp.com.pg

SOMEBODY brought in a bag of sweet potatoes the other day so we thought about it. Our parliament was first created in 1964 as the House of Assembly and became the National Parliament of Papua New Guinea in 1975 when independence was attained. The House of Assembly was located in downtown Port Moresby. According to parliament’s history the building had previously been a hospital. Some years ago the building was demolished and a replica recreated to be a political museum/library.

Parliament House in Waigani was opened by His Royal Highness, Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, on August 8, 1984. Papua New Guinea parliament is a single chamber legislature consisting of elected representatives. The chamber is the main meeting room where formal decisions of parliament are made.

RESPECT AND SANCTITY

There are two main sections – the floor of parliament where the elected representatives are seated. Only elected representatives and parliamentary staff can enter the floor of the chamber. There is an exception to this rule and that is ceremonial occasions.

The public gallery is at a higher level in the chamber so the people can observe parliament from above while it is in session. Above still is the press gallery. It can really get boring up there sometimes. They can clearly see who is participating and who is not.

The focal point of the chamber is the Speaker’s chair which is in the centre. It represents the highest authority of parliament and must be respected always.

Our parliament has a large public gallery that is much larger than many parliaments elsewhere.

The Standing Orders of National Parliament do not specifically include the rules of behaviour of people in the gallery. However, the public must not participate in any way with what is happening on the floor in the chamber. They should remain silent and cannot clap or interject. If people do not respect these unwritten rules, parliament staff will remove them from the gallery.

When the public enter the gallery they should face the Speaker’s chair and take a bow as a mark of respect for the authority of parliament.

AUTHORITY OF PARLIAMENT

Do not abuse it. The parliamentary crest shows a Bird-of-Paradise sitting on the Mace, a ceremonial club that signifies the authority of parliament, and is placed in front of the Speaker. The Mace is carried into parliament by the Sergeant-atArms in front of the Speaker when the Speaker enters parliament. It is carried out in the same way at the end of the daily sitting.

The Mace is made of silver, heavily plated with pure gold. Encased within the head is a polished stone ball symbolic of a stone war club – a traditional weapon – in many parts of Papua New Guinea.

The ceremonial tradition of the Mace comes from the British Parliament. The Australian Commonwealth Government presented the Mace to the people of PNG during the opening of the first House of Assembly on June 8, 1964.

Members of National Parliament are elected from 89 single Member electorates and 22 regional electorates. The regional electorates correspond to PNG’s 20 provinces plus the Autonomous Region of Bougainville and the National Capital District. Members from Regional electorates also serve as governors; each province has its own Provincial Assembly and Administration.

To date, all governments have been coalitions. Historically there has been a high turnover of parliamentarians at General Elections. In 2002, for example, around 80 per cent of sitting MPs lost their seats. In 2012, the figure was almost 60 per cent with 45 incumbents re elected. In the 2017 General Election, a high number of independents were elected. While the high number of independent candidates elected was a surprise to the observing

getting elected. They were Julie Soso, as governor of Eastern Highlands, Loujaya Duna as MP for Lae, and Delilah Gore as MP for Sohe, in Northern Province. They unsuccessfully defended their seats in 2017. On the flip side, we’ve seen more independents elected in 2017 than ever before in the face of party politics being strongly pursued. The lack of representation in parliament by women is painting a kind of picture for gender imbalance in the PNG society and does not augur well for men in general. The truth is; it’s the fluidity of politics in PNG.

GUNS, GUNS, GUNS

There is also a huge concern about gun control. General Jerry Singirok’s gun control committee report has been collecting dust for several years. The implication for women to campaign with guns on the loose is quite obvious. The issue of gun control, among other things, will help address the issue of women in parliament.

Prime Minister of the time, Peter O’Neill, an ardent supporter of the cause of women, put a spin on the conversation when he said that, while there had been considerations surrounding the reserved seat debate, surprisingly this was

public, many helped formed the old regime to continue in office. Some independents, on the other hand, chose to sit in the Opposition. The PNG Constitution protects new governments from parliamentary motions-of-no confidence during the first 18 months of a five-year term. Once the moratorium expires, a successful no-confidence motion may result in a new prime minister forming a government without the need for a national election.

If the no-confidence motion occurs during the last 12 months of a fiveyear term, a national election must be held. Generally though, changes in government following motions of no confidence have been a characteristic of PNG politics since independence. The politicians who thrive by playing dirty fingernail politics are still there.

They somehow get re elected time and time again even if their performance in the districts they represent are questionable. In national politics, they make noise but it is all about themselves. That is how the country has gone down. Grow up and stop blaming Prime Ministers or the finger pointing and accusations. The world watches and laughs while the intelligent people of PNG are bored stiff.

CLOSING THE GENDER GAP

A large number of women candidates contested the 2017 General Election. There was some debate about women members of parliament after the 2007 General Election and in 2012 three women succeeded in

rejected by women themselves. In May 2019, he said that four regional seats would be created for appointed women MPs. One effective way of addressing this issue is; for more women to get into the political party apparatus and pre selecting them in winnable positions.

WARS, WARS, WARS

Politics and weather appear to have something in common. Right now, strong winds are blowing and the dry season seems to be digging in. It is politicians who start wars and wars are not only about guns, ammunitions and projectiles. It is disgusting if wars start in the peoples’ house engineered by politicians because at the end of the day people ought to come first. In politics, we’ve seen people being used as the scapegoat by politicians to serve their own interests. People know this and they detest it. Yet the politicians have the guts to continue audaciously.

OH, HERE WE GO AGAIN

Instead of solving national issues, they use politics to gain control and its back to yesterday where nothing really takes place. Then the whole thing becomes like clock work. This bad politics is still evident as Papua New Guinea approaches its Golden Anniversary.

The people of Papua New Guinea may have a subdued opinion but the quality of life must improve.

The people deserve change after 48 years of independence. The country is tired.

GLORIOUS sunrise over Walter Bay, Koke, National Capital District. The next bay around the eastern bend is called Joyce Bay. - PICTURE: BARNEY ORERE. BELOW: Parliament grounds and (RIGHT) PC file cartoon.

I’m never too old to sell, says 75-year-old

BY THEOPHILES SINGH tsingh@spp.com.pg

MARKETING is as basic as breathing air or walking, and anyone can do it if they have the patience to sell, says Sam Aruo.

Sam is 75-years-old and has being selling fresh produce at the Waigani market in Port Moresby for decades since the late nineties.

What was seen as a quick short cut to sustain him and his family after his retirement, has become a full-time job for this old timer, and he reveals that he is not giving up anytime soon.

He encourages many other young men to choose marketing as means to earn a sustainable and honest income, instead of turning to drugs and criminal activities.

“I used to be a driver, working in many different companies back in the old days.

“ I was foolish however, and I should have saved every penny I got for my retirement. My reckless spending as a young man has come back to haunt me, forcing me to work even though I am at the retirement age,” he said.

“It is not all that bad. I am happy to be here and I enjoy selling food and making money.

“This small market has brought me this far, and I am still going to sell regardless of what other people say.”

“So long as I have money in my pocket, I am happy. The important thing is that I have enough to take care of my immediate needs. I encourage other unemployed men to do the same. Through this market, I have purchased a small piece of land, I have my own house and can afford living in this expensive city.”

He highlighted that it is never too late to start all over or get a fresh start, life is all about making mistakes and learning.

“This is my bread and butter and I am proud of what I do. I am feeding families and at the same time sustaining myself. I will continue on selling for as long as I can,” he said.

Dry weather affects mother’s sales

BY THEOPHILES SINGH

THE prolonged dry weather in parts of Central Province and the impending El Nino drought has slowly begun affecting the supply of garden food into markets across Port Moresby.

Numerous villages have reported a severe decline in their usual harvest, others have reported a slow onset of the dry weather.

As the supply of these garden foods decrease, prices on the other hand, are expected to steadily increase due the city’s high demand for fresh produce.

A vendor at Waigani market has highlighted that she is coming to the market with half her usual supply of garden foods.

Mother of five Kila Agiri from Boregaina village, Rigo district, has raised concerns that their gardens are beginning to completely dry up and there is no sign of any rain.

“The leaves of our garden plants are beginning to turn brown.

“Underneath the ground, insects, mites and other animals are damaging our crops.

“We also have birds eating up all the banana, and we are

beginning to see other animals also digging up our food,” she said.

“Our small water sources are beginning to dry up and we can see that the water levels at our large rivers have dropped significantly.”

“I am unable to come here with my full harvest because we have suffered a heavy loss with damaged crops and dried up greens.

“I do not know about other parts of Central, but we are really suffering at our end.”

“This has put a strain on our revenue, decreasing our small

income to very low levels.

“With the current high cost of living, we are in an uncertain condition”.

She explains that the strong winds and cold nights are also impacting the crops. The dry soil and hot weather are not even conducive to grow new food crops and vegetables.

“I fear only for my children, which is the same for every mother in my village. We do not know how long this will last, and we cannot be for sure if it will end soon.

“We just hope and pray for rain,” she said.

WAIGANI market’s oldest vendor, 75-year-old Sam Aruo, from Kainantu, Eastern Highlands selling his fresh produce at the Waigani Market in Port Moresby. PICTURE: THEOPHILES SINGH.

Seminar on politics, governance set

PAPUA New Guinea’s National Research Institute will host a Politics and Governance Seminar in Lae, Morobe Province, from August, 31, 2023 to 1st September, 2023.

The seminar will take a critical look at the Decentralisation of Powers and Functions for 22 Sub-national Economies.

Prior to Independence and after Independence, we have seen that the coordination and delivery of services in the provinces has shifted overtime.

The national departments and agencies have shifted the attention to the provinces to raise their own funds, to provide extension services, provide advisory and training services and to develop bottom-up planning and policies and to determine and deliver the province’s own economic programs to deal with the populace.

There have been suggestions for the review of the 1995 Provincial Government Reform. However, there should be a review of the Decentralisation of Powers and Functions to make 22 strong subnational economies within the PNG economy.

The provinces have been made overly reliant on the distribution of taxes including development and functional grants from the national government. Provinces have powers to do business, collect own revenue, charge taxes and levies, borrow money, and do investments but these are curbed or not encouraged. Should PNG learn from the Australian Federal and State arrangements or adopt a hybrid to ensure provinces encourage and invest in certain business, industries, and trade to develop own economies to contribute to GDP?

As the nation heads towards celebrating its 48 years of Independence on September, 16, the seminar is timely as it will bring together the Provincial Administrators and Governors to contribute their perception and challenges and opportunities in developing own economies. It will bring together professionals, experts, practitioners, and leaders in national, provincial, district and LLG administration to map out functional and program responsibilities and the inherent weaknesses and opportunities in the current system. Further, the seminar will provide a platform for meaningful and constructive dialogue on service implementation by provincial governments while national agencies to supervise and monitor and evaluate the outcomes.

Lae-Kabwum highway road work underway

costly and the initiative by the Morobe governor to push for the road project will be the priority development for the district.

BY ANCILLA ILAVE ailave@spp.com.pg

THE launching of he construction work on the new Lae-Kabwum highway will take place at the end of this month.

The much-anticipated highway is the vital infrastructure development that will enable locals to travel to Lae via road.

Transportation at Kabwum district has always been a challenge which is why the project is welcomed by the local people.

District Secretary and PSIP coordinator Sebastian Singery said the people travel by air and sea which is

A team of 34 local trackers and an another nine from Burum village were sent to Indagen in preparation for the launching on Thursday 31, August.

The trackers were sent to assess the situation.

The management team has also made a trip to Indagen to meet with the trackers to supply materials to help the team on the ground to carry out awareness and consultation with the locals in the district.

“Kabwum people has never seen Lae through road which is sad and is a need for them,” Mr Singery.

He said the locals are aware that

Treasurer inspects Kilcoy Global Food in QLD

development is taking place and raised concern that they want to form Incorporated Land Groups.

He said it has been four-years since the Prime Minister James Marape made a commitment of K100 million for the construction of the Lae-Kabwum road.

“I am appealing to the Prime Minister to support governor Luther Wenge to fulfil his commitment because it would be a challenge for the district when the road is under construction, therefore Mr Marape need to honour his commitment,” Mr Singery said.

The Lae-Kabwum highway is the governor’s priority project and Mr Singery is calling on the National Government to support this initiative.

USAID grants to protect endangered leatherback turtle

IMPROVED worker preparation for employment within the meat processing industry in Australia will generate increased demand, as well as provide higher wages, for PNG workers in Australia, Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey said.

He said visiting the Kilcoy Global Foods modern meat processing operations outside of Brisbane in Australia this week, who earlier this year, mobilised 41 workers from PNG under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.

“The PNG Labour Mobility Unit (LMU), are keen to introduce the appropriate curriculum adopted in Australia for PNG, for the accreditation of our meat workers wishing to work in Australia, to give them the best opportunity to both, gaining employment and maximising their wages,” Mr Ling-Stuckey said.

He said in this regard, he would seek an audience with the relevant oversight Minister from both the Australian and Queensland Governments, to determine how this can best be achieved including meeting with the Australian meat processors corporation who are R&D specialists for the industry including training.

THE United States Agency for International Development through its PNG Lukautim Graun program (USAID LGP) is working to protect Papua New Guinea’s rich biodiversity with the awarding of small grants to non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

These funds will reduce threats to biodiversity, strengthen traditional landowner’s rights, and promote women’s economic empowerment.

Madang based non-government organisation, Mas Kagin Tapani Association (MAKATA), is among the recipients of these small grants involved in empowering local communities to protect species of critically endangered leatherback sea

turtles that share their coastal regions.

With grant support from USAID LGP, MAKATA conducted community journalism training at Alexishafen, Sumkar district, Madang province, to equip coastal communities with skills and tools to create impact news content that depicts the protection of these turtles and other marine species.

Over a two-week period, 32 participants were taught basic content production techniques with handson demonstration on the use of the camera to capture photos and video footage using android phones.

The training also delved into the role of traditional media in citizen

engagement, offering insights into strategies that increase audience involvement.

The participants were also trained to engage policy makers, corporate entities, NGOs, donors, and other stakeholders with their content.

With a focus on environmental stewardship, the program aims to ignite voices from local communities, community based organisations, civil society organisations, churches and schools.

After the training, graduates received certificates recognising their newly acquired skills and their contribution to positive transformations in their respective communities.

“ I was pleased to have met several workers from NCD, Central, Manus and Chimbu provinces, who whileexpressing that working in such clean and modern facilities was hard work, it was never the less, a privileged opportunity to gain employment and experience to further their careers and work opportunities,” he said.

All 41 workers, who are nearing their 5-6 months on site, have signed long term contracts of three years and are employed as meat processes under entry level one job classification.

The job duties include cleaning, grinding, packaging meat all the way to sorting meat and labelling packages.

PARTICIPANTS displaying their certificates after a two week community journalism training.

TREASURER inspects KGF QLDs.

Picture courtesy of Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey

If you have a story to tell, call us on 76725260/72854454 or email: mal.taimeh@gmail.com

Marape tells critics to work with DDAs

plan for Obura-Wonenara district in Eastern Highlands Province last Friday.

“The politicians get their pays, and so the public servants.

BY NELSON JOE njoe@spp.com.pg

PRIME Minister James Marape has called on critics to work with the district development authorities in order to hold them accountable.

He made this appeal at the launching of the five-year development

“To those who criticise DDAs, stop doing this from Port Moresby,” Mr Marape said.

“Come back to your district and hold your MP accountable for the funds from the national government.

“You have the right to inquire.

“Those funds are not for the MPs, their families or their supporters.

“But the development funds are yours.”

He said the accountable mechanisms have been put in place to monitor the DDAs.

He said they can use this mechanism to hold the DDAs accountable.

“If you see that the DDAs have misused the funds, you can take them to court,” Mr Marape continued.

He said the Parliament has es-

tablished the much-talked about Independent Commission Against Corruption with commissioners from overseas with no affiliations to anyone in PNG to carry out their functions independently.

He said the ICAC is necessary to monitor the implementation of government policies at the lower level backed up with allocations in the budgets.

“It is not fair that the government has allocated funding sup-

Niningi: Tertiary fee support only for govt institutions

BY MEROLYN TEN

THE K1 million tertiary school fee assistance from the Imbonggu District Development Authority grant is strictly for Government run institutions, says Imbonggu District MP

Pila Niningi

DDA Chief Executive Officer Joseph Timothy also made this statement before presenting tuition fee cheques to the Mendi School of Nursing and at the Our Lady of Lourdes Community Health Workers Training School.

The presentation was made at the school in the Walume Township of Imbonggu district, Southern Highlands Province.

This statement was made after complaints came from Imbonggu students attending private institutions on the unfair distribution of tuition fees from the DDA.

“About 900 Imbonggu students attending public tertiary institutions in the country were privileged to have their tuition fees paid.

“These are students who have been living in the district only which in-

cludes students from other provinces residing in the district for years,” CEO Timothy said. He said the 900 students were selected by the district School Fee Working Committee (SFWC) based on a strict criteria.

“When a student applies for school fee assistance, the SFWC checks whether he or she meets our criteria based on school acceptance letter, students’ identification cards, continuing letter and other necessary documentations as required,” the CEO explained.

MP Niningi, who is also the Minister for Justice and Attorney General, added that for the last five years, the District Development Authority (DDA) was concentrating more on the infrastructural development of the electorate leaving tertiary school fees to the parents to pay alone. “ However, now the DDA has come on board with the initiative of alleviating school fee load from local parents especially by budgeting K1 million for each year on tertiary institutions tuition fees,” Mr Niningi said.

Goroka Show receives K100,000 from EHP provincial Govt

BY NELSON JOE

THE Eastern Highlands provincial government has contributed K100,000 towards the 67th Goroka show this year.

Governor Simon Sia yesterday (Tuesday) presented the contribution to the Goroka Show Committee chairlady Keryn Hargreaves in Goroka.

The governor said the show is significant as it coincides with Papua New Guinea's independence anniversary and Eastern Highlands is proud to host an avenue where people can come and display their cultural identities and keep them alive.

Ms Hargreaves thanked the provincial government for the support for this year’s show and expressed hope for continuous support going forward.

She announced that they have also received K30,000 from the Embassy of China last week.

“We look forward to receiving the

Ambassador of China to PNG on the show day," Ms Hargreaves said.

“It is set for September 16 and 17, to be preceded by Pikinini Day festival on September 15.

“Preparation is on track.”

She acknowledged more interest

to be involved in this year's Goroka show.

“Time is of essence as we have already bought materials for the building of the stalls and it will take time to look for materials to build new stalls," Ms Hargreaves contin-

ued and highlighted its historical significance.

“Goroka show is the oldest and biggest cultural show in the country where we come to see that culture is very much alive in Papua New Guinea.”

Forgotten Muglamp road finally gets rehab

BY MAL TAIME

THE deteriorating road from Ambra junction to Muglamp district office and Muglamp Bridge in Dei District of Western Highlands Province has finally got a face-lift.

The district development authority under the chairmanship of MP Steven Pim gave the recognition to maintain and upgrade the road for the betterment of the district public servants with more than 10000 to 15,000 people living there to access.

A local construction company has been already engaged to work on the approximately 5-7km road that gave a nod for the people to travel with the bridge at the cost of K3 million.

Project coordinator Ismile Wama said the Dei district people with the district public servants would no longer have a problem traveling to their district office.

Mr Wama said since the road was neglected it prevented the people from travelling and also prevented the public servants from travelling to work.

The people have been struggled for travelling would now be put to ease.

Mr Wama said this was because they had their garden cash crops such as coffee, kaukaun, bananas and many others would be transported to the Mt Hagen main market.

He said people carry their heavy

bags of crops from Muglamp and walk to Mt Ambra to get on the PMV via Mt Hagen main market.

Mr Wama said, on behalf of the ward members, the people came out openly to thank their local MP Mr Pim with his DDA team for making a wise decision to maintain and upgrade the neglected road.

He said the people said despite Mr Pim battling with his court case, he continued to deliver effectively to the suffering people so that they would see services come into their district.

Mr Wama said Muglamp was the only districts headquarter for the people of Dei district but because of negligence for over a decade, it was

port and yet there is no work on the ground where 80-90 per cent of the population is,” the prime minister said.

“This law is already in place.

“Now I ask all the working professionals to go back home, work with your respective districts and hold your DDAs accountable that there is work on the ground and the work is equivalent to the level of the funding support from the national government.”

Imbonggu gets K7 mil for district policing

BY MEROLYN TEN

THE Imbonggu District Development Authority has injected more than K7 million kina into policing in the district to alleviate law and order problems.

This funding was planned and put into building the new Police station at the Walume Junction with all office equipment, furniture and stationeries positioned in the respective divisions.

“Establishing a police station at the Walume Junction was a need for the fact that travellers would also feel safe travelling through this part of the highlands highway at any time,” said Imbonggu District Development Authority Chief Executive Officer Joseph Timothy.

He said as part of the policing project, two 10-seater Landcruiser vehicles were also bought for the police officers to use during duty hours.

Mr Timothy said a total of eight police officers were already posted to the new police station while another 10 or so would arrive by next year.

The CEO said Imbonggu district has no record in major crimes or tribal conflicts except occasional petty crime occurrences.

“Imbonggu district is a very peace loving place where people mind their own daily businesses and are friendly to outsiders, unlike other places in the Southern Highlands Province.

not operating effectively.

He said the maintenance work on the road had been done already and they would put gravels and it may be sealed.

Mr Wama said also the bridge had been removed but fortunately it was replaced and the people needed such kind of leader despite he was still fighting for the court case.

He said despite all odds the people needed services because this was their funds and they could not be denied any government service.

Mr Wama said the people of Dei district deserve more services and they would reserve under the leadership of Mr Pim in his tenure in parliament.

For that reason, other Southern Highlanders have fled to Imbonggu to settle and work here for a comfortable life,” he said.

Mr Timothy added that in line with the law and order projects, three newly constructed Courthouses for the District, National and Supreme Court hearings were near completion.

These two district courthouse were funded by the National Government through the leadership of the Attorney General Pila Niningi. Also the local MP for the Imbongu District, Minister Niningi through the District Development Authority (DDA), has made counterpart funding of K450 000 for the completion of the buildings.

EASTERN Highlands Governor Simon Sia presenting a K100,000 cheque to Goroka Show Committee chairlady Keryn Hargreaves. PICTURE NELSON JOE

PILA Niningi

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School rewarded

NEW Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan was at Pinikidu primary school and Rangalis station where he presented awards as a reward for their cleanliness under the government’s village beautification program.

Prior to that, Sir Julius paid homage to the late Stephen Mokis at

his resting place at Luburua village.

At Pinikidu primary school, the Governor in giving due recognition presented K4,000; K2000 was for 2022 and K2000 for 2023.

While at Rangalis station, they received K2,000 as just reward for 2023.

The monetary awards were

paid directly into the recipient’s accounts.

Sir Julius commended the efforts of the students, teachers and parents of Pinikidu primary school for continuing to keep the school clean and more importantly teaching the children a culture of cleanliness and hygiene at an early age.

Delegation visit to NIP

PACIFIC ICT Ministers delegation led by Minister for Communication and Information Technology Timothy Masiu arrived in Kavieng on Monday afternoon after a successful one day meeting in Port Moresby.

The New Ireland visit is part of the Ministers retreat and is an opportune time to showcase the beauty of Bilas Peles to our Pacific friends.

The delegation were treated to a delicious welcome dinner at Nusa Resort and witnessed a mini Shark-Calling and cultural festival at Lasigi, East Coast Sentral LLG.

New ENBPHA board members sworn in

BY DIANNE WILSON

THE East New Britain Provincial Health Authority (ENBPHA) has officially sworn in new members of its board on Monday August, 28, at the Malapau Beach Resort in Kokopo.

The new board members were officially sworn in by senior Magistrate Leornard Mesmin and was witnessed by East New Britain Governor Michael Marum, his deputy Boniface Gerep, Kokopo MP Ereman Tobaining Jnr, Acting Provincial administrator Levi Mano and officers of the ENBPHA and relevant stakeholders.

The ENBPHA CEO Dr. Ako Yap congratulated and welcomed on board the members and said the newly appointed members are now the ultimate authority in health matters in the province.

“The role of the ENB PHA Board is to provide strategic direction and leadership, and also you are the ultimate authority in health matters in the province. As the Board is now in place, these members bring in a wide range of skills, experience and motivation into the PHA.

11 suspects in custody for theft in Lorengau

ELEVEN suspects have been remanded in custody at the Lorengau Correctional Services for their involvement in a theft at the new N’draukai Township, Pobuma LLG, Manus.

Provincial Police Commander for Manus, Chief Inspector Kiweri Kesambi said more suspects are still at large and police are continuing their investigation.

“A substantial amount of valuable building materials, vehicle machinery parts and lubricants were stolen at the new site,” said Chief Inspector Kesambi. The arrests followed a two-week long special police operation after a complaint was made. The eleven suspects were each formally charged with three counts of stealing, break enter and being in possession of stolen properties. Chief Inspector Kesambi said that the identities of some of the suspects still at large are known to police.

PINIKIDU primary school students receive the New Ireland Governor.

PACIFIC ICT Ministers delegation visit New Ireland province.

Benefits of AdBlue

Bald tyres are dangerous

BALD tyres at worst might cost you your life while bald tyres at its best will save you money. Road safety has and still is a concern in the country due to the increasing number of road accidents we see every day.

A bald tyre is one that has seen so much use that its rubber has gradually been worn down through contact with the road, reducing tread depth to a dangerously low level and exposing the tread wear bars.

ability to create friction with road surfaces.

ADBLUE a diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) that is injected into the exhaust system of diesel vehicles to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. AdBlue is an aqueous urea solution that helps reduce harmful emissions from diesel engines.

It is a non-toxic liquid that’s colorless in appearance and is essentially a solution of water and urea – a substance found in urine. However, in AdBlue, the urea is exceptionally pure and is of a higher grade than that used

in cosmetics, glue or fertilizers. Similarly, the water is demineralized, which is far cleaner than water from the tap.

According to Ra Villorente of the 2Fast Motors in Port Moresby, AdBlue has proven to be a leading technology for reducing the harmful Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) emissions from diesel engines that contribute to local air pollution.

“It helps reduce harmful emissions from diesel engines and has other benefits.

“A major benefit of using AdBlue is it reduces the emissions of mono-nitrogen oxide from vehicles. This in turn reduces the negative impact your vehicle has on the environment, allowing you to become eco-friendlier.,” explains Mr. Villorente He said AdBlue not only improves the environment but being a nonflammable substance, it is both safer and inexpensive. Customers can check at any of the 2Fast shops in town to get AdBlue fluids at affordable rates.

A new car tyre begins life with approximately 8-9mm of tread depth. Legally, you can drive on them until they reach a minimum depth of the tread of 1.6 mm, across 75% of the tyre’s width and all around its circumference. The tyres of a vehicle form the essential bond between your vehicle and the ground. The tread grips the road as you drive but if not deep enough, your car losses traction and suffers extended braking times. However, consider that safe driving in wet weather conditions is affected by the tread depth, the pattern design and the rubber compound of the tread of your tyres. On wet roads braking performance will progressively decline with lower tread depths. On wet roads there is an additional increased risk of aquaplaning with fading tread depths. In the worst cases, a bald tyre might have no tread at all and will be smooth, drastically affecting its

Tread depth is one of the most important features of a tyre when it comes to safety, providing grip to the road surface and preventing your vehicle from losing traction. The more a tyre is used though, the more the tread is worn away. If you ddon’t replace them, eventually your tyres would degrade down to the point where they’re considered bald tyres, and that’s not good news for your safety on the road.

Checking your tyres’ tread depth is important to know whether or not your car tyre is fit to be on the road. Firstly, check out the tread wear indicators that are built into the grooves of your tyres. There are small horizontal bars that are evenly spaced around the tyre’s edge. Once your tyre has worn level with these bars, you have reached your minimum depth and your tyre will need replacing. Also bear in mind though that these indicators tell you when you’ve reached 1.6mm and safe driving in wet weather might already be affected as mentioned above.

TREADED TYRES

Tyre treads give the tyre traction ability on the road. Tyre treads significantly affect the performance of your car once worn out. Tread patterns and types differ to fit every kind of intended vehicle delivery. Treads provide ardent benefits which include, enhancing smooth acceleration, corner tighter and brake firmly and quickly. They also aid in maximizing fuel economy which saves money in the long run. Also, it gives the vehicle the power to handle off-road instances irrespective of the terrain efficiently.

PICTURE SOURCE: sstire.com

A more accurate measurement can be taken using tyre gauges. These come in many different forms from laminated cards with colour indicators to digital tyre depth gauges. You simply place the gauge into the tyre’s groove and you will see how close you are to reaching your minimum depth. To advertise

pages

Kevin Vane, Salesman at 2Fast car accessories shop at Vision City. PICTURE SUPPLIED

Chile heavy rains likely cause of over K3.6b in agriculture losses

SANTIAGO: HEAVY rains in Chile’s central south farming region last week may have caused at least US$1 billion (K3.6 billion) in losses, according to estimates by authorities and the industry.

The extreme weather conditions led the government to declare a state of catastrophe last week as dangerous rains pounded isolated communities and at least three people dead.

The government of President Gabriel Boric issued last week an agricultural emergency for 100 municipalities, approving some $8.3 million to replace irrigation infrastructure, canal systems and other aid measures for farmers, who

called for more help. “We are talking about damage of more than $1 billion,” the president of the National Agricultural Society (SNA), Antonio Walker, said at a press conference after meeting with Chilean Agriculture Minister Esteban Valenzuela on Monday.

“There is damage to small, medium and large farmers, producers that supply the local market and also a lot of orchards that are dedicated to export,” he added.

Aside from damage to irrigation systems and riverside areas, there were also losses of fruit and vegetable orchards and fodder for animals, Valenzuela told reporters. - BBC

Ex-Iran minister to be denied temporary residency in Canada

OTTAWA: CANADA will deny temporary residency to Iran’s former health minister Hassan Ghazizadeh Hashemi, Canadian Immigration Minister Marc Miller said on Monday, citing Tehran’s human rights record, after Hashemi was reportedly seen in Montreal.

“Based on an assessment of the relevant facts recently brought to my attention, I have exercised my authority under s. 22.1 of the IRPA to prevent Mr Seyed Hassan Ghazizadeh Hashemi from becoming a temporary resident of Canada for the maximum period of 36 months,”

Miller said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

Section 22 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act gives the Canadian immigration minister the authority to deny temporary residency to a foreign national for up to three years.

“The decision itself, as communicated to the individual, is tied to Iran’s disregard for human rights,” Miller added, without disclosing Hashemi’s location, whether he had sought residency, or how the information was conveyed. Hashemi served as the minister of health for

the Iranian government from 2013 to 2019 under former President Hassan Rouhani. He was widely seen as the key official behind a 2014 launch of a plan for universal medical insurance.

Iran International, a US-based news outlet focused on the Iranian diaspora, reported earlier in August that Hashemi was spotted in Montreal. It

CHILDREN’S VOICE VITAL

SUVA: Governments must respond to growing concerns expressed by children about the effects of the climate crisis and other environmental emergencies on their lives and futures, a UN body has said. In a strongly worded formal opinion published on Monday, the Committee on the Rights of the Child concludes that the triple planetary crisis – the climate emergency, the collapse of biodiversity and pervasive pollution – “is an urgent and systemic threat to children’s rights globally”.

HAITI POLICE OPS ON

cited screenshots from a promotional video for the Quebec province’s tourism industry.

Reuters could not independently verify the presence of Hashemi in Montreal.

Canada cut diplomatic ties with Iran in 2012 and listed the country as a supporter of extremism.

It also recently imposed sanctions on Iran over alleged human rights abuses and the killing of Mahsa Amini, a woman who died in the custody of Iran’s morality police that enforced strict dress codes.REUTERS

PORT-AU-PRINCE: Haiti’s police chief, Frantz Elbe, said on Monday he would launch an operation to recover the bodies of followers of an evangelical minister who led a deadly protest against a heavily armed gang controlling a suburb of the capital. At least seven people were killed when gang members opened fire using machine guns in the northern suburb of Canaan on Saturday, according to local rights group CARDH.

US, ALLIES TRAINING

SEOUL: The United States, South Korea and Japan staged joint naval missile defence drills off the Korean peninsula on Tuesday, as North Korea accused Washington and its allies of creating “the most unstable waters with the danger of a nuclear war.” The three nations staged exercises in international waters off South Korea’s southern Jeju island. - Agencies

Earthquake 7.0 hits Indonesia’s Bali

JAKARTA: A STRONG earthquake of 7.0 magnitude struck deep in the sea north of Bali and Lombok islands in Indonesia early on Tuesday, the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) said, sending residents running out of buildings.

The quake’s epicentre was 203 km (126 miles) north of Mataram, Indonesia, and very deep at 516 km below the Earth’s surface, EMSC said.

Indonesian and US geological agencies pegged the magnitude at 7.1, with no threat of a tsunami.

The quake was felt just before 4am (2000 GMT) across coastal areas in Bali and Lombok and was followed by two

quakes of magnitude 6.1 and 6.5, according to the Indonesian geological agency.

Guests at Bali’s Mercure Kuta Bali ran out of their rooms after feeling the tremor for a few seconds, hotel manager Suadi told Reuters by phone.

“Several guests left their rooms but were still in the hotel area,” he said, adding they have since returned and there was no damage to the building. There were no immediate reports of damage, Indonesian disaster agency BNPB said.

“The quake is deep so it should not be destructive,” BNPB spokesperson Abdul Muhari said. -REUTERS

Florida governor declares state of emergency ahead of expected landfall

TAMPA: FLORIDA residents loaded up on sandbags and evacuated from homes in lowlying areas along the Gulf Coast as Tropical Storm Idalia intensified Monday and forecasters predicted it would hit in days as a major hurricane with potentially life-threatening storm surges.

“You should be wrapping up your preparation for #TropicalStormIdalia tonight and Tues morning at the latest,” the National Weather Service in Tampa Bay said Monday on X, formerly known as Twitter.

As the state prepared, Idalia thrashed Cuba with heavy rain, especially in the westernmost part of the island, where

the tobacco-producing province of Pinar del Rio is still recovering from the devastation caused by Hurricane Ian almost a year ago.

Authorities in the province issued a state of alert, and residents were evacuated to friends’ and relatives’ homes as authorities monitored the Cuyaguateje river for possible flooding. As much as 10 centimeters (4 inches) of rain fell in Cuba on Sunday, meteorological stations reported.

Idalia is expected to start affecting Florida with hurricane-force winds as soon as late Tuesday and arrive on the coast by Wednesday (today local time).

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency in 46 counties, a broad swath that stretches across the northern half of the state from the Gulf Coast to the Atlantic Coast. - AP

A DOG stands at a flooded area as heavy rains hit Chile’s central-south areas, in Cabrero, Chile, August 21, 2023. PICTURE REUTERS

HASSAN Ghazizadeh Hashemi

RON DeSantis

If you have a business story to tell, call us on 309 1173 or email dluma@spp.com.pg

Market Snapshot

Concerns on hike in production costs

of frozen chicken.

PNG’s energy concerns aired at international meet

BY LORRAINE WOHI lwohi@spp.com.pg

LEADING poultry company in the country Zenag’s average chicken price from the production end is the same as it was 12 months ago, and that has never changed, according to Zenag’s boss.

General manager of Zenag Chicken Stanley Leahy told this paper that the increasing price of chicken is associated with many factors, including the increasing production costs, such as the non tax fees by IRC and Customs and shipping as the leading.

“Stockfeed accounts for approximately 70 per cent of the cost of a table egg and 55 per cent of the cost

Since January 2022, the average cost of stockfeed has increased over 23 pc, the cost of shipping an FLC of stockfeed has increased 80 per cent.

The cost of stevedoring and handling a 20ft FLC of stockfeed in Lae has increased 100 per cent,” Mr Leahy said.

Speaking on behalf of the poultry industry, Farmers and Settlers Association President Wilson Thompson urged the government to immediately rescind the imposition or reduce the non-tax fees, charges and levies that has direct bearing on the food production and domestic manufacturing sector imposed by IRC and Customs.

“People are complaining about increase in prices for food and we have clear example is price of live chicken in markets that have increased from K35 to K50 around

the country.” In matter of weeks, price of stockfeed increased from K117 to K137 per bag, price of feeding and water troughs, canvass and lamps has increased so has price of diesel, petrol and kerosene used in the poultry business,” Mr Thompson said. He said the associated production cost on manufacturers have caused increases in price of goods and services and reduced opportunities for domestic investment in increasing the capacity and size of downstream manufacturing sector. “We appreciate the strong emphasis by government on agriculture, downstream processing and food manufacturing but the we are not sure when it turns around and is charging the farmer to pay for the fertiliser, tractor, factory, water and power to go and produce something? Mr Thompson questioned.

Coffee processing training complete

Papua New Guinea was part of the 13th Energy Ministers Meeting (EMM) of the Asia Pacific Economies held in Seattle, Washington USA from the 13-16 August 2023.

The 13th EMM was attended by the Vice Minister for Petroleum and Energy, Thomas Opa, accompanied by one of the senior officials from the National Energy Authority.

At the high level plannery and session dialogues; PNG was invited to make two interventions; which was delivered by Mr Opa during the opening plannery and the dialogue on the topic ‘Just Energy Transition’.

Mr Opa spoke on the country’s achievements since its 2018 hosting year where the PNG Electricity Partnership was also signed with Australia, New Zealand, United States and Japan, the passing of the National Energy Policy and Legislation, the establishment of NEA, efforts towards rural electrification, recent amendments by Parliament to the NEA Act for improvements in rural electrification in particular off grid.

PNG also highlighted some of its challenges including heavy reliance on fossil fuel.

PNG referred to the current 30 Day Fuel Emergency in PNG, as a case on how the energy supply chain and the value chain has deteriorated in the region, and the need to strengthen these energy supply systems for broader access by economies that may trigger regulatory reform for compliance hence to avoid unilateral measures by corporate governance arrangements.

China’s Market Rescue Is Failing as Xi Holds Back on Stimulus

BEIJING, BLOOMBERG: China’s regulators face a losing battle convincing global funds to invest in the nation’s stocks unless market boosting efforts are accompanied by stronger stimulus to support growth. spending. Officials have undertaken a flurry of measures in recent days to improve battered sentiment in the world’s secondlargest stock market. They’ve urged financial institutions to snap up equities, encouraged companies to boost buybacks, and asked mutual funds to stop selling. All to little avail, with the MSCI China Index slumping a further 1.3% at the close of local markets on Friday. “Investors have been disappointed by the lack of concrete measures to boost the economy,” said Karine Hirn, partner at East Capital Asset Management.

“Without stronger measures from the government and while political tensions between China and the West continue, the market may continue trending down.” The MSCI China index has tumbled 11% this month, set for its worst performance since October and putting it in the red for a third straight year. Country Gardens Holding Co., previously China’s largest developer, has led losses in August with a 49% drop amid concern the company will default on its dollar debt. Global funds have been fleeing the mainland market, offloading almost $11 billion in a 13-day run of withdrawals through Wednesday, the longest since Bloomberg began tracking the data in 2016. Wall Street analysts are also turning more downbeat, with Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs Group Inc. lowering their targets on Chinese stocks in the past week.

COFFEE extension officers from the Coffee Industry Corporation (CIC) together with coffee stakeholders undertook a 2 weeks intensive workshop on coffee processing at the Kosem Coffee Ltd in Banz, Jiwaka Province.

The workshop started on August 14th and ended on August 25th, 2023. Participants were given hands-on training on new processing methods for Washed Honey and Natural coffee.

Workshop facilitator and owner of Kosem Coffee Limited, Mark Munnull, said all of the methods

under the two processes (honey & naturals) were recommended depending on one’s market requirements. A total of 15 processing methods (5 washed, 6 natural and 4 washed) were trialed by participants.

During the first week of the workshop, participants collected data from the two processes, measuring the sugar level of the coffee cherries using a Brix Metre, temperature readings and moisture content using a Moisture meter.

Mr Munnull said the biggest slice

of the pie was still the commodity market. For the specialty markets, it is slowly growing in PNG. He said the market is there for specialty coffee, which honey and natural processing fall under as well as the new washed processing method which is different to the traditional method PNG is known for.

“However, no one wants to risk it. We have to guarantee buyers abroad and give them confidence by getting all these things reported in terms of coffee profiles and lock in volume for a year.”

The highlight of this APEC Energy Ministerial was the public applaud by the United States on PNG’s role during the Ministerial drafting in setting discipline, and brokering deals in the statements, in order to ensure that all APEC Energy Ministers had a very comprehensive and very well balanced text including the non-binding principles.

All APEC Energy Ministers were able to approve and endorse a Chair’s Statement in a nonbinging Just Energy Transition principle for all APEC economies and support to a methane pledge reduction.

The last APEC Energy

terial was in 2015, hosted by the Philippines government.

16th APT policy, regulation forum begins today

THE 16th APT Policy and Regulation Forum for Pacific will take place in Port Moresby starting today August 30th and will end on Friday September 1st.

Organized by the National Information and Communication Technology Authority (NICTA) the PRFP-16 objectives are; Update and discuss policy and regulation trends of the Pacific countries in the post pandemic era; Discuss digital Transformation initiatives taken or can be taken by the Pacific countries and share the information ; Discuss policy and regulatory measures to promote the emergence of innovative

services through Digital Innovation and entrepreneurship; Share information on the latest digital Infrastructure developments and issues in the Pacific region, including policy and regulatory aspects.

Discuss how to build cybersecurity capacity and possible cooperation on cybersecurity’; Discuss measures to achieve digital inclusion through digital capacity building and skills development for all group of citizens including vulnerable group; Update on disaster management technology and project, share the best

practice of disaster preparedness, mitigation, and recovery process; and have a closed session among policy makers and regulators in Pacific countries to share and discuss other ICT issues of common concern to the Pacific.

The specific outcomes of the meet include but not limited to; Identified key policy and regulatory concerns of the Pacific countries; Enhanced awareness of policymakers and regulators on the latest issues in telecommunication and ICTs; Enhanced knowledge and Identified challenges of the policy makers and regulators on various

topics of thematic sessions on Digital transformation, Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Digital Infrastructure and Digital Islands, Security and Trust, Digital Capacity Building and Skills development, and Regional Engagement Global Cooperation; and Explore possible solutions and cooperation on various topics of thematic sessions on Digital transformation, Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Digital Infrastructure and Digital Islands, Security and Trust, Digital Capacity Building and Skills development, and Disaster Management.

Minis-

CIC officers and Industry participants with facilitator and owner of Kosem Coffee Ltd, Mark Munnul (centre) at the Kosem Coffee factory in Banz, Jiwaka. - PICTURE: SUPPLIED.

Organic Produce PNG addresses lack of biosecurity awareness

BY JEAN NUIA nuiaj75@gmail.com

THE owners of a shipping and transport company operating out of Kimbe, West New Britain will be doing its part to address the lack of awareness on bio-security threats for rural cocoa and copra farmers at the buying points along the north coast of West New Britain and the East New Britain border.

Freddie and Heather Matthies are the owners of Organic Produce PNG and have been serving the people of West New Britain for over five years.

Mrs Matthies realized after a three- day workshop on Regional Transboundary Animal Diseases Strategy and Awareness Workshop for the New Guinea Islands Region, that she didn’t know enough about the African Swine Fever (AFS).

“I was not properly informed in terms of the bio security risk that it faced,” said Mrs Matthies.

The workshop was held in Kokopo last week by the National Agriculture Quarantine Inspection Authority (NAQIA) and Pacific Horticultural and Agricultural Market Access Plus Program (PHAMA Plus).

“Whilst it’s (AFS) not in the NGI region it is something that we should

prepare for. The entire workshop was based on preparedness as well as informing us farmers of what bio security threats are out there and it was very important,” she said.

The couple operate two shipping vessels, MV Lilly and MV Totol, and service a route along established copra buying points at Vitu, Lavore, Kandoka, Kentenge, Aitau, Tamuniai, Gurusi, Gloucester Kilenge, Wasum, Sara and Kandrian. They also do consolidated shipping because the service is ‘sporadic’.

In addition to the shipping, the Matthies also run a medium scale piggery currently with 168 heads which they mainly sell for ‘kastom wok’.

Organic Produce PNG have agreed to transport awareness pamphlets from NAQIA and PHAMA Plus to their rural buying areas.

Mrs Matthies said: “There were a lot of takeaways from the workshop, especially to other pig farmers.

“We now have this knowledge.

“So we need to disseminate correctly the information.

“The understanding of the movement how the movement of people and livestock can affect our biosecurity for farms and crops as well,

“It’s been very informative because we were also able to touch on the Rhinoceros Beetle which is an issue if it’s not controlled…for us the copra, the coconut tree so that’s within our own interest as well.”

Rice to be commercialised

THE rapid high demand for rice consumption in East New Britain Province has spurred the provincial Government to venture into rice downstream processing, packaging and commercialisation.

Recently, the ENB Provincial Procurement Committee of the National Procurment Commission Board this week approved the engagement of Agriforlife Consultancy Services to be the provinces lead consultant in the rice commercialisation project at a cost of K150 thousand.

ENB is not new to rice farming as OISCA in Warangoi, National Agriculture Research Instite (NARI) in Kerevat and University of Natural Resources Environment (UNRE) in Vudal are some stakeholders who have been involved in small scale rice farming in the province through research and training on rice farming.

When presenting to the ENB Provincial Procurement Committee on the need for the project, acting DPI adviser, Petrus Maninga said that the agriculture and livestock sector in the province is determined to partner with experts in the province to deliver commercialisation projects to add value to local cash crops in the province. He added that Agriforlife Consultancy Services was recognised for their experience and exposure in the commodity supply value chain having previously engaged with OISCA and UNDP from 2013 to 2021. Agriforlife Consultancy Services will be engaged for 24 months to document the rice consumption demand of ENB.

Rehabilitating cocoa blocks

BY PAUL BUNGTABU

COCOA farmers in East New Britain have opted to replant cocoa after losing hectares to the cocoa pod borer (CPB).

East New Britain is considered the spiritual home of cocoa, however, the CPB which plagued cocoa blocks since 2008 had contributed to low yields and low returns.

Cocoa is now picking up swiftly with more efforts put into rehabilitating cocoa blocks.

A dry cocoa bean bag is now going for about K600 at main cocoa buying points.

A growing number of farmers are inquiring about where they might obtain cocoa seedlings or gain access to the PNG Cocoa Board’s primary nurseries.

Cocoa Board national extension manager Charles Koel said farmers who wish to know about the PNG CB programs and roll outs can enquire at the PNG CB Head quarter next to the Air Niugini office in Kokopo.

“Farmers have to come in and enquire at the office so we can assist them. Programs includes the nursery and where they can access the cocoa seedlings,” Mr Koel said.

A local farmer in the Sinivit area is clearing his piece of land to plant cocoa.

“We were devasted when CPB hits, its almost 15 years since and we are planning to revive cocoa in the area,” he said.

He said cocoa has been a traditional commodity in East New Britain and urged farmers to get back to planting cocoa.

PNGTPA and SMEC support local tourism operators

BY DIANNE WILSON

MICRO and small to medium entrepreneurs (MSME) in the tourism industry can now breathe a sigh of relief as the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA) in partnership with the Small-Medium Enterprise Corporation (SMEC) PNG since last year have started rolling out Tourism MSME training, which is in line with the Tourism Sector Development Plan (TSDP) 2022 to 2026.

PNGTPA’s Business Development Officer Dunstan Uluchoe, was in Kokopo, last Friday August, 25, to officiate the first batch of graduates from the training in East New Britain, said the whole objective behind this training is to upskill those in the tourism business to better manage their operations.

“This training has been conducted

over 109 countries and PNG is a member of the International Labour Organization (ILO), so we are running this program and it’s a very realistic and workable program”

“This is the first of the two modules that we run, the second one would be the follow-on training from this one, this one we just finished is called ‘Start your business’ module, after this we will have the ‘Improve your business’ module’, said Mr. Uluchoe.

Mr. Uluchoe said the second module of the training will be conducted in East New Britain next year in August and will be targeted at addressing management issues.

“If they have a marketing issue, it is now a management issue so we will address marketing issue on a one- or two-days program as well as HR, if there is a problem managing their employees, there is also a specific training for that”

A SHIPPING vessel owned by Organic Produce PNG at a buying point in West New Britain. - PICTURE: SUPPLIED.

MRDC invests K50m for communities in five years

BY ISMAEL GWASO igwaso@spp.com.pg

MINERAL Resources Development Company Limited (MRDC) has spent K50 million in last five years on community development initiatives to the community and its beneficiaries.

For this year alone, MRDC is expecting to deliver K30 million in continue rolling out its projects to the communities, which some will continue into 2024.

The company’s Assets and Infrastructure Manager Reginald Ope announced during the PNG Community Affairs and National Content Conference and Expo (CANCONEX) in Lae that, MRDC is happy and focusing on continuing the initiative into the future to ensure that all landowners and beneficiaries received adequate services and benefits.

“We have Project areas that are Southern Highlands, Hela, Gulf, and Western and Central province.”

Mr Ope said those areas are quite vast and large to cover considering the geography which is their challenge but they are keen to invest in

the communities.

He said it is a successful initiative through the Implementation of community investment trust fund projects.

“We are investing in three main Community development projects, Health, Education, Social infrastructure and economic development. For the mining sector, we fund projects like water supply schools, staff houses, libraries and

MiBank partners with MRA to set up credit scheme

BY NATASHA WATAH

THE Nationwide Microbank has partnered with Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) to set up a credit scheme for women in the mining areas, says the bank’s lending manager for Lae Branch Michael Aniyeli.

Speaking at the Community Affairs and National Content Conference and Expo (Canconex) yesterday, Mr Aniyeli said this credit scheme is for women in that particular area so at least there is something to fall back on after mine closure. “We don’t want to see same experiences such as mine closure because of Covid and there’s nothing for women.

“So basically, with the agreement signed between MRA and MiBank, we started lending with the women

from Hidden Valley area in providing financial literacy training in villages of the mining area,” Mr Aniyeli said.

He said apart from the women in Hidden Valley mine, women in Ramu Nickle mine area have also been invited to participate in the credit scheme

“With these particular group of women, we have now so far did financial lending to more than 50 women,” he said. Mr Aniyeli said under the socio-economic contribution, the bank has 52 per cent of women making up the bank’s customer and has been providing 160 million loans to women separately since the inception. He said this is part of the bank’s socio-economic contribution to its customers.

Credit Corp fosters participation

BY NATASHA WATAH

THE Credit Corporation is fostering participation in the resource and energy sector through very focused and targeted program for Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) lending at Credit Corporation are taking says the Credit Corporation Limited Credit Officer Taumaia Helleseo.

and job creation to improve the livelihoods of stakeholders in our community.

“Over the last 40 years, we have funded hundreds of millions of nonfunding to various different businesses and SMEs over the years,” she said.

training while for the Gas resources, we build community markets and halls.

“In these changing times, we are focusing on setting new goals in increasing technology and constructively invest and have more beneficiary’s participation,” he said.

He said MRDC is open to collaborate and work together with the business community and stakeholders.

Speaking through the Community Affairs and National Content Conference and Expo (Canconex) yesterday, Ms Helleseo said Credit Corporation believes that it is important to build partnership with local businesses, because they are a local business, and in particular landowners that help to bolster local participation.

“It’s important because it creates sustainable economic development

Resource company signs agreement with Unitech

BY ISMAEL GWASO

MINERAL Resources Development

Company has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with PNG University of Technology’s Communication and Development department, particularly the communication for development studies. The MOU captures four strategic priorities which includes provision of scholarships, Guest lecture series, industrial attachment and sponsoring of two lecturer’s and a student to attend any chamber of Mines and Petroleum conferences in future.

MRDC legal manager Valentina Kaman said they value and recognize the work Unitech does through the communication for development studies.

“For us our business is really outside the fence, maintaining our social license to operate, we recognise the importance of these particular group of professionals that are coming up,” she said.

On behalf of the university, Vice Chancellor Dr Ora Renagi thanked MRDC for the partnership through the MOU.

“We embrace this type of partnership because the students must realise that after training they will go out to the industries. The agreement will challenge students to perform well,” Dr Renagi said

He said MRDC works in the mining industry and with the landowners and that the need for communication with landowners is very critical.

“Unitech is happy to provide the training for the department and happy to have MRDC to come and support the training,” he said.

The agreement is effective as of next year.

She said this has actively enabled various different SME organisations right across different mining locations in PNG where they have actually facilitated some investment for a 100-million company in the Solomon Islands.

“With the insight as to why we feel global content is really quite key, and that’s what drives a lot of objectives, a lot of decision-making that we have, particularly with the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) in this country,” Ms Helleseo said.

PNG is capital poor but resource rich

BY MARIE SONNY

PAPUA New Guinea continues to face challenges in both investing directly in resource projects and delivering essential services stated an official.

To grow the economy it is important to attract investment however, investors need to make a profit stated John Chambers the former Vice President for Santos PNG.

Mr Chambers was with Santos for almost a decade and has been in the oil and gas business for 38 years.

He was invited to share his experience during session five of the PNG’s Content Policy for the PNG Community Affairs and National Conference and Expo.

“So firstly PNG and the economy and this one should not come as a surprise,” he said. “We’ve heard this said a lot, but PNG is capital poor but resource rich.

“What it means is that you’ve got heaps of stuff here, you’ve got great fishing, forest, agricultural, mining and petroleum resources.

“You just don’t have the capital to develop it.

In his presentation, he stated that Australia 100 years ago did not have capital either.

“We’ve built Australia largely from investment, largely from outside, but we’ve got to the point now in Australia where our companies have grown enough.

“A lot of that investments come in domestically.”

He presented a national budget graph with unconfirmed figures pulled from the websites to clearly explain PNG’s budget.

MRDC assets and infrastructure manager Reginald Ope.

UNIVERSITY of Technologies head of communication and development department Rachael Aisoli Orake signing the MOU as witnessed by Vice Chancellor Dr Ora Renagi and MRDC legal manager Valentina Kaman.

crossword: 12719 su do ku mini

Complete the grid so that every row, column and 2x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 6 inclusive

stars

ARIES

Aries March 20 – April 19

There’s a fine line between a constructive but passionate debate and a heated argument. Usually, this is of little importance, but now it is. In fact, somebody, you or another, is so passionate about one particular issue that rational discussion isn’t possible. That being the case, for now, avoid this matter entirely.

Taurus April 20 – May 20

Sometimes differences with others are best ignored. At the moment, however, the more swiftly you address any such issues, the easier they’ll be to deal with and put to rest, often at the same time. Some may seem seriously worrying but, it’s a matter of timing. Tackle them straightaway and they’ll be no problem.

Gemini May 21 – June 20

Although your ruler Mercury is no longer retrograde, it remains in the same portion of your chart, which accents the actual process of communication. This suggests an opportunity to delve into, discuss and define the source of confusion in certain persistent issues. Tackle them now, and you can deal with them for good.

June 21 - July 21

Only days ago you were both excited with existing plans and looking forward with eager anticipation to what’s next. But now, suddenly, that harmony has vanished to be replaced by serious differences. Worrying as these seem, they’re clearing up an issue that would arise eventually. The sooner you tackle them, the better.

July 22 - August 22

Nobody is more generous than a Leo who cares about a person, plan or vision for the future. When it comes to accepting the bounty of others, however, you can be awkward, embarrassed or, on occasion, unintentionally rude. Still, what’s being offered is timely, and would help others as much as you.

August 23 - September 22

It’s not that you’re stubborn but, rather, when making plans, you’ll already have examined your own priorities and, equally, double-checked the facts. Still, events are pointing you in new, and potentially unfamiliar direction. At least explore this. What you learn could trigger a massive review of those plans, if not change your life.

September 23- October 22

The last thing you want is to stand up to somebody who’s difficult anyway. Yet if you don’t draw the line in a particular matter now, they’ll assume you’ve no objection to things as they are. Forget fears this will sour relations between you. They know they’re in the wrong.

October 23 - November 21

Initially, when you sidestepped mentioning worrying issues, it was because you hoped you could keep them under wraps. But as time has passed and you’ve discussed these with those who’re involved, it’s become clear that a degree of secrecy is unrealistic. Actually, now that they’re better informed, certain individuals could be helpful.

November 22 - December 20

This isn’t just a period of discovery, it’s a time during which events are forcing you to broaden your horizons. This means venturing into new territory but, even more, revisiting certain arrangements that, in the past, you rejected. You’re about to discover what you missed, and just how much they offer.

December 21 - January 19

Facts may be facts. But the minor issues you’re quibbling over are distracting you from bigger, more important, matters. Yes, it’s true, these will need to be dealt with eventually. But with Mars,the planet of ego, action and courage, in Capricorn until 11 September, it’s vital you focus on the big picture.

January 20 - February 17

Ordinarily, you don’t just enjoy hearing what others are up to, and about the new ideas they’re exploring, you benefit from what you learn. Now, however, you’re urged to be careful, if not wary, as they’ve been seduced by arrangements that are questionable, if not actually risky. Explore, but with caution.

February 18 - March 19

and what answers you need to seek.

RUGBY

LEAGUE: MELBOURNE

Storm are set to unleash two debutants as they line up against the Brisbane Broncos on Thursday night in the final round of the 2023 regular season at Suncorp Stadium.

Sua Fa-alogo (#231) and Jack Howarth (#232) will pull on the purple jersey for the first time in Round 27, alongside a host of changes that will see Tariq Sims, Justin Olam, Jayden Nikorima, Tyran Wishart, Chris Lewis and Aaron Pene back in the squad, covering for Cameron Munster, Harry Grant, Christian Welch, Nick Meaney, Xavier Coates, Marion Seve, Trent Loiero, Tui Kamikamica, Nelson Asofa-Solomona and Tom Eisenhuth.

Jahrome Hughes is also among those sidelined this week but is expected to be available for selection next week after showing promising signs in his recovery from a lowgrade medial injury on Saturday.

Olam returns for storm Japan claims first win

Amidst the changes, Ryan Papenhuyzen has been named at fullback after his successful return to the NRL field off the bench in Round 26. Following three HostPlus Cup appearances in the position, it will mark the first time Papenhuyzen has donned the No.1 Storm jersey since injury.

Storm team: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen

2. William Warbrick 3. Justin Olam

4. Young Tonumaipea 5. Reimis Smith 6. Jayden Nikorima 7. Tyran Wishart 8. Tariq Sims 9. Bronson

Garlick 10. Tepai Moeroa 11. Chris Lewis 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Josh King 14. Sualauvi Faalogo 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Aaron Pene 17. Jack Howarth 18. Grant Anderson 19. Joe Chan 20. Keagan Russell-Smith 21. Cole Geyer 22. Tristan Powell.

Fiji claim historic victory over England

RUGBY UNION: FIJI secured a stunning first-ever victory over England in their Rugby World Cup warm-up fixture at Twickenham as the Red Rose sunk to a new low.

The visitors created history at the home of English rugby on Saturday as Steve Borthwick’s men fell to a 30-22 loss in front of a disappointed home crowd.

Waisea Nayacalevu, Vinaya Habosi and Simione Kuruvoli got Fiji’s tries, while Caleb Muntz kicked 15 points via three conversions and three penalty goals.

Jonny May, Marcus Smith and Joe Marchant went over for England, but the hosts came up short in another big setback ahead of their World Cup campaign.

Wales and Australia will be eyeing their clashes with their Pool D rivals nervously, having seen what what unfolded in front of a disappointing crowd of 56,854 at Twickenham.

It was England’s fifth defeat in six matches and was a dismal World Cup send-off that adds to the tension surrounding their pivotal opening game against Argentina on September 9.

No-one will have felt the disappointment more than captain Courtney Lawes, who was making his 100th appearance on a day that is expected to see England drop beneath Fiji in the global rankings.

Borthwick had said the listlessness seen in the previous three warm-up matches was a result of being in the midst of a conditioning block and that they would benefit when the load was reduced.

BASKETBALL

JAPANESE players and fans were left in tears after the country claimed its first ever victory against European opponents in the FIBA Basketball World Cup on Sunday.

Pulling off the biggest comeback of the 2023 tournament so far, co-hosts Japan came from a staggering 18 points down to beat Finland 98-88 in front of a home crowd in Okinawa, knocking out its Group E rival. Stars including Phoenix Suns’ Yuta Watanabe and the NBA G League’s Yudai Baba could be seen crying in disbelief as the Japanese team made history, while many fans were also overcome with emotion in the stands.

US-born Josh Hawkinson scored 28 points and 19 rebounds for Japan, while 5’7” (1.72 metres) local favourite Yuki Kawamura tallied 15 in the fourth quarter alone to seal Japan’s first win of the tournament.

It was Japan’s first World Cup win in 17 years – its last came as host nation against Panama at the then-

named FIBA World Championship in 2006.

Japan lost all five of its group games at the postponed 2019 World Cup held in China. While considered a dominant basketball force in Asia, Japan has struggled to make waves globally.

And Japan’s head coach Tom Hovasse hopes the “crazy game” against world-ranked 24 Finland will thrust the team, ranked 36, into international tournament prominence.

“This was a big win for us.

“We’re trying to create a new standard here for Japan and this was definitely a big step in the right direction,” Hovasse told a post-game news conference.

“The guys just never gave up. It was looking kinda bleak out there. We haven’t shot the ball well in the last three or four games. The fans were amazing.”

US college prospect Keisei Tominaga, previously touted as the “Japanese Stephen Curry” and who contributed with 17 points, added, “Even when we were down 18 points, we never gave up. We

knew we could still do it.

“We trust each other.”

Japan faces a tough test in its final group game against world No. 3 Australia on Tuesday.

The winner will likely advance to the second round. Group leaders Germany have already qualified.

Japan and Australia are the only nations hailing from the eight Asia and Oceania-qualified teams to win in the tournament so far.

China, which last month naturalized NBA player Kyle Anderson in an attempt to better its World Cup chances, lost to Serbia by 42 points in its opening game, while co-hosts the Philippines is reeling from two disappointing losses.

The 2023 FIBA World Cup is cohosted by the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia – the first time multiple nations have hosted the event. While it is Indonesia’s first time hosting the event in any form, it is also the first time in World Cup history that the hosts failed to qualify.

The FIBA World Cup runs until September 10.

- CNN SPORTS

Cricket’s first red card for slow over-rate

CRICKET: TRINBAGO Knight Riders have become the first cricket team to receive a red card, with Sunil Narine paying the penalty for his team’s slow over-rate in a Caribbean Premier League (CPL) match.

CPL organisers introduced a slew of measures to tackle the problem of slow over-rates this season, including a red card for a fielding side found to be behind schedule at the start of the final over of an innings.

The sanction means a team loses a player selected by the captain and must have six fielders inside the circle.

The Knight Riders were left with 10 men for the final over their match against the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots but still prevailed by six wickets, their first victory in three matches.

Narine had completed his quota of four overs, with figures of 3-24, before he was withdrawn for the final over of the Patriots’ innings, which yielded 18 runs.

Captain Kieron Pollard lashed out at the “ridiculous” rule.

“To be honest, it will take away the hard work everyone has done,” Pollard said.

“We are like the pawns and we are going to do what we are told.

“We are going to play as fast as we can. If you are penalised for 30-45

Quick news

TWO MORE GOALS

HARRY Kane added two more Bundesliga goals to his name as he scores in Bayern Munich’s 3-1 win against Augsburg. The English forwardscoredhisfirstofthegamewith a40thminutepenaltybeforeensuring that the win was sealed by grabbing asecondgoalwith21minutestogo. The brace takes Kane’s account at BayernMunichtothreegoalsinthree games as he begins life away from TottenhamHotspurandthePremier LeagueandThomasTuchelseems happy with his man.

TWO TO MISS CLASH

MAINZ05haveconfirmedthatLudovic AjorqueandMaximLeitschwillmiss Saturday’sBundesligatriptoWerder Bremen. Ajorque, who pulled out of Mainz’ssquadforSunday’s1-1draw withEintrachtFrankfurtaftersuffering an injury in the warm-up, has been ruled out with a thigh muscle strain. Leitschwentoffinthe70thminutewith whathassincebeendiagnosedasan MCLinjury.Mainzhavetakenjustone point from their first two Bundesliga games.

WINGER TO CONTINUE

AFTERadramatic4-3victoryagainst VillarrealinBarcelona’smostrecent encounterearnedthreepointsforthe club,itbecameincreasinglyclearthat theCatalanspossessednoshortage of options up front. Even after the departureofOusmaneDembele,the firepowerinthefrontlinehascaused a surplus, with game time having to besplitbetweenmanyforwards.As such, Ez Abde has been one of the playersleftwithadecisiontomakein regardtohisfuturebeforethetransfer window is closed.

SEASON OVER

RAIDERS enforcer Josh Papalii has beenruledoutfortheremainderofthe seasonafterundergoingsurgeryona bicepsinjury.Papaliiwon’tplayagain in 2023, including for Samoa at the PacificChampionshipsinOctober,but shouldmakeafullrecoverduringthe 2024 pre-season. In better news for theGreenMachine,theclubreported JamalFogarty(cheekbone)trainedon Tuesdaymorningandwillbenamed fortheside’smust-winclashagainst the Sharks.

NRL APPOINTMENT

THE National Rugby League (NRL) has congratulated Belinda Sharpe andKaseyBadger,whowillmakeofficiatinghistoryinRound27asthefirst females to referee in the NRL under the single referee system. Sharpe will referee in the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles v Wests Tigers match at 4 Pines Park on Friday, while Badger will referee in the Gold Coast Titans v Bulldogs match at Cbus Super StadiumonSunday.WhileSharpehas officiatedunderthetwo-refereesystempreviously,theappointmentswill representthefirsttimefemalematch officialshaveoperatedunderthesingle referee system in NRL history.

WARNER’S CATCH UP

seconds in a tournament like this, it is absolutely ridiculous.”

The issue of slow over-rates has plagued the game, with matches often spilling over their stipulated time.

The governing International Cricket Council (ICC) has introduced fines for international teams found behind schedule in all three formats and also docks World Test Championship points.

The ICC dished out mammoth

fines and docked Australia of World Test Championship points following slow over-rates during the recent Ashes series.

The Aussies lost 10 points and were fined half their match fees for being 10 overs short in the fourth Test at Manchester England, meanwhile, received fines of 10 per cent for the first Test, 45 per cent for the second, 15 per cent for the fourth and 25 per cent for the fifth.

AUSTRALIANcricketveteranDavid Warner has been caught up in an embarrassingincidentatLosAngeles InternationalAirport.Warnercaught theattentionofairportsecuritywhen hewalkedthroughtheirscannersand waspromptlyorderedtoundertake a full body search. Warner’s wife, Candice,explainedthedetailsofthe bodysearchonTripleM’sRushHour, saying the scan detected a hot spot on her husband’s ... umm ... nether region, which sparked the concern.

HIJIKATA ROCKS UP

RINKY Hijikata has been left rocked byadeadlyshootingathisgirlfriend’s school just as the rising Australian tennisstarwasnotchingthebiggest win of his burgeoning tennis career. Hijikatatoiledforalmostfourhoursto carveouta7-55-76-37-5first-round USOpenvictoryoverRussianPavel.

MELBOURNE STORM MEDIA

JAPAN’S Yuta Watanabe goes to the hoop against Finland at the Okinawa Arena

ZAHID Bassarath dishes out cricket’s first red card.

Maruo wins second tourney

BY MARCIA NEGRI mnegri@spp.com.pg

THE Port Moresby Racquets Club Tennis & Squash Open over the weekend brought out prominent figures from offices in the city.

This saw Deputy Chief of the Mission for the Japanese Embassy Shinichi Maruo, taking out the Legends Mixed Singles (45+) Category last Sunday in Port Moresby.

Maruo described tennis as both a physical and mental sport, despite competing for the first time since 2018, in which he also competed and took out the winning spot under the same category.

“Due to official duties, I have not played in tournaments until this year. I love sports and I am also good at baseball, soccer and other sports. When I played tennis for the first time I thought it was very difficult and challenging, but was worth a try, that was 25 years ago when I started playing.”

“As a diplomat serving in PNG for five years, this might be my last time to compete and win in such a tournament, because I might have to leave the country for Japan soon. So, this win means a lot to me,” added Maruo.

He said the Open tournament saw tennis and squash players travelling in to compete, “It is my pleasure to see so many players, including those from Lae and Goroka, to attend and compete. For young people such sports are a good opportunity for strengthening their physical health and learning to respect their opponents.”

He played three matches before advancing into the semi-finals and winning against South African opponent Lucas Bekker (6-1) and advance into the finals to have a faceoff against Tony Astroga, and was awarded the win after Astroga was disqualified.

Highlands Confederate select side

RUGBY LEAGUE: THE Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League Highlands confederate has announced its training squad to participate in the national zones championship to be played at the National Santos Football Stadium in Port Moresby.

Both the Under/20 and senior grade were selected following a two days tournament played at both the Kui Wamp High School and Rebiamul rugby football league oval last weekend.

Centres that took part in the competition were Eastern Highlands, Chimbu, Jiwaka, Western Highlands, Enga,Hela and Southern Highlands.

The two days competition drew a tough decision for the selectors to select the players to represent the Highlands confederate because all the players were outstanding footballers because their performance have put the selectors under the microscope.

But the selectors selected the Highlands training side through their normal selection panel.

Meanwhile, other winners in other events were:

Mens Open

Winner – Lavu Ivuyo

R/Up – Robin Morove

Mens Open Plate

Winner – Tawa Ivuyo

Ladies Open Winner – Abigail Tere-Apisah

R/Up – Elisabeth Huyn

Ladies Open Plate

Winner – Stacy Thomas

Open Doubles

Winner – Mark Gibbons/Eddie

Mera

R/Up – Abigail Tere-Apisah/ Chris

Lam

Open Doubles Plate

Winner – John Louie Damalaon

Legends Winner – Shinichi Maruo

R/Up – Tony Astroga

Legends Plate

Winner – Vijay Chellakannu

U18 Boys

Winner – Christopher Kaiulo

R/Up – John Louie Damalaon

U18 Boys Plate

Winner – Christopher Jose U18 Girls

Winner – Pauline Hyun

R/Up – Namet Sanewai

U18 Girls Plate

Winner – Wagivogo Walter

U14 Mixed

Winner – John Louie Damalaon

R/Up – Thomas Hyun

U14 Mixed Plate

Winner – Dante Kiapen

U12 Mixed

Winner – Andrew Aisi

R/Up – Kedarnath Inbasekas

U12 Mixed Plate

Winner – Cassandra Thomas

Injury a worry for Southern Confederate women: Coach Jackson

The senior men’s select side for the Highlands confederate is Maya Pond, Clyde Yakira, Victor Ario, Jason Thomas (SHP), Kua Aina, Samson Yuanis, Sam Paul, Charlie Wangaid (Chimbu), Joe Mackay, Rodney Topo, Issac Yallo (Enga), Sedrick Kenneth, Paul Locker (Jiwaka), Luwi David), Clyde Paul (WHP 1) and Steward Manda (WHP 2).

The team officials are Willie Guambo (Head Coach-Chimbu), Lazarus Cajetan (Trainer-SHP) and Buckley Koi (Manager WHP2).

The Under 20 select side for the Highlands confederate is Bobby Dunn, Max Wek, Felix Yuriah, Sailas Joshua, Uklief Sent, Raymos Nicholas (WHP 1), Kenneth Hipson (Hela), Efraham Amen, Philemon Kungu (Enga), Issac Paun, Kingston Jerry, Moses Wak, Walter Baundo (WHP 2), Sedrick Walo (SHP), Samson Kumb, Samson Bongne (Jiwaka), Wii Sumar and Nathan Kua (Simbu).

The officials are Benedict Witi head coach (WHP 1), trainer Enoch Peter (WHP 1) and Mathamel Wakam (Enga).

Big dreams for young manageress

RUGBY LEAGUE: IT was her first role as the boss of a junior development team in the National Capital District, participating in the recently concluded Southern regional zone selection trials held in Port Moresby, but Joy Stargroth has a bigger goal to see her young talents excel in future.

RUGBY LEAGUE

SOUTHER Confederate women head coach Sammy-Rice Jackson is ready to go undefeated all the way, however, a late seat-back within the camp has left the title winning mentor scratching his head.

Set to face the strong Highlands girls tomorrow for the final playoffs before the main grand final on Sunday, Jackson told the Post-Cou-

rier he is working on replacement players to take the spots.

“Its hard to win a championship but even harder to defend it so we will do our best to defend the championship,” Jackson, who already steered side to two heartwarming victories said.

“My aim is to take the players out there and play the grand final.

“And my final game is tomorrow (today), but few injuries scare is

my main problem.

“I’m down with two important players with injury but the replacement looking okay at the moment.”

Jackson said he would not release the injured players named however medical staffs are working around the clock to get the players fit before finals on Sunday.

Since the tournament kick-off last fortnight, the women leg teed on nicely on high note with High-

lands, New Guinea Islands and Northern earning their accolades while the hosts settled with two wins.

Opening with a win against the Northern and last week with New Guinea Island, they are boxed in to face the strong Highlands today at the National Football Stadium.

With the presence of PNG Orchids like Carol Humeu and Mala Mark, they are the top pick for the event.

Breaking the barriers, Stargroth gladly told Post-Courier after nine of her players finally made the U-20 side cut of the Southern Zone. These players including, Bruce Bawa, Boko Gari, Ross Solien, Norman Akunai, Joshua Panol, Morre Rhys, Peto Philip, Loyoyd Mungalo and Wange Dawa in the final 26-members announced yesterday by PNG rugby Football League. Stargroth expressed her gratitude to NCD Team 1 head coach Junior Yambe and players for their corporation for the past few days of the intensive trial games played.

“Firstly, being a team manager is not an easy task to do, it's about help shaping and preparing the team to it's best,” she said.

SHINICHI Maruo receives winning award from a Human Capital Management Solutions representative (right) at the Port Moresby Racquets Club, as tournament director Eddie Mera looks on. PICTURE SUPPLIED

(LEFT) SOUTHERN Confederate player Carol Humeu. (RIGHT) Southern Confederate coach Sammy-Rice Jackson. PICTURE PILAI PIKSA

Young tennis star making the grade

BY JOHN PANGKATANA jpangkatana@spp.com.pg

But you can only dare to dream, says the quietly spoken 16 year old.

While he admits he isn’t among the top rung, with the likes of recognized number one and two, Mark Gibbons and Mathew Stubbings already confirmed for another fling, and further down the pecking order with a host of senior players also jostling for the two spots and the reserve, he will need more than luck to get a look in.

“I can only hope and see what

Va’a progressing well: Kassman

VA’A is one of the 24 sporting codes that is included in the Pacific Games at the end of the year.

Va’a in Samoan means ‘canoe’ so to simply put it is a canoe race, as one of the Pacific Island Nations, we have skilled canoe racers.

Coach Jonathan Kassman said their main focus is to represent the paddling community in PNG and to do the best that they can at the Game. “We are in the strength endurance phase building some good paddling fitness throughout our crews. This is the tough part of representative paddling where we develop our crews and loading is at its peak.”

Kassman said as the coach it starts with him believing and instilling that belief into the athletes, “We have developed our crews over the years to be recognised as medal potential in their respective races. We intend to put our best efforts forward to bring back success in Honiara in November.”

In response to Post-Courier’s question of Va’a previous games record and placing, he responded, “We have developed our crews over the years to be recognised as medal potential in their respective races.

We intend to put our best efforts forward to bring back success in Ho-

niara in November.” He said over the years they have developed their crews to be recognized as medal potentials in their respective races. And intent to put their best efforts forward to bring success to the code at the Games.

As for a team captain, Kassman said they are yet to appoint a leader to lead the team, that is because they have yet to establish their leadership group, “however they will be established in the coming month when the squad will be announced per Team PNG requirements.”

Other stronger island country opponents that also vye for and always give the team a good contest are; Tahiti (usually dominate the gold medal tally in Va’a) and New Caledonia who are also strong contenders.

Kassman said the team training for both the men’s and women’s team are progressing well, “We just completed our men's training camp (last weekend), the men endured a tough training camp which gave the Coaching staff a good indication of where the crew are at, this weekend the women will do their training camp on Friday and Saturday. The final squad will be announced thereafter.”

-BY MARCIA NEGRI

happens,” says Kaiulo.

The talented teenager who comes from a strong tennis playing family on his father’s side (Ian Kaiulo) is amongst a host of talented juniors coming through the ranks.

Winning titles from the U12s to U16s at home and at the West Pacific level and now in the U18s category at the Port Moresby Open on the weekend, comes off the back of a strong coaching regime from his number one supporter, men-

tor and father in Port Moresby Racquets Club senior and private coach Ian Kaiulo.

“My dad has been behind me ever since I could hold a racquet.

“He can be very strict as he believes in discipline and commitment to training as the key to success,” added Kaiulo.

Kaiulo beat John Louie Domalam (Lae Tennis Club) in U18 final, but lost in the quarterfinals to senior player and eventual Open winner

Lavu Ivuyo at the Port Moresby Open on the weekend.

He says to improve he needs to work on his concentration levels to be more consistent if he is to break into the senior ranks as a contender.

It will be a tough call on the national selectors - but with the next Pacific Games in four years’ time – the option to consider a committed junior as the reserve may just work in the young Kaiulo’s favor.

The PNG Olympic Committee sets strict deadline and outlines critical requirements for participation

THE Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) is urging all sports targeting participation in the upcoming November 2023 Solomon Islands Pacific Games to meet their requirements by the September 6th deadline.

While many athletes and teams have already received provisional endorsements and are undergoing training, attending national championships, and participating in international events, they must still adhere to the Justification Committee's benchmark requirements. This ensures their preparedness and potential performance levels are up to standard for selection onto Team PNG.

All athletes, officials, coaches, and team managers are reminded

to complete three obligatory online courses this month on AntiDoping, Athlete Safeguarding, and the Prevention of the Manipulation of Competition

Additionally, coaches and team managers yet to be certified under the Oceania Sports Education Program (OSEP) must fulfill precourse requirements before attending the Development Coach, Strength and Conditioning, and Team Managers Courses in early September.

Secretary General, Auvita Rapilla, emphasised the significance of these pre-requisites, stating, "These courses are compulsory. Athletes and officials who don't complete these requirements cannot participate in the games."

In a recent update from the PNG Olympic Committee Justification Committee, the sports of Judo, Sailing, and Rugby League 9s were excluded from Team PNG and will not be participating in the 2023 Solomon Islands Pacific Games for failing to meet the required benchmark and justification deadlines and criteria. Rugby League 9s was the only sport that appealed the decision to the PNG Sports Dispute Tribunal who ultimately upheld the decision of the Justification Committee.

The Olympic Committee continues to focus on ensuring that Team PNG represents the best of the country's athletes and aligns with the high standards set for international competition.

Three sports ruled out of Team PNG

PAPUA New Guinea Olympic Committee's Justification Committee have excluded three sporting codes, judo, sailing and rugby league 9s from participating in the 2023 Solomon Islands Pacific Games.

The reason being that the respective sporting codes have failed to meet the required benchmark and justification deadlines and criteria.

When Post-Courier reached out to

PNGOC, three main points being outlined includes;

For athletes this is as per the respective specific selection criteria for the Pacific Games

All endorsed athletes, officials, coaches and team managers to complete the three mandatory online courses

Apart from the the sports specific qualification for coaches, the en-

dorsed coaches and managers must complete the OSEP courses (as per outlined in seperate story).

PNGOC says all sports had to submit all requirements before their respective meetings with the justification committee hosted in June this year. With the exclusion of the three sports, PNGOC says the final team will be confirmed by early next month (September 6).

TENNIS

RISING junior Christopher Kaiulo knows he is a long-shot of making the Pacific Games team.

CHRISTOPHER Kaiulo.

Field goal saves the day for Wolf Pack

RUGBY LEAGUE: FIELD goals saved the day for reigning champions Taurama Wolf Pack and competition leaders Patrick’s Transport Gabutu Dragons in their respective matches in Moresby South Rugby League A grade round 12 at the Moresby South Stadium at the weekend.

On Sunday, Wolf Pack edged Kipo Eastern Pride 5-4. And Gabutu Dragons did the same to Tribes Coffee Seagulls 7-6.

Thanks to Wolf Packs inter change Nathan Mukuya 40th field goal. And Gabutu Dragons acting half back/ captain Owen Mark’s golden boot several minutes from full time rescued his side again for the second time in the competition.

It was evenly contested affair with solid defence but also high error rate from both sides denying opportunities.

Wolf Pack were leading 4-0 with an 18th minute touch down to wing Owen Samuel going to interval. Then in the 40th mark inter-change Mukuya slotted a field goal to put it to 5-0 with 10 minutes remaining before full time.

Pride kept on pressing the opposition line and were rewarded with an unconverted try near the uprights by wing Manase Wias. But the easy conversion attempt swayed away from the cross bar to trail 5- 4. Dragons were forced to all sorts by Seagulls in the best part of the encounter.

The competition leaders from a controversial 40/ 20 (20/ 40) ruling by match referee Joe Poka’s decision fumed Seagulls senior player Obert Muri that disrupted the match. And with Dragons Mark also standing his ground on 40/20. From the tap restart Dragons in ensuring play resulted in a try to Lemon “Juice” James near the uprights converted by Mark to 6-0. That was also the half time score.

From the restart in the second half it turned to be physical confrontation with both sides not controlling their emotions and momentum resulting in errors. But on the fifth tackle skipper Mark slotted the mere point to lead 7-0.Then Seagulls broke the egg with veteran Jack Walter splitting through halfhearted opposition defenders and Gabriel Moha converted to make it 6- 7.

In the other matches Joyce Bay Roosters beat Koki Nauna 6-4. 2CT Rabbitohs downed Kone Eagles 14-2. IMHC Vadavada United denied Six Mile Crows 8-4.On Saturday Vabukori Mosquitos whipped Pom Black Pearls 18-6. Sab City Raiders raided Talai Spartans 18-0.

Goroka

‘I’m ready to retain the title’

BY BENJAMIN KOITAKA bkoitaka@spp.com.pg

SOUTHERN Confederate head coach

Peter Rhys is adamant to work with his new players and retain the title they claimed five-years ago.

In 2019, the 51-year-old mentor, who celebrated his birthday on Monday took the side undefeated to the finals to claim the National Confed-

erate Championship title. After interruptions of COVID-19, which put this tournament out until this year.

Rhys steered the side to Lae and defeated the hosts Northern 16-nil to pull the plug of the sought after trophy in Lae.

“We are thankful to the PNG Rugby Football League and Southern Confederate director and the committees for having the trust in me and appointing me as the head coach once again,” Rhys said.

duo travel for Port Moresby Open Tennis

TENNIS: REPRESENTING Goroka for this year’s Port Moresby Racquet’s Club Tennis & Squash Open were Xavier Ritchie and Mark Kerry.

Both boys travelled in to compete in tennis. Ritchie competed in the Under-14 mix category and doubles, while Kerry in the Under-18 boys and doubles.

Ritchie who is from Goroka has been playing since he was five, “I played in the Panamex Lae Tennis Open in June and now at the Port Moresby Racquets Club Open.”

He is home-schooled and have been playing tennis for the past six years, “I was born in Sydney, but moved to Goroka when I was only a baby with my parents who are working there.”

Ritchie said despite the hot weather, everyone has been nice, he took part in two games under his respective category and lost one and won the other.

Kerry who played in the Under-18

boys and double events said he wants to represent PNG one day and compete, as he has learnt a lot from competing in this open.

“Firstly, we travelled down to Lae, to compete in the Panamex Open and it was a great experience. I played against Christopher Kaiulo

in the semi-finals and lost again to him in my first match here,” Kerry added.

He has been playing since taking up a racquet at the age of ten and has been playing for the past seven years and has played alongside Ritchie on certain occasions.

“I want to win that title again for the people of Southern.

“I did that once and I know I can do that again, given the versatily players and the talents scouted in the recent zone trials hosted in the last few weekends.

“I am happy to work with the new players and management.”

Rhys after leading the West to a record 14-wins, was given the duty to look after the top side in the most talked about confederate challenges.

With availability of players in

Gairo Voro, Junior Kale, Glen Masi, Starford John, Ricky Ako and Saka Marai, Rhys would have no pressure out there, matching themselves against the New Guinea Islands, Highlands and Northern.

“Most of the players I know them so it would not be a difficult task for me. I want to make it back-to-back so I will have my best side walking out of the field to face every other zones,” he said.

Rhys said the numbers will be cut to final 20 before next week.

National Confederate C’ship to start

FROM BACKPAGE

EACH four confederates namely the hosts Southern, New Guinea Islands, Northern and Highlands have held their trials in the previous weeks and set to finalise their squad.

The two days rugby league fest touted to unearth hidden and local talents of all corners of the country will kick off next Thursday and end on Friday.

PNGRFL Southern regional community games development officer Indy Verena confirmed the dates, adding that they are anticipated to host the tournament successfully after few years of dormant due to COVID-19 and lack of preparations.

Verena also added that the Southern confederate’s final selection list was out for both U-20 and seniors, which will resume trainings this week before the squad trimmed down to 20.

“The National Confederate Championships is kicking off next week,” Verena said.

“All is set for 8th and 9th September

at the National Football Stadium.

“The Southern has already selected their squad for senior and U20.”

The Southern leg will be coached by Peter Rhys for seniors, and Jummy Hama to handle the juniors.

Extended squad for seniors, Joshua Winnie, Saka Mairi, Nigel Nusa, Ricky Ako, Aua Heano, Raymond Frank, Tau Vagi, Gairo Voro, Tegana Apa, Norman John, Mark John, Simon Kaman, Glen Masi, Terence Wemin, Handape Tatape, Jack Kuman, Junior Kale, Mathias Mark, Jordan Francis, Starford John, Jaydee Ioka, Dawa Peter, David Maina, Michael Sam, Toutou Aihi, Steven Solien, U-20, Robin Steven, Bruce Bawa, Boko Gari, Ross Solien, Norman Akunai, Joshua Panol, Morre Rhys, Peto Philip, Loyoyd Mungalo, Osia Robert, Guise Lakai, Avi Supa, Junior Daniel, Gamai Gabriel, Augustine Komai, Vane Manuma, Rova Juluis, Gabriel Kaupa, Tetei Bisia, Thomas Vele, Wange Dawa, Junior Gelwa, Morea Saufa.

Southern Zones trial team NCD Simon Kaman in action last week in the trials. Kaman is in the senior men’s 26 member squad. PICTURE Pilai Piksa SOUTHERN Confederate coach Peter Rhys.

GOROKA Duo: Xavier Ritchie (left) and Mark Kerry in an interview with the media last Saturday at the Port Moresby Racqets Club.

PICTURE: MARK TALIA

sport

skeslep@spp.com.pg

RUGBY LEAGUE BY BENJAMIN KOITAKA

PNG Rugby Football League-sanctioned National Confederate championship is set to kick-off next week for the juniors and senior men in Port Moresby.

While the women division currently progressing with the final leg of the normal rounds play-offs to be completed today at the National Football Stadium, the major grand final is set as the curtain raiser to the Digicel ExxonMobil cup final on Sunday.

-CONTINUE ON PAGE 39

SOUTHERN region selected player and Royals fullback Starford John in action during a Port Moresby Rugby League men’s A grade match.

MARK TALIA

Big hits on the way!

PAPUA New Guinea International Justin Olam returns for Melbourn Storm ahead of the NRL Round 27 match against Brisbane Broncos tomorrow night.

Olam’s last appearance for the Craig Bellamy Melbourne Storm coached side was back in Round 21 where they lost 18-26 to Newcastle Knights.

Olam since then has been featuring for the QRL Hostplus Cup side and Storm feeder, Sunshine Coast Falcons, with the void in the centres being filled by Young Tonumaipea and Marion Seve.

SEE FULL TEAM LIST ON PAGE 36

-PICTURE:

RUGBY LEAGUE