Hagahuno, a member of William Duma’s United Resources Party, yesterday resigned from the government and gave a bit more impetus to Opposition plans to challenge the Marape regime in a planned vote of no confidence later this month.
The first term MP cited dissatisfaction in the way the current government is managing the country, and said he made the decision for the benefit of his constituents and the whole country.
His moves bring to eight the number of MPs who have moved away from the government in recent weeks to join the Opposition’s 10 MPs.
-CONTINUE ON PAGE 4
Connect PNG a scam: O’Neill
BY GORETHY KENNETH
THE government’s Connect PNG program has hit a huge pothole.
Former prime minister Peter O’Neill has likened Connect PNG to a scam, which has sparked a public debate with Prime Minister James Marape, with his Works and Implementation Minister Solan Mirisim weighing in to support Mr Marape. Messrs O’Neill and Marape have traded barbs on the CPNG project, a
K20 billion project to be funded over the next 20 years to essentially link up all the major centres in Papua New Guinea.
Mr Marape has been particularly rattled by assertions by Mr O’Neill that a certain contractor allegedly allied to the Prime Minister has been showered with contracts amounting to K3.5 billion.
- CONTINUE ON PAGE 3
KAINANTU MP William Hagahuno (middle front), flanked by Sinesine Yongomugl MP Kerenga Kua (left) and Sir Puka Temu, while other Opposition MPs stand in support yesterday in Port Moresby. PICTURE: GORETHY KENNETH.
REGIONAL FORECAST
MONDAY FEBRUARY 5, 2024
WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 7, 2024
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MONDAY: Isolated showers and thunderstorms Showers becoming scattered over Daru, Milne Bay and Oro Province towards the afternoon/evening
TUESDAY: Scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms, with areas of rain over Daru and WEDNESDAY: Scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms, with areas of rain over Daru and SOUTHERN
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WEDNESDAY: Scattered showers and Isolated thunderstorms with areas of rain
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TUESDAY: Scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms with areas of rain over WNBP
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EASTERN HIGHLANDS PUBLIC SERVANTS URGED TO PERFORM
COMPLACENCY has no place in the public service in Eastern Highlands Province (EHP) this year and going forward. Governor Simon Sia has called on public servants to improve their work conduct and ethics, while the provincial administrator, Allen Los, issued a stern warning that the top management team will not hesitate to deal with unethical and undisciplined officers.
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Over 270 public servants to retire, says Sansan
TWO Hundred and seventy two (272) public servants will officially retire and be paid out under Batch 1 of 2024.
Deeds of Release (DOR) for these public servant retirees have been approved and sent to Treasury for the release of funding and a date will be set for them to be paid.
Department of Personnel Management (DPM) Secretary Taies Sansan said; “This is the second batch of retirees for year 2023, however, due to circumstances beyond our control, they will receive their retirement payments this year as the first batch of 2024”.
The 272 retirees from 21 government agencies will be paid out a cost of K17.5 Million.
“The retirement exercise has been ongoing since 2019 and our retirement team has validated these 272 public servants who have reached retirement age to be retired and paid out of the Public Service.
“I would like to highlight that once they are paid out, their names will be terminated
New Ireland to ensure schools do not charge fees
THE Chairman of Education in the New Ireland Executive Council Felix Kaltubim has welcomed the announcement by Secretary for Education Dr Uke Kombra that schools should not be charging school fees to students.
He called on principals and head teachers within New Ireland Province to adhere to the final notice by the Department of Education, adding that the department had already paid a sum of K314 million to cover for term 1 tuition for 2024.
“Our children must not be turned away from any Government Schools. Education is their right. Any head teachers defying the instructions by the department of education will be charged and suspended immediately,” said Mr Kaltubim.
He urged parents and students that have been turned away or asked to pay any fees to report the matter with their evidence immediately to the contact emails and phone numbers provided by the Education Secretary. Meanwhile, he encouraged schools with genuine project proposals to also follow the recommendations of the Department of Education and to submit their project proposals through the parent and citizens committees, then to Provincial Education Board or National Education Board for consideration and clearance for collection of project fees.
on the government’s Alesco Payroll system.
“Retirement is a normal attrition that is undertaken by the agencies to retire their aging workforce and submit names to DPM for file checks and validation processes.”
Secretary Sansan said DPM has taken a whole of government approach to administer the retirement exercise and retire public servants in collaboration with Treasury and Finance.
“The approach we have taken to identify retirees is through the Alesco payroll, and then we write to the agencies to confirm and submit names of those who have reached the compulsory retirement age to DPM”.
Secretary Sansan said retiring ageing public servants has been heavily dependent upon availability of funding to pay them out
and that is why many have remained on the payroll until such time funding is available to pay them out. The Government has been helpful as since 2019, a total of K234 Million has been expanded to pay out the retirees.
“I thank the government for its commitment to this cause”.
Ms Sansan is appealing to all government agencies to play their part in retiring their ageing workforce to fast track the retirement process for 2024 as funding has been made available in the 2024 Budget. Meanwhile, the 21 agencies whose officers are being retired are: Autonomous Region of Bougainville (1), Central PA (2), Central PHA (1), Cocoa Board (5), Department of Implementation and Rural Development (2), East Sepik PA (33) East New Britain PHA (34), Enga PA (25), Enga PHA (13), Madang PHA (42), NBC (16), NCD PHA (1), NSO (4), PNGDF (37), Police Uniform (2), Public Solicitor’s Office (1), Simbu PA (8), Simbu PHA (2), SHPA (2), SHPHA (26), WNBPHA (15).
Renewal
gale wind warning
TAIES Sansan
A VEHICLE burns after bringing down a light pole along the Poreporena Freeway. This particular section of the road has seen its fair share of deaths and nasty accidents. NCD Police were quick to the scene with firefighters able to control the blaze and allow the free flow of traffic. WORDS & PICTURE: MARCIA NEGRI
ONE MORE UP IN FLAMES
Bird: Connect PNG a governance nightmare
EAST Sepik Governor Allan Bird has labelled the government’s signature infrastructure program Connect PNG a governance nightmare.
Mr Bird said when he raised serious issues around Connect PNG in Parliament last year, he was worried about it being unconstitutional.
“Some people called me an idiot for raising the issues,” he said.
“I had no idea about the operations of Connect PNG. Its not my job to know. If you are a back bencher in government, your job is to be a good boy and cheer for the government. If you behave yourself, you might get a Connect PNG road in your district.
“Good to see PNG waking up to smell the coffee now.
“Section 209 of our Constitution protects future revenues for the future generations from the current government. That’s my humble non-legal view. Lawyers can correct me if I am wrong,” he said.
“In fact, my humble view is that the Constitution was designed to protect the citizens from power hungry politicians.
“Our government said at the launching of Connect PNG that they would spend K1b a year over 20 years on Connect PNG.
“What did they actually do?
They committed K7.5 billion in two years and only budgeted around K1.6b in that period.
This is the third year of Connect PNG. Our budget this year is K1b. I estimate another K3b in contracts will be issued
this year. So K10b committed into the future against a K2.6 billion budget over 3 years. So that means K7 billion in future revenue would be committed by the end of this year.
“Am I the only person who sees the problem?
“Take note, Connect PNG is not part of the K63b debt of PNG. It is off the books.
“I note people complaining about the K350m warrant released recently for Connect PNG from this years budget.
I see no obvious issue with the Contractors but I suspect they are being paid for work done last year from this years budget. Why is that an issue?
“Government is committing future revenue without Parliamentary approval. This contravenes Section 209. Essentially the same issue we had with the UBS deal, except that in size and magnitude, Connect PNG dwarfs the UBS transaction.
“Now it was argued that Connect PNG is budgeted over multiple years. That may be
so, but Section 209 specifically authorises expenditure within a fiscal year. You don’t have approval to commit funding over multiple years.”
But Works Minister Solan Mirisim defended that Connect PNG is delivered on robust and strengthened governance and accountability framework that is guiding all financing, procurement, and implementation process to set standard and expenditure limits.
“ The Governor for East Sepik Allan Bird must substantiate his political rhetorics with technical and economic evidence on the project delivered so far.
“It is irresponsible and misleading for a person of his stature to make such a statement. Let me remind him of what this program has done to the Greater Sepik Region.
“Under Connect PNG, the Marape-Rosso government has committed K500 million to fully upgrade and seal the Sepik Highways.”
Marape hits back at claims, attacks O’Neill’s ‘shady’ reputation
FROM PAGE ONE
MR MARAPE hit back straight away yesterday, attacking Mr O’Neill’s “shady” reputation when he was prime minister.
Prime Minister Marape denied having shareholding as claimed by O’Neill.
Instead he said: “Peter O’Neill was known for giving contracts to his own companies, and foreign companies, unlike now where we have over 300 local companies operating in all corners of our country.”
While the two were at it, East Sepik Governor Allan Bird, a government backbencher, questioned the processes and procedures for the application of the project.
He said the project seems to have breached the Constitution and that funding planned for one year appears to overlap into the following year’s budget.
Mr Bird questioned the validity of the program in a long post on his social media account (see separate story)
Yesterday, Mr O’Neill released a statement alleging
the Connect PNG program as a scam and documents given to him by concerned public servants, revealed a staggering amount of money being paid allegedly to close associates of Mr Marape.
He singled out an alleged K3.5 billion contract awarded to Ipwenz Construction, including other contracts to Amaku and Sons Construction Ltd; Construct Oceanic Ltd; CivPac and Albe Ltd.
“Only a proper, independent audit will establish all the facts of what has gone on and continues to go on with the Connect PNG program.”
Mr Marape hit back straight away, saying Mr O’Neill had “a far shadier and dishonest reputation” of awarding contracts to his own companies during his time as prime minister.
He said Mr O’Neill should take a good look at himself before tainting the reputations of Papua New Guinea contractors.
“When Peter O’Neill points a finger at PNG contractors, there are four more pointing
back at him,” Prime Minister Marape said when rebutting accusations by Mr O’Neill.
Ipwenz Construction owner Moses Palipe denied his company has seen any of the amounts suggested by Mr O’Neill.
He said that the former Prime Minister and Member for Ialibu-Pangia has stooped too low to raise serious allegation against Ipwenz Construction Limited.
Yesterday, at a press conference with Sinasina Yongomugl MP Kerenga Kua and other Opposition MPs, O’Neill continued his attack on Connect PNG.
“Our nation’s financial stability is at stake right under the noses of the International Monetary Fund and other donors such as China and Australia. There is no way that anybody knows about what is going on,” O’Neill said.
“I understand there is a lack of confidence that the Commissioner of Police or the Ombudsman Commission are free to do their work and
public servants feel they have nowhere else to turn to bring light to these allegations of serious misappropriation.”
Works Minister Solan Mirisim defended the program supporting Prime Minister Marape that “The recent media statement by former Prime Minister and Member for Ialibu-Pangia that a single national contractor has been awarded a K3.5 billion worth contract was ridiculous, misleading and very cunning and deceptive allegation raised at this juncture of VONC.”
He said: “Papua New Guineans must not forget that Peter O’Neill is known for inflated contracts creating huge debt traps that our government is currently clearing. He must be ashamed of records of uncontrolled spending on creating highways to nowhere and forgetting the rural road access serving 85% of the rural population. To come and point fingers at the Marape Government for building local contractors is very hypocritical and deceptive.”
OLD DOGS ARE CUNNING
As our scribe approaches 70 his advise is beware of old people, they have been around a long time. How about this tale from Big Rooster. Upset an elderly citizen was taking a long time to decide, a lady driver blew her horn and abused him. Ignoring her he paid for his order and hers. She was embarassed her rudeness had illicited such kindness. At the second window the old fellow showed both receipts and took both orders. He then drove off with the lady’s food, forcing her to go back to the end of the line. Ouch!
GOING CASHLESS
If you have ever flown out of Gurney in Milne Bay you will have come across those persistent Trobriand street sellers. Resident flying out did his usual and dismissed the bagi vendor saying he had no cash. But quick as a flash the fellow asked, how about card? Within minutes he had given his account number and received his payment. Now that is an impressive entrant to the digital era. Safe and secure, cashless transaction in minutes in the airport carpark at Gurney. Size 28 ia!
VIVE LA FRANCE
France is seen as a leader of the democratic world, basing its very existence on “liberté, egalité, et fraternité”. So it is significant that they are now moving to make abortion an integral part of their Constitution. Meanwhile, in PNG, none of our leaders, female or otherwise, are willing to speak out for women who may have become pregnant due to a violent rape. Abortion is illegal in 21st Century PNG.
CITIZEN TRUMP
Corruption fighters would do well to follow the affairs of the former US President in court. They could pick up a few pointers on how to address malfeasance in the governance area. For example, Mr Trump refused to divest his companies into a blind trust managed by independent monitors. Does our PM and his Minister’s do this? It is designed to create a sense of transparency and that decisions they make are not done in their own interest. And a “blind trust” run by your immediate family or uncle or aunty are not “blind trusts”.
NOT IN PNG
Still in the US, the Oregon Supreme Court has just ruled that 10 Republican state senators who staged a record-long walkout last year to stall bills on abortion, transgender health care and gun rights cannot run for re-election. Em nau. Everyone, including our leaders are accountable to the people.
AADHAR
As time moves on, it is clear the government is not committed to a biometric system to include voting. They are not committed because the flaws we saw in NGE2022 ,where less than 50% voted, perfectly suit the current political parties. The last thing they want is change for the good. The Indian government has offered to help but we continue to ignore them. India is pushing through an ID system called Aadhar which requires hand and retinal scans. It is not just an ID system, with one card you can access many types of data and your bank account. It is a one stop card. When will we see constructive action by this government to establish a biometric system for NGE2027 ? We are pessimistic!
-PENGEE: thedrum@spp.com.pg
ALLAN Bird
Party keen to improve social well-being
BY CLAUDIA TALLY
SOCIAL Democratic Party leader NCD
Governor Powes Parkop has called on all members of the party to take their roles seriously as their work affect people's lives.
Mr Parkop, in his address to the SDP National Convention yesterday for the election of the party’s executives, said the party’s policy and work is aimed at addressing social well-being which is very important.
“We are a party that is contributing to the affairs and management of our people.
“Decisions that we make will have a lot of bearing and consequences on our people now and into the future. We have to take this responsibility seriously.
“The responsibility of political leadership at the highest level is an ernomous responsibilty,” said Mr Parkop.
The Social Democratic Party was established in 2011 and today boasts a political wing of six members of parliament including two ministeries: Defence and Foreign Affairs respectively.
SDP elects new executives
BY CLAUDIA TALLY
SOCIAL Democratic Party the third largest coaltion partner in the current Marape government has elected new executive members following 12 years of interim appointments.
John Kamasua is now the party's elected national president along vice president Paul Kintip who will lead the party foward with their host of new executives.
Social Democratic Party leader NCD Governor Powes Parkop said the election is vital to improve the work of the party following interim appointments.
“The parliamentary wing cannot do the work of the party executives. We have to prepare for the 2027 national elections.
“We have to do fund raising, we have to select candidates, train candidates, we have to extend memberships and do networking.
“That is the work of the party and hence the elections today(yesterday),” he said whilst congratulating the newly elected executives.
The Social Democratic Party is the third largest coalition partner in the Marape government.
The party is led by Governor Parkop and include: Deputy party leader Dr Billy Joseph member for Nipa Kutubu and minister for defence, Justin Tkatchenko member for Moresby South and minister for Foreign Affairs, Fr Simon Dumarinu member for Central Bougainville, Maino Pano member for Kagua Erave, Stanley Muts Samban, member for Wewak open.
Media told to be more responsible
THE Government said it is about time reporters are responsible for their reporting with the Media Policy to be brought before Cabinet soon.
This was the warning from Minister for Communication Timothy Masiu who said he is not happy with the type of information being filtered out with “reporters to be held accountable” for their reporting.
In response to a question raised on the information in relation to the looting of furniture and other items from the Brian Bell warehouse last week Thursday morning, the minister said that the policy will hold reporters
Another Govt MP joins Opposition
FROM PAGE ONE
MR HAGAHUNO announced his move in a press conference yesterday flanked by former Petroleum minister Kerenga Kua, former prime minister Peter O’Neill, Abau MP Sir Puka Temu and other Opposition MPs including Maso Hewabu (Middle Fly), James Donald (North Fly), Johnson Wapunai (Ambunti Drekikir, and Keith Iduhu (Hiri Koiari), some of whom have moved away from the government in recent days and weeks.
Despite these recent defections, Prime Minister James Marape has said he remains confident in his government.
to account with a lot of misinformation coming from “learned and responsible” people.
“Our country is nearing 50 years now, and it is so important, and this is what is happening to our people that is there is a lot of misinformation, and most of that misinformation are from learned and responsible people who we think should be helping people to understand what is going on, and the issues we have every day.”
“Unfortunately, they have ulterior motives and they come up with that.”
The minister said this in the recent launch of the FM100 Talkback show at
He has also said he welcomed any move by the Opposition to challenge his government on the floor of parliament.
“The decision to leave the government is not an easy one, considering that my party, the United Resources Party, is a senior coalition partner in the government,” Hagahuno said.
“After consulting my voters and supporters, I have decided to take this step in my political career.
“It is my own decision, and I make it freely, based on my own conscience.
“My decision is in the best interest of my people and this nation.”
Mr O’Neill welcomed the decision by Mr Hagahuno and said it is never easy to leave any government, and praised Mr Hagahuno for his courage to move to the Opposition.
“He is a leader who is making a tough decision for the best interest of his people and our country.
“The country is going through some challenging times, with a government that is addicted to big spending and big projects but we the people are not seeing the results of these projects,” O’Neill said.
“Many leaders are seeing this and I am happy to see our first time MPs taking the lead to call for a change and hold the government to account.”
Mr Kua also welcomed the move by Hagahuno, and applauded Opposition Leader Joseph Lelang and Mr O’Neill, who he said have held the Opposition together for the past five years.
He said the camp is hopeful that they will have more defections from the government in the coming days and weeks to allow them to launch a challenge on the government when parliament resumes later this month.
FROM LEFT: Former prime minister Peter O’Neill, Kainantu MP William Hagahuno and Kerenga Kua yesterday. - PICTURE: GROETHY KENNETH.
SOCIAL Democratic Party leder Powes Parkop and party members at the party convention yesterday. - PICTURE: CLAUDIA TALLY
lae daily
Teacher calls to set up junior high schools
BY ANCILLA ILAVE ailave@spp.com.pg
SETTING up junior high schools should be a priority focus for the provincial government, said a head teacher in Lae.
Amba Demonstration primary school head teacher, John Maliaki said the establishment of junior
high schools would help to reduce the increasing number of students in secondary and national high schools.
He said due to the free education policy, schools were forced to cater for additional students.
Mr Maliaki said responsible authorities and stakeholders need to collaborate to address this growing concern.
“The Grade 8 students could remain in the school and continue on to do grades nine and 10 when the level eight primary schools are converted to junior high schools.”
He said there is a big concern for schools around the province regarding enrolment spaces for students.
“To address this, one of the solutions could be converting the level eight and nine primary schools in the province to junior high schools.”
Mr Maliaki said schools such as Markham Road, Omili primary; Taraka, Huonville, Saint Mary’s and Amba Demonstration should be considered junior high schools because they have the capacity.
“This would help a lot and at least assist schools on the issue of spacing.
“It depends on the government funding.
“Because the free education policy has seen an increase in the number of enrolments over the years.
“This year alone, the number has gone beyond the school’s capacity.
“So the government needs to assist the level eight schools in the Lae district.
“This includes other districts like Kabwum and Menyamya to construct infrastructure that could cater for the influx of students.”
He said the provincial government could also consider bringing those
Four students in car accident
FOUR students are lucky to be alive after the vehicle they were travelling in ran into another vehicle last Friday.
A 10-seater troop carrier with the students inside ran into a five-door land cruiser at the 4th Street intersection.
The students attending the Salvation Army Christian Academy only received minor bruises in an accident that could have been avoided.
The driver of the troop carrier was understood to be the father.
He was driving out from the Lae In-
ternational Hotel street and straight into the other vehicle belonging to R & Sons Construction that had another student onboard with the company driver.
The 10-seater was allegedly travelling at high speed according to eye witnesses that it hit the fivedoor land cruiser in the middle and dragged it against the fence of JT Manam Anda building at 4th street.
Kuima Security Guards arrived in time and rescued the students and the two drivers and saved them from opportunist and other troubles.
BY ANCILLA ILAVE AND ISMAEL GWASO
SETTLEMENTS provide affordable accommodation for many workers, so before removing them, the government should provide cheap accommodation, said an SME owner in Lae.
Oswin Borita said people are struggling financially due to the high cost of living and increase on taxes with no pay
increment is forcing many who are formally employed to live in settlements.
“Many tax payers are moving into settlements and blocks in search of cheap accommodation,” Mr Borita said.
“Ninety-five per cent of the educated elites, in the formal and informal sector, are residing in squatter settlements.”
Mr Borita said the people have been denied for more than 40
schools up to junior high school to address the current issue on spacing.
“If only we had junior high schools in Lae district it will assist a lot.
“All they need is support and assistance from the provincial government to construct infrastructures to support the schools.”
Mr Maliaki said the provincial government needs to work with the schools and church agencies.
“This is to find important solutions on how to address the spacing problems in secondary and high schools as well as the primary schools.”
Huon Gulf revives
scholarship
BY NATASHA WATAH
THE Huon Gulf District Development Authority has teamed up to revive a tertiary scholarship scheme that was launched at the district office in Lae last week.
This is a K400,000 five-year scholarship program revived by member Jason Peter after seven years.
According to the district administrator Andrew Namuesh, the scholarship program was started some years back and ended in 2017 and was revived and launched this year, largely to help students from the district attending tertiary institutions.
“Since the program ceased, we asked our good member to have it reintroduced as we will be assisting the four local level governments of the district - Morobe, Salamaua and Wampar urban and rural,” he said.
District education manager Sam Geseng said with the budget given, it will be divided equally to all four LLGs where each will receive K100,000 each.
“All four LLGs will be given K100,000 each which all students are bound to get 25 per cent respectively as school fee assistance.
“The students are required to present their acceptance letters from government recognised institutions, secondary certificates, and must have a GPA of 2.4 and above to be eligible to be in the program,” Mr Geseng said.
Representing the student body of the district, Yowa Imaita, a third year Human Resource Management student from UPNG thanked the member and his DDA for reviving the program saying it will help ease the burden of some parents.
years since independence.
“Furthermore the government must address this issue now.
“I am a small businessman but not only SMEs live in the settlements; there are mechanics, lawyers, accountants and many working class people, due to the affordability of the accommodation in those areas,”
Mr Borita said.
The Lae City Authority aims
to provide land portions for the people to build houses because shortage of proper accommodation is a big problem for the city.
Member for Lae, John Rosso is working with the authority to provide 3000 blocks to give to the tax payers.
Mr Rosso said the project will all be funded by the tax generated in the city towards improving the people’s living standard.
Kega: Auditor General’s
Office underfunded
BY GORETHY KENNETH kennethg@spp.com.pg
THE practice of of outsourcing audits to address the capacity constraints faced by PNG’s Auditor General’s Office (AGO) can be costly, especially when the office has limited financial resources.
AGO boss Gordon Kega said the insufficient budget appropriation for AGO over the years has hindered its capacity to conduct audits, including Service Improvement Program (SIP) audits.
“Outsourcing audits for SIP may compromise the independence and impartiality of the audits.
AGO, as a Constitutional Office, has the mandate to audit grants and other development funds appropriated to provinces, districts, and local-level governments.
“By outsourcing audits to private firms, there may be concerns about conflicts of interest or bias in the auditing process. AGO is entrusted with ensuring accountability and transparency in government spending, and outsourcing audits may undermine these principles.”
“The current staff strength of AGO’s Provincial and Local-Level Government Audit Division (PGLLGAD) is only 26 audit staff, with only 9 assigned to SIP audits.
“This is inadequate considering the SIP audit portfolio, which consists of 437 agencies.
“The lack of financial resources makes it difficult for AGO to hire additional audit staff or outsource audits to private firms.
“… outsourcing audits may also pose logistical challenges, particularly for audits of rural local level governments (LLGs).
“There are over 300 LLGSIP entities across Papua New Guinea, with the majority being rural LLGs. However, due to geographical remoteness of these areas, audits of rural LLGs are uneconomical.
“Despite these challenges, AGO has outsourced audits for revenue/profit making entities in the past. However, the outsourcing of SIP audits may require careful consideration and evaluation of the potential risks and benefits.”
Market cargo carriers call for recognition
BY JACOB POK
WHILE many unemployed youths, especially in major towns and cities in the country, resort to petty crime and violence, others try to live decent lives by making ends meet.
One such group are cargo carriers. These youths are found at market places and wharves ready to help cargo owners unload and carry cargos for a small fee. With the current economic challenges the country is facing and the rise in unemployment, these youths explore means and ways to survive.
While they are young and fit, they use their strength to make a living by carrying heavy cargos on their shoulders to and fro from the unloading site to the client’s delivery truck or market place.
However, the daring concern is the small fee they receive. Five kina is the maximum they receive per cargo and the minimum is K2. And that depends on the cargo owner. The cargo owner dictates what fees to pay them.
This has prompted an avid cargo carrier to look into ways to regulate this form of employment.
Titus Omin, originally from Chimbu, but born and raised in Port Moresby, and resides at Gordon near the main Gordon
market in the National Capital District, said following the call by Prime Minister James Marape recently to provide employments for youths in the country, Omin said he had been pursuing his proposal with the National Capital District Commission (NCDC) to regulate this job opportunity for youths.
“I registered an association for the cargo carriers with the hope to seek assistance from NCDC to assist incorporate and regulate it so that the youths can be formally engaged in this opportunity.
“Cargo carrying has always been a volunteer task that youths partake to make some little cash for survival but during these challenging times, it has become a regular task because many of these youths have wife and kids and they take cargo carrier job seriously to make ends meet,” Omin said.
However, he said the challenge many of these youths face is the fees paid to them by cargo owners.
“We have no say in the fees because the cargo owners impose their own fees so whatever little they pay us, we only accept it.
This is after unloading and carrying hundreds of kilos of bags.
“Some good cargo owners pay around K5 per bag but most pay around K3 and K2. We go home with K30 or K40 per day to put
food on table for our family,” Omin said.
Omin said that was why he registered NCD Market Carrier Association Inc and brought the proposal to NCDC to regulate this job so that youths are formally engaged through the association.
“I submitted the proposal early last year and did follow ups several times but to no avail.
“So I would like to appeal to our Governor Powes Parkop to consider our plight and help us, the youths.
“We are not seeking free handouts. All we want is for NCDC to properly recognise us by formally regulating this task by way of imposing fixed fees for cargo owners to pay to registered cargo carriers engaged through the association.
“The association would ensure issue proper ID cards and vests for the cargo carriers and coordinate their operations so that they are looked after well,” Omin added.
He further appealed to Governor Powes to see this as a means of promoting safe city and ridding law and order issues.
“This will surely keep unemployed youths busy and away from petty crimes in the city,” Omin said.
Omin can be contacted on 72230925 for any assistance by NCDC and relevant stakeholders.
BY JACOB POK
THE Koiari landowners have inked a new pathway to utilise and maximise the benefits they receive from the use of their resources to supply electricity and water into the city of Port Moresby, the nation’s capital.
For too long, the Koiari landowners have never ventured into any revenue generating options from their resource benefits and have now vowed to see some progress through partnership with their Koiari Rural Local Level Governments’ Water and Energy Equity Committee.
This led to the formal signing of a memorandum of understanding between pioneer resource owners, Kodu Resources Association and the Koiari Rural Local Level Government (KRLLG) to implement the reform agenda of consolidating their equity portfolio.
The signing ceremony took place at the Bluff Inn Hotel last Thursday in the presence of all Koiari ward councilors including Chairman of Koiari LLG Energy and Water Equity Committee, Geno Varuna, Chairman of Kodu Resource Owners, Sam Dabave and Deputy Governor and President of Koiari LLG, Willy Vavi.
During the signing, Mr Varuna in his capacity as Chairman of Koiari LLG Energy and Water Equity Committee said the signing was significant and
would open up new pathway to endless opportunities for development and prosperity.
“Let it be on our record now that Koiari RLLG like never before has reset the mode and direction of doing business with our God given natural resources. Therefore, we are now embarking on policy reforms to move away from mere rental collectors of levies/charges of resource development and get back ownership of business and revenue from the use of our natural resources,” Mr Varuna said.
He said KRLLG has mandated its working committee known as the KRLLG Water and Energy Equity Committee under his leadership to implement the reform agenda.
“The essence of this reform policy is to provide a consolidated framework to improve governance, coordination and communication and to maximize revenue inflow for the landowners and KRLLG.
“This reform is consistent with the government policy on driving the economy to bring about national prosperity as per the fourth medium term development plan (MTDP4),” Mr Varuna said. Deputy Governor of Central province and President of Koiari LLG, Willy Vavi, said it was a milestone achievement for the Koiari people and must be honored by the national government and other stakeholders.
FROM left; Kodu Resources Association Chairman, Sam Dabave and Koiari LLG President Willy Vavi holding the signed agreements as Koiari LLG Energy and Water Equity Committee Chairman, Geno Varuna looks on after the signing.
PICTURE: JACOB POK
TITUS Omin (right) with other ‘cargo carrier’ youths at Gordon Market ready to hustle for the day in unloading and carrying cargo bags. PICTURE: JACOB POK
Marape keen to strengthen PNG, Australia relations
BY GORETHY KENNETH
PRIME Minister James Marape is set to enhance the long-standing relationship between Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Australia during his visit this week.
As a guest of the Australian Government, his visit will begin on February 7 and will consist of a series of diplomatic engagements aimed at reinforcing bilateral ties.
Accompanied by a high-level delegation including former politicians Sir Yano Belo and Sir Nambuga Mara, as well as several ministers and chief officials, Mr Marape's itinerary is packed with significant engagements showing the importance of this visit.
Upon arrival in Canberra, the capital of Australia, the Mr Marape will be formally welcomed by Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong.
Following this, a traditional welcome to country ceremony will take place, symbolising the deep
respect and connection between the two nations.
The highlight of the visit will occur on February 8 when Mr Marape receives a ceremonial reception at the Parliament of Australia, hosted by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
This reception will include a 19gun salute, a guard of honour inspection, and the rendition of both nations' national anthems by the Military College Band.
In a historic first for PNG-Australia relations since PNG gained independence 48 years ago, Mr Marape will address the Australian Parliament.
This moment signifies the enduring partnership and mutual commitment to peace and prosperity in the Pacific region.
Apart from these symbolic events, the visit will also feature crucial bilateral discussions between Mr Marape and his Australian counterpart, Mr Albanese.
Additionally, an annual leaders' dialogue will take place, allowing for fruitful exchanges on various topics of mutual interest.
In a show of collaboration on security matters, Mr Marape will
engage with the Australian Federal Police's forensics facility to reinforce security cooperation between the two nations.
Strengthening regional stability and addressing shared challenges will be key focal points of this meeting.
The visit will conclude with Prime Minister Marape and his spouse Rachel Marape, honouring the shared history at the Australian War Memorial.
They will also have the opportunity to meet with the GovernorGeneral of Australia, further cementing the bonds between the two nations.
Mr Marape's official visit to Australia aims to significantly bolster the existing relationship between PNG and Australia.
By engaging in a range of diplomatic engagements and discussions, both leaders hope to further enhance cooperation and work towards a prosperous future for the Pacific Region.
Mr Marape is scheduled to return to Port Moresby on February 11, carrying with him the outcomes of this important diplomatic mission.
PNG, New Zealand share a deep bilateral relationship: Tkatchenko
PAPUA New Guinea and New Zealand share and value deep rich cultures and traditions, Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko says.
Speaking at the 184th New Zealand National Day (Waitangi Day) celebrations, Mr Tkatchenko said the bilateral relationship of both nations continues to be strengthened since its establishment 48 years ago.
He acknowledged New Zealand's continued assistance of various projects in sectors including agriculture, rural electrification, trade and development, labour mobility, education and scholarships, other State-Owned Entities and fiscal reforms including support for Bougainville.
“Our increased interactions have become more pronounced with the signing of the Statement of Partnership in 2021, setting out the principles and priorities under which both our countries will cooperate, coordinate and partner in the Medium-Term Development Plan IV.
“We also acknowledge New Zealand's humanitarian support for Mt. Ulawun volcanic eruption in West New Britain last year.”
“We value and appreciate among others the Foreign Service training of our Foreign Service Officers by New
Zealand and look forward to more educational scholarships and exchanges.”
“PNG also looks forward to diversifying our relations to consider other areas including sports, tourism, mineral and resource sectors, women empowerment programs and cultural exchanges.
“Your continued assistance in these areas will greatly contribute towards achieving self-sustaining rural economies at the grassroots level.”
Mr Tkatchenko said the three main priorities of the government include National Census, Local Level Government Elections and addressing Youth Issues to get them engaged through Technical Vocational Educational Training and Small to Medium Enterprise.
“PNG will continue to engage with New Zealand and our Pacific brothers/sisters through the Pacific Islands Forum and other regional bodies to ensure our region is secure strategically, stable economically and sovereign politically,” he said.
New Zealand High Commissioner Mr Peter Zwart said the bilateral partnership with PNG aspires to mutual respect and partnership and stability and prosperity for Papua New Guinea and the region.
US Ambassador arrives in PNG
BY GORETHY KENNETH
AMBASSADOR-designate Ann Marie Yastishock is now in the country to assume her role as the U.S. Ambassador to the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and the Republic of Vanuatu.
As President Biden's representative, Yastishock's primary focus will be on listening, learning, and building stronger relationships to address local and global challenges.
Yastishock expressed her eagerness to deepen the impact of U.S. engagement in the region and build upon previous activities.
She emphasised the importance of partnership and prosperity, highlighting the promises made by government leaders during the U.S.-Pacific Island summit at the White House.
Yastishock aims to deliver on these promises by understanding the challenges faced by the people and working towards mutual prosperity.
The Ambassador-designate also recognised the rich historical and cultural ties between the United States and the people of Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu.
Referring to the pre-World War II era, Yastishock mentioned how Amelia Earhart's stop in Lae in 1937 during her around-the-world flight attempt served as a role model for women and girls in technology and aviation.
Additionally, the Allied victory at Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands
was highlighted as a reminder of the sacrifices made to establish a rulesbased international order.
Yastishock acknowledged that the lives lost during the war helped secure principles and institutions such as the United Nations, The World Bank, and the Asian Development Bank, which contributed to the peace enjoyed in the Pacific today.
Building on this shared history, Yastishock aims to strengthen ties in the region.
In terms of specific initiatives, Yastishock revealed plans to expand the U.S. Embassy in the Solomon Islands and enhance engagement with the local population. She expressed enthusiasm about the return of Peace Corps Volunteers to Vanuatu and the ongoing efforts to open a new embassy there.
Yastishock believes that these developments will contribute to the strengthening of relationships and partnerships in the region.
Moreover, Yastishock expressed excitement about immersing herself in the local communities across Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu.
She looks forward to meeting the people, listening to their stories, and learning from their experiences.
Yastishock believes that the journey will lead to encounters with incredible individuals, travel experiences, and the formation of lasting friendships dedicated to deepening and broadening U.S. engagement.
AMBASSADOR-designate Ann Marie Yastishock
AUSTRALIAN Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed the PNG Parliament when he visited in January last year.
CATCH OF THE DAY
EARLY morning catch from these Huris boys in Namatanai, New Ireland province. Fishing is one of the past times of children in the province. During the holidays, the time is spent in the garden or in the sea.
-PICTURE SUPPLIED
ENB academic year launched amidst challenges
BY DIANNE WILSON
MORE than 3000 teachers across East New Britain’s primary and secondary schools return to their classrooms this week to deliver the 2024 academic year.
This follows it's launch by Rabaul MP Dr Allan Marat on Friday, January 2 at the Malaguna Technical Secondary School (MALTECH) in Rabaul.
The national theme for the year is "Transform Teaching and Learning to Achieve Quality Education for All"
While speakers impressed upon teachers the need to transform, they also acknowledged ongoing challenges that authorities will continue to address this year.
East New Britain Education Advisor Mr Alkan Mararang told the Post-Courierthat students in the province have been performing poorly academically.
He cited three main challenges that have contributed to the poor performance, apart from the curriculum shift from Outcome Based Education (OBE) to Standard Based Education
“The challenges are inadequate curriculum materials, inadequate teacher-training and incentives, and lack of teacher supervision,” said Mr Mararang.
“We did a small research and we found out that these three things are lacking in our schools”.
“The biggest challenge is to make sure we equip our schools with the resource materials and then train our teachers on whatever that is required
Education remains a priority: Marum
BY DIANNE WILSON dwilson@spp.com.pg
EDUCATION remains a priority for the government of East New Britain province.
This was the message from Governor Michael Marum during the launch of the 2024 academic year at the Malaguna Technical Secondary School) in Rabaul last Friday.
The Governor’s message was delivered to the teachers by the East New Britain Provincial Education Chairman Joe Endo.
He said under the theme; ‘East New Britain first’, the provincial government will work towards greater access, one entry one exit and making ENB the education hub for the New Guinea Islands region.
This is the provincial government’s commitment and contribution to education for the people of ENB.
“We are committed to creating an equal and equitable access for everyone to education services throughout the province.
“This will involve building more learning facilities based on specific needs of respective schools.
and then we follow through with supervision,
“The presence of education officers and inspectors must increase in schools”, said Mr Mararang.
He added his assurance that the challenges will be 'tackled' this year.
Mr Mararang confirmed that Teachers Inservice started last year.
"We reintroduced the Provincial Inservice Training (PIST) for our teachers. We want to embark on equipping our teachers to manage the schools and the issues in our schools”.
“Through the PIST, with some other targeted programs, we will improve the current progress that we are making,” he said.
Emphasis is also being placed on student leadership programs by engaging partners like Believe PNG and Tribal Foundation.
“We have a relationship with Believe PNG, it’s an international NGO, they are a branch of Planet Shakers, and we are partnering them to run short student leaders’ programs”.
“We also managed to get in touch with Tribal Foundation and we’ve started running the first program last year and the sector is on standby to begin the entire program again this year”, he said.
Mr Mararang said the challenges are real in the province’s education sector however, he believed that all the teachers must work together to tackle these challenges for the sake of the future of ENB.
District to support tertiary students
THE Wabag district development authority (WDDA) has allocated K2 million to subsidise tuition fees for students attending different tertiary institutions throughout the country this year.
Wabag Open MP and Health Minister Dr Lino Tom has announced that this subsidy program will continue as he previously did in his first term in office.
He said this is a subsidy program meaning WDDA will only subsidise part of the total tuition fees per applicant.
“We have K2 million under our DSIP for education and we will divide this equitable amongst all successful applicants,” Dr Tom said.
The Wabag DDA has been assisting parents by subsidising school fees for tertiary students since 2018.
“Establishing additional schools to cater for the increasing population”, Mr Endo said.
He added that special consideration will be given to wards with limited access to learning institutions.
“Consequently, we will remove any barrier that limits the opportunity for our people to enrol in a learning institution”, he said.
Endo said it is the provincial government’s dream for everyone in ENB province to receive a Grade 12 certificate through the proposed ‘one entry, one exit’ policy.
“Therefore, we will continue to create opportunities for everyone to proceed to Grade 12 by building more classrooms, establishing more schools and recruiting more teachers.
“More investment will go to Flexible Open and Distance Education (FODE) to cater for those that will decide to take this longer route to attaining their grade 12 certificates”, he said.
The provincial government, under Governor Marum’s leadership, will continue to explore opportunities for East New Britain to be the education hub for New Guinea Islands region.
“We will continue to consult, collaborate and interact with all relevant stakeholders to explore every opportunity to improve the current tertiary institutions in the province or establish institutions to offer courses not available in the province,” said Mr Endo.
EAST New Britain Governor Michael Marum says education remains a priority for the provincial government.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2024
Police state for PNG an option
PAPUANew
Guineans who live outside of the nation’s capital watched in horror on the events that occurred that Wednesday January 10.
Black Wednesday was a sad day in the history of our country, the city was ransacked indiscriminately, resulting in millions of kina worth of damages and lose of property for businesses.
The Government, to restore normalcy, declared a 14-day State of Emergency (SOE) and in that time, businesses moved to rebuild themselves.
More visible was the total change in Port Moresby. The ugliness that is usually associated with the city disappeared during the SOE period, life was orderly, peaceful and very normal.
Everyone loved the change that swept over the city.
The ‘’they think and act like they owned the place” attitude we find among the city residents was replaced by a sudden “respect for life and property” attitude by the very same people, prompting observers to call for the SOE to be made permanent in Port Moresby and extended to Lae, Mount Hagen and Kokopo cities.
When the SOE ended, an unease quickly replaced the temporary peace and quiet. You could feel it in the air. Everyone, including businesses were uneasy, there was a feeling that the events of black Wednesday will repeat itself and it happened again last Thursday. Sadly, one of PNG’s oldest companies, Brian Bell became the target again.
Given the socioeconomic undercurrents in the country at present, the call for a permanent SOE should be examined seriously by the Government. The option for a police state for PNG is there. This is provided for in the national constitution. We must change our governance meth-
od to respond effectively and efficiently with our behaviour and attitude.
We are sure the national constitution provides for such a governance method to be introduced where the disciplinary forces and the judiciary are allowed to legitimately use force to uphold the law when citizens take their rights and democracy to the extreme.
We are sure there is a “PNG Way” that must be found to restore the respect for law, life and property and the respect for authority.
The national constitution has defined rights that are enjoyed by the citizens such as freedom of expression, freedom of association, freedom of religion, affiliation to political groups and so forth, but we are now seeing that these rights are not exercised responsibly by our people. We seem to confuse ourselves with individual rights over community rights, leading to the anti-citizenship behaviour and attitude we are seeing in Port Moresby and, if we may add, that is brewing among communities around the country. The worsening poverty and related issues confronting our people is disheartening, and slowly forcing our people to take whatever they can, even civil servants who are pretending to serve the country and the people.
The cost to introduce such a governance system suddenly may bust the budget of the national government, but how else can those who govern, the big men who like to talk in Waigani, handle this time bomb that is ticking away every minute of the day?
There is zero respect for authority and the rule of law in the country today. We must accept this as a fact of life here. And we need to address this quickly. It is time to get really tough in our cities.
Email: yutok@spp.com.pg
NATIONAL Capital District Governor and the NCDC City Authority office are located less than two kilometres from Holiday Inn drain where street thugs and vendors are seen daily having showers from a broken Eda Ranu main pipe.
This is an eyesore and the place itself is taken as a common shower room or a resting place and a safe haven for street thugs. City police are driving to and fro daily past it, but are not doing anything with this eyesore which has gone on for years. The so called NCD City Authority are driving to and fro daily but are also not doing anything.
While a most important office that oversees vital needs of both human beings and animals - Eda Ranu ignored it’s responsibility - leaving the broken pipe
or tap unattended to for years. Our city is going to the dogs each day in people doing whatever they like or desire because city police and laws are not as strict in combating lawlessness.
The two landmark buildings in Tisa Haus and Holiday Inn Hotel located near the filthy scene are also not doing anything to stop what is going on at the drain side.
However, these two properties have security but it they are aware of this or not is the question.
Could the relevant authorities have the area fenced or have the leakage fixed.
Over to city police, NCDC, Eda Ranu, Tisa Haus and Holiday inn Hotel.
PRIVENSEN
Do not be carried away with
MINISTER for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology Don Polye was reported by the media last week to have made a bold statement that he will lead PNG education in artificial intelligence (AI).
He said that following his trip to China where he was to speak in an international digitalisation conference.
Papua New Guinean ministers and MPs are known for making bold statements about the future for the country without having clear well-planned strategies and policies to ensure the existing processes onshore are upgraded and in good order.
Polye must be careful not to make such grand comments when the standards in PNG tertiary education are low.
When was the last time that the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology conduct a nationwide audit of all the state-run colleges and the universities in
the country to ensure they are up-to-date with their curricula, faculties and other related functions?
When was the last time that the department and minister carried out an audit to check that qualified people are teaching and leading research in our state-run universities and colleges, and if the staff are indeed adequately paid?
When was the last time that the department and minister checked to see if PNG’s institutions are faring well in terms of teaching and research?
Universities in the Pacific like the National University of Samoa, Solomon Islands National University, the University of the South Pacific, Fiji National University and Tonga National University are breaking into new frontiers with new initiatives, including ongoing research, as seen from news on their websites.
Where are the University of PNG, PNG University of Technology, University of Goroka and University of Natural Re-
sources and Environment as well as teachers’ colleges and technical colleges heading to?
What is the vision of the Department of HERST for the next five years or more?
Is it aiming to improve teaching and research in our institutions and lower the tuition and accommodation fees for struggling students?
Those are important issues that Minister Polye should talk about. Leave out the AI talk for the moment.
PNG students are struggling to write proper English and it is not logical that the minister wants to promote AI.
First, improve the existing systems and processes to ensure quality education is offered to our children.
Do an audit on the courses and systems and processes in PNG tertiary institutions to upgrade them as well as improving teaching and research. Leave AI for another day.
Your reader,
Australian taxpayers’ support to go a long way
WE thank the Australian government and taxpayers for donating K100 million specifically for the purpose of renovating the police accommodation barracks in selected provinces in the country.
These provinces are; NCD, East New Britain, West New Britain, New Ireland, Milne Bay, Western Highlands, Hela, Enga, Madang and Morobe.
The K100 million is a lot of money given by the taxpayers of Australia at this time when we really need help in renovating the police barracks throughout the country.
As most barracks have been
rundown over the years, it will require substantial effort and time to being the status of the barracks to its former good stages.
This means credible contractors with integrity and reputation would achieve this optimum value in work outcome.
The Australian Taxpayers and the government of Australia would be very proud and satisfied that their contribution for our police men and women’s living quarters have been improved.
Upon successful completion of this renovation and maintenance program, the moral
standards of men and women in uniform would be boosted for better performance.
Alternatively, the Australian government through department of foreign affairs ( DFAT) and other agencies resident in the country can manage the funds in selecting bidders and procurement processes to award contracts to qualified and merit - based contruction companies open to both national and international bidders. This would ensure that actual much needed renovation can be done for a satisfactory outcome.
PHILIP UKUNI
Service deteriorating at Begesin aid post
I WAS waiting at Begesin aidpost in the outpatient for two hours with my child experiencing a very terrible fever thinking that a health worker would attend to me as soon as possible but nothing had happened. I walked around the health facility to be attended to. At the last sentence of their by-laws, it apparently states that “No patient is to leave unattended for long hours”. How can it be when you know you’re on duty but seem to forget your daily duties. It is not good for patients to look for you in your residence or garden reminding you of your duty despite your roster.
It has been the norm that when patients wait for so long and call into their residence to remind them, they sometimes donate hostile medication.
We do understand that there are no vaccines but someone has to fix this.
SANEMBE NAMOU
PNG MAN
It seems that the police resources in our nation’s capital are stretched. If that is the case, then government should call another state of emergency and extend the call out to the army until the end of the next session of parliament
BUSINESSES want assurance from the Police that they will promptly attend to any disturbance in the city, says Port Moresby Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Rio
Toksave Readers submitting letters and commentaries are advised that the word count per article must
Brighter day ahead
ARE you going through so much pain today? Life is tough. And yes, it is not easy when no one seems to understand us.
When I was in grade 12, I had my own share of pain. It was tough for me then. I remember my Mathematics teacher called me to his office and said; “son, according to your grades, I don’t think you will ever make it.”
He then went on to say from his experience, such students as me with low D grades have never made it to any higher institution. Thank God, He is a great God that doesn’t see us for our grades, but the potential He, Himself has placed in us.
I did go to University and beyond. God gets the glory. We all go through so much in life. And life is painful. Some comes from broken homes. Some have single parents. Some goes through child abuse and sexual abuse.
All these darkness closes down on us. For me, when I was going through my tough times, it felt like the darkness just closed down on me.
There was no ray of hope.
Not until my grandmother came to
10 years ago
my rescue. I will always appreciate her. Jessie Lagot is her name and I thank God that she always believed in me.
She taught me a lesson. If she could give hope to me, I could give it to someone else. Now I am giving it to you. My beloved, there is hope.
My grandmother’s visit in school that time gave me hope when she said to me: Grandson, whether you pass your grade 12 or not, you are still my grandson. My fear of failure stopped.
It was just three weeks before the examination. Though the hope was a speck of white dust at that time, it was the beginning of great things.
People of Papua New Guinea, God’s word even reminds us that we have seasons of time.
There is time of sorrow, and there is time to laugh.
So don’t think you will be in this situation forever. I did think that way back then. However, thank God, brighter day still come.
HOPE FOR BETTER FUTURE
Mul steps in for North Waghi students
IT IS a move in the right direction for North Waghi MP Benjamin Mul who was out of the politics limelight for sometime and now back, and is setting his focus on trying to develop his constituency’s human resource.
He recently announced a K2 millon tuition school fee assistance support for North Waghi tertiary students.
Mr Mul, an educator turned politician, his early intervention in prioritising students’ education needs is highly commendable and a move in the right direction.
An educated population will then
work hand in hand with leaders using their knowledge and skills and in turn will do something to develop their village, community, district or province as a whole.
Anyway, recipient North Waghi students, make it your business and prove yourself by benefiting from the fee assistance.
You are privileged to benefit from the North Waghi district development authority funds.
You must now prove yourselves and make the district administration and your local MP proud.
You must study extra hard and set an high benchmark against other students in the country.
Remember, state pays a fraction of your school fees, your parents pay a fraction and now your MP stepping in with the remaining balance. This is good news for you - North Waghi students and parents.
Thank you, North Waghi MP Benjamin Mul Ngalye for tertiary students school tuition fees assistance program allocation of K2 millon.
BINZ AIS DAM, Ambang village
Students, give priority to your studies
STUDENTS, are you playing more today or studying more?
Parents, if you are reading this, how is your children going? If you are a student who comes back from school and play every single afternoon without studying, let me assure you that you are wasting your time going to school.
It may seem a bit harsh but what do you expect? Whatever you are learn-
ing in school will definitely be forgotten if you don’t study. It is sad that a lot of parents just let their children get away with not studying.
Then at the end of the year, they blame teachers for not teaching their children well. If I am the parent, I would be checking my child’s ability to read books.
I will also test my child if he or she knows the timetables from two to twelve. If not, then I don’t have to wait for the teacher to do that. I can do it from home. Even if I have to beat my child to study and learn times table, I will do it. Why? Because their future depends on how well we discipline our children today. However, that is not the case for many parents.
THE Buiebia Correctional institution in Mendi, Southern Highlands is in dire need of manpower to prevent another major breakout
Audit for DSIP, PSIP funds
SOME years ago l read a story regarding a politician of a foreign country.
The news revealed that this particular politician misappropriated a certain amount of public funds not exceeding several thousands or hundreds, but less than that when he was found guilty of the charge in stealing public funds.
His country’s judiciary system upholding its rule of law - surrounding public office and funds, sentenced the poor politician to life imprisonment.
After reading that world news in brief, I imagined if our country PNG adopts the same laws as this country so it can make leaders and public servants feel the pinch of their country’s laws for misusing public funds.
This will then be a good lesson for all
and for future generation leaders. In reflecting on this story, we need to give answers to a few questions here. Who is doing audit for our MPs’ DSIP and PSIP funds?
Whoever is doing the audit, are you really honest in the job you do since you made a vow to perform without fear or favour. Did you visit projects sites? If you did, then good - that’s the way to go. So the actual cost of the project matched with your finding.
Very good so far - we don’t see or hear the audit team finding a single error in any of our politicians or a public servant. So far so good.
PAUL MINGA Political Observer
Unfair to transit passenger
I AM writing to express my disappointment and frustration with the recent experience I had with an airline company (named).
As a passenger scheduled for a connecting flight, I faced not only the inconvenience of a cancelled flight, but also the lack of support and empathy from the airline.
My connecting flight was abruptly cancelled by the airline, a situation entirely beyond my control. Understandably, such circumstances can arise, and I was prepared to handle the inconvenience. However, what followed was truly disheartening.
Upon enquiring about accommodation assistance, I was informed that the airline would not provide support due to their policy that excludes passengers who did not originally travel into Port Moresby on their flights. This policy, in my view, is unjust and places an undue burden on passengers who find themselves stranded through no fault of their own.
The cancellation was not a result of
my actions, yet I am left to bear the financial burden of unexpected accommodation and meal expenses. The airline should be held accountable for the consequences of their cancellations, and their policies should reflect a fair and just approach to assisting affected passengers. I appeal to other transiting passengers to carefully consider their options before choosing the airline.
The lack of support during unexpected situations demonstrates a disregard for passenger well-being and raises concerns about the airline’s commitment to customer service.
I urge the airline to reconsider their policies and take responsibility for the inconveniences caused by their flight cancellations.
It is only fair that they compensate passengers for additional expenses incurred due to circumstances beyond our control.
From chaos to reform in PNG: lessons from Morauta’s leadership
BY MATTHEW MORRIS
IN the wake of the recent declaration of a state of emergency in Papua New Guinea, a sense of anger and profound sorrow has enveloped observers and citizens alike. The city of Port Moresby, normally bustling with life, now echoes with the sounds of a country grappling with its most profound crisis in recent history. The streets, once filled with the everyday hustle and bustle of its people, are now scenes of desolation, marked by the charred remnants of looted shops and supermarkets. The palpable tension has led to the deployment of over a thousand troops, a desperate measure to restore order in a city brought to its knees.
The eruption of violence and lawlessness, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 22 lives, isn’t an isolated incident but a symptom of deeper, systemic issues. The immediate trigger was an apparent pay cut for public servants (which the government says was due to a payroll error), but the roots of the unrest are entangled in a complex web of economic mismanagement, rising costs, high unemployment, and a pervasive sense of injustice among the public.
This distressing situation in Papua New Guinea might lead some to believe that change is an unattainable
ideal, especially in such tumultuous times. However, the lessons learned from Sir Mekere Morauta’s tenure as prime minister offer a beacon of hope, demonstrating that even in the darkest of times, comprehensive reform is indeed possible. Indeed, the National recently published an article reminding us of the lessons from Morauta’s reforms.
Morauta’s leadership in the early 2000s was characterised by a determined push for economic stabilisation, public sector reform, and enhanced transparency. His approach was marked by a vision to instil fiscal discipline, streamline government operations, and foster a climate conducive to sustainable development.
Morauta’s reforms were aimed at pulling PNG back from the brink of economic collapse. He focused on restructuring the public sector, managing public debt, and revamping the financial system. His government introduced the Fiscal Responsibility Act to curb excessive borrowing and established the Central Banking Act to reinforce the autonomy of the Bank of Papua New Guinea. These reforms were designed to lay a foundation for a more accountable and efficient government, one that could drive sustainable economic growth and
social development.
However, the current crisis is the culmination of a two-decade deviation from these foundational reforms. It underscores a failure in governance and a departure from the principles of transparency and accountability that Morauta championed. Today, PNG is at a crossroads, where the choice is stark: to continue down a path of instability and economic degradation or to embrace the lessons of the past and steer towards reform and recovery. The state of emergency paints a grim picture of governance failure. Riots, police strikes over pay cuts and general lawlessness are manifestations of a government that has lost touch with its people. The administrative error leading to the pay cut is emblematic of the inefficiencies and lack of accountability that plague PNG’s public sector. The public’s response, though violent and regrettable, is a clear expression of deep-rooted frustrations and a call for urgent, transformative change.
As PNG grapples with this crisis, it is crucial to look back at Morauta’s reforms and understand their significance in today’s context. The need is not just for a change in government but a radical overhaul in governance. The focus should be on establishing a transparent, account-
able administration that prioritises the well-being of its citizens. This involves revisiting fiscal policies, strengthening public sector management, and ensuring that economic growth translates into tangible benefits for the populace.
Moreover, the international community’s role in supporting PNG through this crisis is pivotal. Aid and development efforts must be aligned with the long-term goal of building resilient institutions and governance structures. International partners must aid PNG in developing mechanisms that not only address the immediate crisis but also lay the groundwork for sustainable social and economic development.
As PNG moves forward, the lessons from Morauta’s leadership can serve as guiding principles. His vision for a stable, transparent, and efficient government remains relevant and crucial. The path to recovery and stability is challenging, but with a commitment to genuine reform and good governance, PNG can hope to emerge from this crisis stronger and more resilient.
If there is to be a silver lining, the state of emergency in PNG is a stark reminder of the critical role governance plays in a nation’s development. It is a call to action for PNG’s leaders and the international
community to prioritise sustainable development, transparency, and accountability. The nation’s future hinges on the ability to learn from past reforms and to embrace a governance model that truly serves its people. As observers and partners, we can only hope that this crisis becomes a turning point, leading PNG towards a future marked by stability, prosperity, and justice.
Disclosure: Matthew Morris was an economic adviser to Sir Mekere Morauta from 1999 to 2002, and continued to work for him in later years.
*This article appeared first on Devpolicy Blog (devpolicy.org), fromtheDevelopmentPolicy *CentreatTheAustralianNationalUniversity.
Matthew Morris helped to establish the Development Policy Centre and served as the Centre’s first Deputy Director. Matt is a development economist with 25 years’ experience. He is currently an independent consultant.
MEKERE Morauta talking to the Fayantina community in Port Moresby (supplied)
Unified system set for higher learning institutions
BY PHOEBE GWANGILO pgwangilo@spp.com.pg
All higher learning institutions, for the first time since Independence, will start operating under a unified system, said the acting Secretary for the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology Fr Jan Czuba.
This was made possible through the development and distribution of the governance guide to the universities and colleges.
He said the unified system will enable students to also transfer to continue studies at another university and have all other functions of all the higher learning institutions to operate under a unified system.
“This governance manual structure
applies to private institutions as well,” Fr Jan Czuba told the Post-Courier
“We have a lot of private service providers, unfortunately they are not meeting our requirements.
“One of our requirements is the governance and the organisational structure, they don’t have this thing in place so we share this information as well.
The private providers for education are extremely important for our country, however, to ensure we are operating, they have to meet our standards.
“This organisational structure and governance manual refers to them as well.
“Provide information for the private providers what they have to say, they shall do to meet the standard.
“I am optimistic that this year we should have more registered private institutions who are meeting our standards for institutional recognition,” Fr Jan said.
Busu secondary principal concerned
BY ANCILLA ILAVE
THE number of students in a class is too high and that poses a threat to the quality academic output of students, said an official.
Busu secondary principal George Noble said classrooms are filled beyond capacity and that puts students’ academic performance at risk.
“This is a concern for the schools because the teacher won’t have time to stand in the classroom to walk around to supervise, check and mark students’ books,” Mr Noble said.
Various schools in Lae have reported that the student teacher ratio is very high.
“What the teacher does is that they give work to the students and they come out and they don’t have the time to sit down with individual students and at least assist the students, especially the slow learners, and focus on the students in class,” Mr Noble said. The other factor is spacing. There
is not enough space in classrooms for teachers to move around to give lessons and provide exercises and expect students to work on those activities.
“In the past, the ratio was one teacher to 35 students (1:35) or (40) and that was manageable by teachers, but that number has gone up to 50 and 60.
“This year alone, not only primary but high and secondary schools, also vocational schools, have been forced to enroll more students than the schools’ capacity and that poses a big challenge for the schools,” Mr Noble said.
He said when teacher ratio is 1:40 the teacher will have time to walk around in the classroom and assess the students, especially the slow learners, to give them extra work to improve.
“For some schools, teachers don’t have their corners in the classroom because there is not enough space or available spaces are occupied by extra desks to cater for the number of students per class.”
Rumginae nursing students challenged
STUDENTS attending the Rumginae Nursing College in North Fly, Western province, have been urged to concentrate on their studies.
This was voiced during the school academic year dedication service last Friday to welcome 22 new intakes undertaking the diploma in general nursing and the 33 new intakes undertaking the community health worker course.
Students have been urged to maintain their performance with the aim to be competent health professionals.
School board member William Beng told the students that health services are much needed in rural areas and pursuing their dreams in health studies can lead to serving
their own people.
“Make use of the learning facilities that are provided at the school so that you gain the skills to serve the people in need of health care services,” Mr Beng said.
He further said that the process of educating and training health professionals is a shared responsibility.
“Therefore, all stakeholders should equally play their part to support the Nursing College.”
A new lecturer in General Nursing program, who will be teaching at the school starting this academic year, Andrew Wandenai, commended the students and staff members for their continued support towards health delivery in the province.
“Your great work is saving the lives of people.
“This is why we the academics have a key role to play towards imparting our knowledge to you,” Mr Wandenai said.
Despite the remote location of the school along the Kiunga-Tabubil highway, he made the point that students have been performing well academiclly.
School principal Amos Kupaloma also thanked all who have supported the school to ensure students are educated and trained to become good health professionals. All continuing students and the new intakes will commence classes starting this week.
NEW intakes welcomed during the dedication service held at Rumginae Nursing College last Friday.
No place for complacency in public service, Sia warns
COMPLACENCY has no place in the public service in the Eastern Highlands province (EHP) this year and going forward.
While the governor Simon Sia has called on public servants to improve their work conduct and ethics, the provincial administrator, Allen Los, issued a stern warning that the top management team will not hesitate to deal with unethical and undisciplined officers.
They announced this in Goroka on Friday at a dedication service themed: “Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness and everything else will be added unto you” taken from the Bible in the Book of Matthew 6.33
The dedication was attended by the provincial management team led by Mr Los, as well as the district development authorities’ chief executive officers and administration staff. Staff from the governor’s office also attended the service.
Mr Sia said the theme of the dedication service calls for 2024 to be the year of change in the way service is delivered to more than 700,000 people in the province.
“We must be in the office before 8 o’clock every morning and leave the office at 4.06 pm every afternoon,”
he said.
“Improve on your punctuality, dedicate yourselves to work for the good of others and your hard work
will pay off in the future.”
He tasked the provincial top management team to restore public confidence in the provincial administration by ensuring that service delivery mechanisms are seen to be working.
Mr Sia, who has been in the province for decades before becoming the governor, challenged the public servants to become better servants for the people.
“Change your attitude and be a better person than you were 10 or 15 year ago,” he said.
“The people want to see better results at the end of the year,
“Public servant getting paid for doing nothing is totally unacceptable.
New vehicles to save tax payers money in Madang
BY DOROTHY MARK dmark@spp.com.pg
IN A move to improve departmental efficiency and cost reduction, 10 divisional heads in the Madang Provincial Administration received new vehicles last week.
Madang Deputy Provincial Administrator Henry Kambuka presented the vehicles to the provincial government sector heads.
The initiative was expected to streamline operations and save taxpayers’ money.
“These new vehicles will directly address the high costs associated with using hire cars,” Mr Kambuka said during the presentation of the fleet.
“By providing department heads with reliable and fuel-efficient transportation, we empower them to better serve the people of Madang without incurring unnecessary expenses,” he said
The new cars were specifically designed and will be monired to be used only within Madang. Mr Kambuka said the comfortable interiors make them ideal for both field work and office use.
The initiative has been met with positive reaction from both the officers and the public.
The divisional heads expressed their gratitude for the new vehicles, acknowledging the potential to enhance their ability to effectively carry out their duties. A number of LLG presidents and community leaders in Madang applauded the focus on reducing government spending on hire cars and improving administrative efficiency.
Mr Kambuka also emphasised the importance of responsible vehicle usage.
“These vehicles are assigned to you 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” Mr Kambuka said.
“You are entrusted with public property and must treat it with utmost care. Any abuse, misuse, or damage will not be tolerated,” Mr Kambuka added.
Mr Kambuka said the vehicles are funded by taxpayers’ money and must be used responsibly.
“The vehicles are meant for withintown travel only. Off-road excursions are strictly prohibited to ensure longevity and prevent unnecessary wear and tear,” he said.
The move by the Madang Provincial Administration led by Provincial Administrator Frank Lau signifies a commitment to optimising resource allocation and delivering better services to the people of Madang. The 10 vehicles are part of a full 20 fleet purchased by the Madang Provincial Administration late last year.
An additional 10 vehicles would arrive this week and will be presented to other sector heads.
“You are expected to give 100 per cent of your effort to your work.
“I don’t see that happening.
“You are putting in only 70 per cent of your time to the job that you are getting paid to do.
“Work attitude must change this year and going forward.”
He called on the public servants splitting their time between serving the people and running their own business to make up their mind, saying they cannot serve two masters at the same time. ( See separate story on Goroka Business Page)
Meanwhile, Mr Los warned that the top management team would not hesitate to deal with unethical behaviour at the work place.
“Starting this year going forward, the top manegement team will instil discipline in those undisciplined officers,” he said.
“We will start taking disciplinary action against public servants now.
“You are expected to work diligently to ensure services flow into unreachable areas in the province.
“You deserve to be paid when payday comes.
“But if you don't work or even not have done enough and run to the ATMs and the banks, you know that you are stealing from the government and the people you have sworn to serve.
“There won't be any blessing on that pay packet.”
PNGDF platoon receives food ration, beddings from Lagaip district
A PAPUA New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) platoon currently deployed to Laiagam in Enga Province to help in minimising law and order issues in the district was assisted by the Lagaip District Development Authority (LDDA) recently.
LDDA chairman and local MP Aimos Akem has prioritised the minimising of law and order issues in the district after taking office recently by personally visiting warring tribes and advocating for peace resulting in ceasefires between war-
SOLDIERS and district officers at the Laiagam Council Chamber with the food rations, mattresses and blankets that were donated to the platoon. - PICTURE: SUPPLIED
ring factions in some parts of the district.
Mr Akem said his determination is to ensure a peaceful society before government services can be delivered.
In appreciation of the work of the PNGDF in containing law and order in the district, a platoon from the Wewak Border Rangers of the Second Royal Pacific Island Regiment camping at the Laiagam Council Chamber was Assisted with food rations, mattresses and blankets among others. The local MP Mr Akem said he had taken ownership to prepare for essential government services to flow effeciently throughout the newly created district.
A JOURNALIST and his family have escaped certain death when a tree fell during strong winds and a hail storm on Saturday night. The family of four were in the kitchen of their home when they heard a loud crack and the tree fell missing their home by inches. Robert Tiki said that his family live in Jiwaka and the tree was uprooted by the strong winds. “ My family and I are still traumatised,” he said. The family are pictured standing in front of their home and fallen tree.
Gumine rural power roll out continues
THE much anticipated rural electrification program for Gumine District in Simbu Province will soon be switched on with second phase to continue.
The rural electricity project that has taken close to a decade to light up the Gumine rural area is now a priority for the new district administration.
According to Member for Gumine Lucas Dawa, electricity is important to business.
But it has been delayed due to administrative issues.
“Let me inform our people in Gumine and Simbu that, rural electricity program for Gumine has been captured in our five-year development plan.
“I would like to see it progress through the next stage, therefore it has been my administration’s priority to ensure this service is delivered to our people,” Mr Dawa said.
He said, under the National Energy Policy Goal 2017-2027, all citizens must have access to affordable, reliable and sustainable electricity, and Gumine District is no exception.
“Gumine District has a population of more than 70,000 and will soon have access to power," he said.
The power pylons and lines currently stop at Omkolai, which is just a few kilometres away from the district administration head quarters.
“Digine LLG section along the Gumine road has been covered and will be switched on at Munuma soon.
“Due to disturbance by disgruntled youths, the launching program has been deferred to a later date this month.”
Mr Dawa said funds for the second phase installation and maintenance from Dingua to Omkolai was already released.
“The contractors will liaise with landowners and facilitate work to continue,” he said.
Mr Dawa said in the 2024 budget, Gumine District Development Authority ( DDA) has allocated K1 million for electricity project.
“We will continue this important project until it reaches the district administration in Gumine.”
Gumine District Administration is 43 kilometres away from
working on the
the provincial headquarter in Kundiawa.
The third phase will continue to Dirima, Boromil, Gumine and futher south to Mul, towards Salt Nomane District.
Gumine District has important national institutions and government services and Churchrun education and health facilities that will benefit from the new electricity roll out program.
The services include two secondary schools (Boromil and Gumine), a junior high school (Digine) and Girls Technical secondary at Dirima plus a TVET at Munuma, nine primary schools, the new Simbu Polytechnic Institute and several community health posts.
Department aims to turn district towns into economic hubs
THE Department of Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs (DPLGA) is now focusing to implement its District Town Improvement Program (DTIP) at the districts, aimed at creating wealth and income earning opportunities for the rural majority.
Since the introduction of the DTIP program in 2019 and up until 2022, DPLGA has successfully delivered 21 impact projects at the cost of K25.5 million.
The DTIP program is aimed at transforming the district headquarters from mere administrative offices into economical hubs and commercial centres, basically to boost rural
development and economic empowerment.
The DTIP is a capital investment project that was introduced in 2019, targeted at improving and developing district towns into economic hubs.
Since independence in 1975, most of the district towns were seen as mere administrative headquarters, however, through this DTIP concept, the DPLGA now aims to convert all 89, including seven new districts, into economical hubs to empower the people into building the country’s economy.
The DTIP program also aims to promote public, private, and people partnership for the development of
respective districts.
DPLGA is responsible for managing and supervising the implementation of DTIP. This program was introduced by GoPNG in response to public outcry on the lack of service enabling infrastructure in district towns.
This has been identified as the biggest impediment in delivering social and economic services to the rural population. Through DTIP, the National Government aims to empower local economies by guiding all capital investments on key infrastructure that will trigger economic growth at the district level, it will also transform administrative centres into district
service and growth centres to drive socio-economic growth and development in rural parts of the country.
The following impact projects were funded by DPLGA through DTIP and counterpart funding from the Services Improvement Program (SIP) and other development grants: The Hulukumaya building (Tari Pori office complex); Komo District complex; Tambul Nebilyer office complex; Wabag District office complex; Imbonggu public servants staff housing; Rigo office complex; Nuku office complex; Wapenamanda District office complex; Wewak District office complex; Okapa office comple; Lagaip District office and LLG chamber; Jimi District public servants staff housing; Finschhafen Gadigu market development; Esa’ala Finance office; Pomio District public servants staff housing; Wosera-Gawi Yambi market development Ambunti-Drekikier sub-district market
Imbonggu District market; and Wain-Erap and Huon-Wampar Growth Centers.
CONTRACTORS
Gumine district Rural Electricity Roll out project. PICTURE: SUPPLIED
NEAR MISS FOR JOURNO AND FAMILY
Sister city deal in pipeline
BY MAL TAIME mtaime@spp.com.pg
THE Chinese government has given thier assurance to the Western Highlands province to connect them in a sister city arrangement with a province in the People’s Republic of China.
Chinese Ambassador to PNG, Zeng Fanua said this on behalf of the China government at the official ground breaking ceremony for Kikpelti, Kelam, Kondomnga, Keiokaati, Anga, Kokop to Togoba road in Mt Hagen Central district of
Facelift for colonial road
A ROAD built in colonial times is getting a boost with upgrading and sealing, courtesy of the Mt Hagen City Authority and the Western Highlands Provincial Government.
The Kum bridge to Mt Rondon road was built in 1963.
Governor for Western Highlands Wai Rapa and Hagen Open MP and Minister for State Owned Enterprise William Duma officiated.
The launching coincided with opening of the Kum bridge to Rondon power project.
Mr Rapa said these people are the principal landowners of Mt Hagen city.
“Back in the colonial era , your fathers and grandfathers allowed the Kiaps to cut timber on your land to build Mt Hagen.
“And also you people are the custodian of the water that supplies Mt Hagen.”
Mr Duma further said the KumKundumb road project will be delivered at a cost of more than K60 million.
“Thus, the Mt Hagen City Authority cannot cater to deliver such project alone.”
Due to this the people of Moge Akelka received two major impact project that will change their lives.
the province last week.
Ambassador Zeng said he was glad to come to attend the ground breaking ceremony program for the Kikpeli road to Togoba.
He said this was his first time for him to come to Western Highlands Governor Wai Rapa’s village and he was happy to see peace loving people and thanked them for the warm reception the people gave to him with the delegation and commended Mr Duma and Rapa for becoming a very good friend of China.
Mr Zeng said it was a pleasure for him with the delegation to attend the ground breaking ceremony for the road project.
He said this was a very good road project because linking the road is the first step for the people to have
money in their pockets because he could see they have an abundance pf local produce bound for the Mt Hagen market, Lae city and Port Moresby because all would benefit from this road.
Mr Zeng said the company (MCC) will complete this project with a high quality result.
“This is because the Chinese government has always encouraged Chinese companies and the local Chinese communities to invest in PNG and the Western Highlands.
He said the (MCC), China Harbour, BNBM and Covec did construction work in Western Highlands that brought technology, construction and employment to the province.
Mr Zeng said they worked hard and contribute to the local economy
by improving the livelihood of the people.
He said China and PNG were like good brothers and friends and commended Mr Duma for supporting them.
“Governor Rapa wants to find a sister province with China and I appreciate and promise that I will find a good province for him in China,” he said.
Mr Rapa said China has shown its interest with Western Highlands to choose a province in China for sister city relations.
He said they have had discussions already and thanked God that he knows the future of the Western Highlands and thanked Mr Zeng for coming to the Western Highlands to offer a sister city arrangement.
Hagen Open William Duma and Western Highlands Governor Wai Rapa jointly launch the upgrading and sealing of Kikpelti to Togoba road project last week. -PICTURE: MAL TAIME.
Work on new highway into Mt Hagen starts
BY MAL TAIME
THE new road from Kikpeli to Togoba in Mt Hagen Central will become a second highway to benefit the people.
Governor Wai Rapa said this at the ground breaking ceremony for the Kikpelti, Kelam, Kondomnga, Keiokati and Anga/Kokop road to Togoba.
The upgrading and sealing of this road is a major service that will benefit the people of the Jiwaka tribe that has been neglected for many years.
The Department of Works and Highways will supervise the project
that was awarded to the Metallurgical Corporation of China (MCC).
The leaders, especially the respective elected ward members, assured that they would take the lead in conducting awareness to the people not to disturb the contractor.
Mr Rapa further said this road will become a second highway to benefit the people that have lacked a good road for decades.
He said it was an important road project that would opem other opportunitis and make things possible for the people at their doorstep.
Hagen Open MP William Duma said the road was constructed in the colonial days this is the first time for
Jiwaka cabinet okays 2024 budget
BY MAL TAIME
THE JIWAKA provincial executive council has passed the 2024 budget of K163,265.000 last week.
The cabinet endorsed the budget at their first meeting held at the Jiwaka Mission Resort in Banz North Waghi district last week.
The cabinet did not endorse a money plan for new developments because more than K20 million was cut in this year’s budget.
Out of the K184,615.000 budget for last year a total of K21,350.000 was slashed.
Also a total of K24,384,968.03 was rolled over to this year’s budget, while another K1,748.891.72 was raised from (GST and MVIL).
Those that attended the meeting and endorsed the money plan for the province include (PEC) chairman and Governor Simon Kaiwi, North Waghi MP Benjamin Mul, Jimi MP Wake Goi with the eight LLG presidents and three appointed members. The major appropriation for 2024 money plan the provincial assembly received a total of K980,575.75. recurrent K80,575.75 and development budget K900,000.00.
Total allocation for governor’s office K6,530.000 (K3,630,000.00 recurrent) development budget K2,900,000.
Deputy governor’s office received a total money plan of K400,000. The recurrent budget is K160,000.00 and K240,000 development budget. Provincial Administration K5,689,000.
K4,929,000 recurrent budget and the development budget K760,000. Education sector K11,721,700. The recurrent budget is K87,217.000 and development budget K3million. Commerce- SME incurbation centre K251,000 and development budget nill.
Community development (Youths and Sports) K150,000.
Others K1,361,992.
Recurrent budget K631,992 and development budget K1million.
Mr Kaiwi said because of some issues occurred it affected them and the 2024 annual budget was very important for Jiwaka Provincial Government and its administration to implement government policies and development projects.
Jimi MP Wake Goi said in the next budget allocation for law and order and youths budget must be increased respectively and there must be funds available for and ready for legal fees.
it to be sealed.
The president of the (MCC) international Jia Ningchuan said they are pleased that they would be working to contribute towards the development of the roads.
Mr Jia said the company has been in Papua New Guinea for over two decades.
He said they started the development of the Ramu nickle project in March 2003.
He said they had been honouring their commitment between China and PNG as this is one of the important projects to the people of Mt Hagen to which MCC is committed to deliver.
While his North Waghi colleague Benjamin Mul said there were many issues in the province that need to be cleared because some issues occurred before and are still there.
He said politics must be put aside to clean Jiwaka province because the future of the province relies on them.
He said Prime Minister James Marape’s announcement for the kina to kina policyias still there and therefore they must put some funds for that.
Mr Mul said this budget was the existing budget and no new projects for the provincial service improvement program (PSIP).
WESTERN Highlands Governor Wai Rapa presents a traditional stone axe to Chinese Ambassador to PNG, Zeng Fanua as State Owned Enterprise
Minister William Duma and other Chinese delegates look on. -PICTURE MAL TAIME
STATE Owned Enterprises Minister and and Member for
B’ville authorities order Egyptians out
FIVE Egyptians were ordered out of Bougainville for carrying out unauthorised businesses in the autonomous region.
In a joint operation involving staff from the ABG Department of Economic Development, Trade and Industry, Police, Buka Urban Authority, Immigration and Customs agencies, Bougainville Business Association, two travel agents PNG Air and Air Niugini and the ABG Law and Justice Department, con-
fiscated passports and other travel documents belonging to the five Egyptians in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
The Egyptians, who arrived in the country from Port Moresby last month, were reportedly selling cooking utensils on the streets of Buka without proper trading licence.
On their arrival in Buka, the accused started selling cookery items like cooking pots, frying pans and other kitchenware to stores and the
general public on wholesale prices from K100 to K1000.
According to the Buka Urban Authority Manager Fidelis Semoso, after the Egyptians were rounded up by the joint operation team and were advised that they were illegally doing business without proper licence or being invited into Bougainville as per the Bougainville constitution.
Mr Semoso, who chaired the meeting of joint operation team, told the accused that their actions were not
Nissan Islands next atoll to go underwater
BY TRISTIROPSIS BOJA
THE recent king tide affecting many islands in PNG has brought additional and major destruction to the beautiful shorelines, reefs, and the islands of Nissan is no exception according to Barnabas Aegi, a village leader from Nissan Island.
He is now appealing to the member for Nissan Island within the Autonomous Bougainville Government together with the Land Conservation and Climate Change Office to urgently look into the plight of the Nissan Islanders.
He recommended the building of seawalls to help alleviate the issue of fast soil erosion now being faced by the islanders.
The Nissan Islander recalled that in the past, the island never experienced such natural disaster and had fewer erosion of their coastline.
“People were residing and living along the coast. We built houses and enjoyed the beautiful views, however these has all changed,” Mr Aegi said.
“We now believe that the recent changes happening around the world with climate change are the cause of the continuous destruction on our islands, and specifically the eroding of the coastlines on Balil (one, two, three) and Sirot islands.
“During natural disasters like the
dry season, it dries up all the crops from the gardens, and at times villages take time to look for new seedlings to regrow. Villages will then have to find ways to sustain their families. Those who live on the coastlines are expected to return early from fishing because of the unexpected winds and weather that are occurring.
“When we are out fishing and we see thick clouds and strong winds, we know that the seas will bring huge waves, so we have to get back on shore.”
Mr Aegi said since 2013, the sea has been washing away the shorelines, and uprooting large trees and even houses. Families are now moving inland due to the continuous sea and wave erosion.
Villagers from Balil 0ne, Two and Three had lost 27 houses since 2013 while others at Sirot Island lost two, and now villagers can no longer leave them on the beach.
“We are now confused to as to what measures to take, because of this continuous erosion,” he said. In the past huge waves usually crashed onto the outer shores, but today, these waves are thrown onto the shores leaving behind coastline erosions.”
As such, he maintained his call to government authorities to urgently investigate their plight and look for measures to help save the people.
only fraud or illegal, and that what they were also doing was reserved for local businessmen and women according to the Inward Investment Act of the Bougainville Economy sector.
“We find your actions and intentions to do business without proper documentation in Bougainville is illegal and unwarranted, we as guardians and protectors of our people, have no option but to immediately confiscate your travel documents
and give you 24 hours to leave Bougainville, or on the first available flight out of Buka,” he said.
Mr Semoso said that there are a lot of business opportunities here in Bougainville, but you must come through a proper partnership arrangement and agreement with the locals before you can enter Bougainville.
“If and when these requirements are met, then you will be allowed into Bougainville,” he said.
BY JEAN NUIA
WATER that was used to extinguish a recent fire at Kokopo’s National Court Room Two destroyed closed files dating back some 20 years.
The files were located in an adjoining room at the time of the fire.
On Tuesday, (Jan 30), at about 7pm National Court Room Two was the scene of heavy, black smoke and water as security guards and members of the public joined fire fighters on the roof of the courtroom to subdue flames that had reached the ceiling.
Eyewitnesses confirmed that by the time the fire was put out, water had already seeped into the adjoining room damaging files that had been placed on the floor.
Drenched files were relocated to safety by court staff who had earlier
rushed to the scene. Eye witnesses said that lack of storage space was an issue. Reliable sources said that the closed files were undergoing quality checks before they could be scanned and uploaded on a main server; an ongoing project from last year.
Some, were bench warrant files waiting for the state to file a notice to close them. While relevant authorities have yet to release an official statement some staff confirmed that “they are very old files”.
At the scene, Gazelle MP Jelta Wong said: “Thirty years we have been like this and we should have built. We are going to have to find a place…so the rule of law can continue.”
Investigation into the incident has begun.
THESE cardboard boxes contain files that were rescued in time. -PICTURE: JEAN NUIA.
Fiji meth bust accused ran Nadi kava bar, Aussie import business
SUVA: A NADI man charged with allegedly concealing over a tonne of methamphetamine at a property in the Western Division is the proprietor of a popular Nadi kava bar who also owns a business that has imported kava to Australia, RNZPacificand TheFijiTimeshave found.
Jale Aukerea, 42, was among 13 people charged over two separate seizures of a total of 4.8 tonnes of meth last month, which Fiji Police have said was imported into the country by barge and was intended for re-export abroad.
Aukerea has been charged in part with concealing 1.1 tonnes of the meth at a property in Maqalevu, Nadi. Some of the drugs had been transferred from large bundles into smaller packaging disguised as 62 packets of kava, police have said. Aukerea is the well-known operator of Kava Kings, a Votualevu kava bar known for hosting and promoting
ACCUSED Jale Aukerea (centre) makes his way to the Nadi Magistrates Court in 2013. -
concerts by Fijian artists such as Paradise Rootz, Tana Music, and Vegas 6, RNZ Pacific and The Fiji Times have found.
Corporate registry documents also show he is the part-owner and director of another company in Sydney
by the same name, Kava Kings Pty Ltd, that promotes itself online as “Official Australian Government Approved Importers.”
Police photos from the Maqalevu raid show packages of “Kadavu Waka” that do not display the Kava
Kings brand.
Police and prosecutors have not alleged any link between Aukerea’s Fijian and Australian businesses and the alleged meth plot.
Kava Kings’ Australian website features branded merchandise such as socks, t-shirts, bucket hats, and bandanas. Its website features advertisements for a series of reggae concerts it promoted in August 2022 in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane dubbed “Stir It Up”.
The concerts featured acts from popular Fijian artists including Billy T, Ratu, and Taufa, KKU and Kuki.
Aukerea’s Sydney-based partner in Kava Kings Pty Ltd, Peter Su, said he had been unaware that Aukerea had been arrested in the meth bust.
“We parted ways about over two years ago, so we haven’t had contact or communications for quite a long time,” he said. - RNZ PACIFIC
Sentence halved for Malaysia’s ex-PM Najib
KUALA LUMPUR: FORMER Malay-
sian prime minister Najib Razak’s 12-year jail sentence for corruption has been halved by the country’s pardons board.
Najib was jailed in 2022 over the embezzlement of Malaysia’s stateowned wealth fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). The board also reduced the fine imposed on him to 50m ringgit (£8.3m; $10.5m) from the original 210m ringgit. Najib must pay this in full to secure his release in August 2028. If he fails to pay, his sentence will be extended for another year until 2029.
He was convicted in 2020 after spending two years appealing his conviction before the courts.
The jailing of such a senior figure in Asian politics at that time caused major ripples across South East Asia. It was held up as a rare example of accountability in a region where power is so often unaccount-
Quick news
NORTH KOREA TESTS
SEOUL: North Korea tested its cruise missiles as well as new land-to-air missiles off its west coast on February 2, state media reported on Saturday, confirming a barrage of launches for weapons it said are aimed at enhancing defense capabilities. The launch on Friday marked the fourth time in just over a week that Pyongyang has launched such missiles.
UN AGENCY PROBE
SYDNEY: Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Sunday his government was probing claims that some staff of the United Nations Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA) were involved in the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel, after Australia paused funding to the aid agency last month. Australia is one of several countries to have halted funding for UNRWA, a critical source of support in Gaza, after Israeli claims of UN employees’ complicity with Hamas.
TAHITI TO HOST CABLES
able. However on Tuesday, reports emerged that Malaysia’s pardons board had met on the last day of the King’s tenure to consider Najib’s application for release. Malaysia has a rotating monarchy - King Abdullah Ahmad Shah passed the reins to Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar on Wednesday. - BBC
PAPEETE: French Polynesia is set to host five of the recentlyannounced trans-Pacific Google undersea cables, President Moetai Brotherson, who is also minister for the digital economy, confirmed. “We have one that links us to Chile, one coming from the US West Coast, a third one to Guam, a fourth one to Fiji and the fifth one to Australia”, he told local Tahiti Nui TV Google will meet the cost of the project. - Agencies
Thai opposition hit by fresh legal challenge as activists seek life bans
BANGKOK: ACTIVISTS in Thailand filed a petition on Friday seeking life bans for dozens of lawmakers of the Move Forward party, the latest in a series of moves to stifle a popular opposition that tried to review a tough law against insulting the monarchy. Complaints were submitted to the anti-graft commission to ban 44 Move Forward politicians for life, alleging serious breaches of ethics in backing a once unthinkable plan to amend one of the world’s strictest lese majeste laws.
The Constitutional Court on Wednesday ruled Move Forward must abandon its proposal to review article 112 of the criminal code, which carries jail terms of up to 15 years, saying it seriously undermined the monarchy.
Thailand’s constitution enshrines the king in a position of “revered worship” and royalists regard the palace as sacrosanct.
“These actions are a legacy of sins,” petitioner Sonthiya Sawadee said of
Move Forward’s plan.
“They have not given up on amending article 112, meaning that they are still intent on overthrowing the democratic regime of government with the king as the head of state.”
Move Forward won last year’s election on a wave of youth and urban support for a progressive platform that included undoing business monopolies and curbing the military’s entrenched political influence.
But its taboo-breaking bid to amend article 112 outraged conservatives and saw it blocked, opens new tab from forming a government by lawmakers appointed by the royalist military.
Despite being in the opposition, Move Forward is the biggest party in parliament, with an anti-establishment agenda that is colliding with interests of powerful conservatives, old money families and generals.
Friday’s complaint targets 44 Move Forward legislators - 29 current and 15 former. - REUTERS
PICTURE: THE FIJI TIMES
FORMER Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat, left, and Move Forward Party leader Chaithawat Tulathon react during a press conference after Thailand’s Constitutional Court delivered its verdict on the election winner’s bid to amend a law against insulting the monarchy, in Bangkok, Thailand, January 31, 2024. -PICTURE:REUTERS
Panama court deals blow to convicted ex-president
PANAMA CITY: PANAMA’S top court rejected former President Ricardo Martinelli’s appeal to annul a nearly 11-year prison sentence on Friday, but the ex-leader remained defiant and insisted he remains a candidate in the May presidential election.
Martinelli uploaded a video to social media shortly after the court’s ruling was made public in the unprecedented legal and political drama, announcing he will launch his presidential run on Saturday.
Panama’s constitution bars anyone sentenced to a prison term of five years or more from serving as president, although authorities have yet to issue a statement on the legal status of a possible run for president this year.
Recent polls show Martinelli leading the race.
Last year, Martinelli, a supermarket magnate-turned-politician, was sentenced to a 128-month prison term for money laundering in a case that centred on claims that public funds were used to buy a media conglomerate. - REUTERS
Around 200,000 gather across Germany in latest protests against far-right
BERLIN/FRANKFURT: AROUND
200,000 people took to the streets in Germany on Saturday, most of them in the capital Berlin, as nationwide protests against the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party entered their fourth week.
Protests were also taking place in cities such as Mainz, Dresden and Hanover, in a sign of growing alarm at strong public support for the AfD.
Roughly 150,000 people flocked to the Reichstag parliament building in Berlin, where protesters gathered under the slogan “We are the Firewall” to protest against right-wing extremism and to show support for democracy.
“Whether in Eisenach, Homburg or Berlin: in small and large cities across the country, many citizens are coming together to demonstrate against forgetting, against hatred and hate speech,” Chancellor Olaf Scholz wrote on X.
He said the protests were “a strong sign in favour of democracy and our constitution”.
The AfD’s success has stoked concern among Germany’s mainstream parties, who fear it could sweep three state elections in eastern Germany in September, even though
CHILDREN play with soap bubbles as people gather outside the Reichstag building, during a rally of the broad alliance “Hand in Hand” under the slogan “Wir sind die Brandmauer” (“We are the Firewall”) to protest against right-wing extremism and for the protection of democracy, in Berlin, Germany. PICTURE: REUTERS
recent polls have shown a slight decline in AfD support.
Jakob Springfeld, who speaks for the NGO Solidarity Network Saxony, said he was shocked that it had taken such a long time for mass dem-
onstrations against the far-right, given the AfD had been successful in many smaller communities already.
“But there’s a jolt now. And the fact that the jolt is coming provides hope I believe.” - REUTERS
US launches strikes in Iraq, Syria, nearly 40 reported killed
WASHINGTON/BAGHDAD:
THE
United States launched airstrikes in Iraq and Syria against more than 85 targets linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and militias it backs, reportedly killing nearly 40 people, in retaliation for a deadly attack on US troops.
The strikes, which included the use of long-range B-1 bombers flown from the United States, were the first in response to the attack last weekend in Jordan by Iran-backed militants, and more US military operations are expected in the coming days. The strikes intensified a conflict that has spread into the region since war erupted between Israel and Hamas after the militant Palestinian group’s deadly assault on Israel on October 7.
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani said in a statement the attacks represented “another adventurous and strategic mistake by the United States that will result only in increased tension and instability”.
Iraq summoned the US charge d’affaires in Baghdad to deliver a formal protest.
“Iraq reiterated its refusal that its lands be an arena for settling scores or showing force between warring countries,” the Iraqi foreign ministry said in a statement. Iraq’s Popu-
lar Mobilisation Forces, a state security force including Iran-backed groups, said 16 of its members were killed including fighters and medics. The government earlier said civilians were among 16 dead.
In Syria, the strikes killed 23 people
who had been guarding the targeted locations, said Rami Abdulrahman, director of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which reports on war in Syria.
US Lieutenant General Douglas Sims, the director of the Joint Staff,
Quick news
HOUTHI SHIPS HIT BY US
WASHINGTON: The United States Central Command said on Saturday that US forces conducted strikes in self-defense against six Houthi antiship cruise missiles prepared to launch against ships in the Red Sea. US forces identified the cruise missiles in Houthicontrolled areas of Yemen and determined they presented an imminent threat to US Navy ships and merchant vessels in the region, the statement added.
US STRIKES REACTIONS
TEHRAN: The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani said the airstrikes Friday in Iraq and Syria, after an attack in Jordan last weekend that killed three US troops and injured some 40 others. were “violations of the sovereignty and territorial integrity” of Syria and Iraq and represent “another adventurous and strategic mistake by the United States that will result only in increased tension and instability in the region”.
POPE ON ANTI-SEMITISM
VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis condemned all forms of antiJudaism and anti-Semitism, labelling them as a “sin against God”, after noticing an increase in attacks against Jews around the world. “(The Church) rejects every form of anti-Judaism and anti-Semitism, unequivocally condemning manifestations of hatred towards Jews and Judaism as a sin against God,” the pontiff wrote in a letter to the Jewish population of Israel dated February 2 and made public on Saturday.
CHILE WILDFIRES
KILL 46
SANTIAGO: At least 46 people have been killed by forest fires in Chile, the country’s president has said.The mayor of Viña del Mar, a coastal tourist city, also said that more than two hundred residents have been reported missing. Throughout the country more than 43,000 hectares have been affected by the fires, according to the interior ministry. The fires have been driven higher-than-usual temperatures and strong winds.
ETHIOPIA ON ALERT
said the attacks appeared to be successful, triggering large secondary explosions as the bombs hit militant weaponry. He said the strikes were undertaken knowing that there would likely be casualties among those in the facilities. - REUTERS
Ukraine hits Russia’s Volgograd oil
KYIV: TWO Ukrainian attack drones struck the largest oil refinery in southern Russia on Saturday, a source in Kyiv told Reuters, detailing the latest in a series of longrange attacks on Russian oil facilities. Local authorities in Russia said earlier that a fire had been extinguished at the Volgograd refinery following a drone attack. Oil producer Lukoil (LKOH.MM), opens
new tab, which owns the refinery, later said the plant was working as normal. The Kyiv source said the operation by the SBU security service struck the primary processing facility, without which the refinery could lose significant production capacity. Ukrainian officials seldom take responsibility publicly for deep strike attacks on Russian territory. The Volgograd refinery is the latest in a series of facilities to be
targeted by drones. Kyiv sees such infrastructure as important for the Kremlin’s war effort. The source told Reuters such drone attacks would continue.
“By hitting oil refineries working for the Russian military-industrial complex, we not only cut off the logistics of fuel supplies for enemy equipment, but also reduce funds into the Russian budget,” the source said.
The distance between the northeastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv near the Russian border and the southern Russian city of Volgograd is more than 600km. Russia has been conducting regular long-range missile strikes on targets in Ukraine since the beginning of its full-scale invasion, prompting Kyiv to scramble for ways to close the gap on Moscow’s more advanced military technology. - REUTERS
ADDIS ABABA: Ethiopia’s parliament on Friday extended by four months a state of emergency declared in August to respond to an insurgency in the northern region of Amhara that has resulted in hundreds of deaths and drawn accusations of widespread human rights abuses. Fighting erupted in Amhara last July between federal forces and a local militia called Fano, which has accused the government of undermining the region’s security.
TANZANIA GAS DEAL
DAR ES SALAAM: State-run Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) has paid US$23.6 million (K89 million) to double its shareholding in the Mnazi Bay natural gas field under an agreement with French energy company Maurel & Prom (MAUP.PA), opens new tab. The Mnazi Bay gas field, in the Mtwara region of the country’s south, has an estimated 641 billion cubic feet of recoverable natural gas reserves and contributes nearly half of the gas used to generate electricity in the East African country. - Agencies
US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden attend a repatriation ceremony for three American soldiers killed in a drone attack. PICTURE: AP
Yields and dollar jump, stocks rally on blowout US jobs report
NEW YORK, REUTERS - Treasury yields jumped, the dollar surged and world equities rallied on Friday after a blowout US jobs report scuttled any lingering expectations of a near-term cut in interest rates and highlighted a strong economy. Nonfarm payrolls increased by 353,000 jobs in January, the Labor Department’s Bureau of Labor Statistics said, almost double the 180,000 forecast by economists polled by Reuters. The benchmark 10-year Treasury note yield shot above 4% and the dollar gained against all major currencies as employers added far more jobs than expected and average hourly earnings increased 0.6% after rising 0.4% in December. The data came after the Federal Reserve on Wednesday pushed back against market expectations for an imminent rate cut, with Chair Jerome Powell warning inflation was “still too high.” “The market has been horribly wrong about the near-term trajectory of Fed policy and this is another instance where that’s the case,” said Kevin Gordon, senior investment strategist at Charles Schwab in New York. “The market’s been correct in assessing that the inflationary backdrop is going to help set the conditions for the Fed to cut,” he said. “But it’s probably ultimately the labor market that’s going to push them into cutting and then will determine the pace and the size of cuts themselves.” Employment growth had been decelerating, especially into the fourth quarter of last year, but the jobs report showed job creation accelerating, said Joseph LaVorgna, chief U.S. economist at SMBC Nikko Securities America.
Businesses immediately need K358 million
BY DALE LUMA dluma@spp.com.pg
BUSINESS houses impacted by the January 10 lootings and arson in Port Moresby need immediate Government relief assistance of K358 million, according to the PNG Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
President Ian Tarutia said this will include K8.7 million of wage support for workers who are now unemployed. Initially,
an assessment by businesses represented by peak business bodies announced that about K1.2 billion was needed to restock and rebuild. However, a validation assessment of the figures now bring that amount down to between K775 and K800 million.
“The Coalition of Businesses representing all businesses looted and burnt by the senseless tragedy that occurred on Wednesday 10 January have asked for an immediate cash assistance of K358 million which includes K 8.7 million of wage support for workers who are now unemployed,” Mr. Tarutia said.
“This is the amount affected businesses need right now to start rebuilding straight away.
“After a thorough vetting and validation process, total actual losses were assessed to be between K775 million to K800 million and not K 1.2 billion as initially announced.
“Business coalition suggested funding options including issuance of Govt Bonds, reallocation of budget spending and or soft loan funding with deferred payments over 3 to 5 years.
“But the preference without adding anymore stress to affected businesses is cash upfront
immediately.
“The options for funding will be decided by Government on advice of its technical advisory staff, but we respectfully reiterate the urgency for assistance now than later.
“On this note we are grateful for the attention Government, through PM James Marape, DPM John Rosso, Minister Assisting PM Ian Ling Stuckey, Governor NCD Parkop and Chief Secretary Ivan Pomaleu has given to affected businesses and providing assurance that assistance will be given in the shortest time possible.”
Port Moresby will recover, says Governor Parkop
BY DALE LUMA
NATIONAL Capital District
Governor Powes Parkop said Port Moresby will recover from the impacts of the January 10 lootings and destruction of businesses in nation’s capital.
Governor Parkop said during the opening of the K1.4 billion Hilton Port Moresby Residence on Thursday last week that there is still confidence in Port Moresby and the country.
“We have had a hit on the 10th of January but for NCD and our people we must move on,”
Governor Parkop said.
“We will do all we can to recover.
The National Government and ourselves at the NCDC are doing what we can to reach out to all the business houses.
“They are very important to the equation of our capital city but importantly to our national economy.
“They are big corporates some of which are owned by our people.
“Brian Bell, CPL and other companies that took the hit on the 10th of January.
“But like every other city, we can lift and we can move on and absolutely recover.”
Commenting on the opening of the Start Mountain Plaza Hilton Port Moresby residence opened last Thursday, Mr Parkop said: “Today, is a great day for our landowner companies but it is also a great day for our capital city, we need this. This is a lot of confidence in our capital city, there are a lot of confidence still with our country.
PM: Be optimists for your country
BY DALE LUMA
PRIME Minister James Marape has urged Papua New Guineans to be optimistic in the economy.
Speaking during the opening of the K1.4 billion Kina Hilton Port Moresby Residence on Thursday last week, Mr Marape encouraged Papua New Guineans to find space in business.
“Right under the nose of the 50th anniversary of our Nation’s independence, I beg every Papua New Guinean to be optimists of your country, don’t be pessimists,”Mr Marape said.
“Find a way to engage in productive activities and not in unproductive activities burning peoples’ hard work.”
Mr Marape said everyone must have his assurance that the PNG economy is growing. “Porgera is already fire up and very soon I will be invited there for the first
gold to be sent. Porgera is in production today.”
“We are moving to negotiate to conclude Pasca, continue to synchronise P’Nyang with Papua LNG.”
Mr Marape said if these projects are synchronised, PNG will be an oil and gas country for the next 40 years.
Mr Marape indicated that in 2038, revenues from oil and gas sector will almost hit K30 billion.
“Today we have K4 billion, by 2038 the country will earn around K30 billion.”
An optimistic Marape believes the economy will be much bigger than what it is today fueled by the oil and gas sector including the mining space including Porgera, Wafi-Golpu and Ok Tedi mining project also extending 20 years of life. Mr Marape indicated that the Ok Tedi agreement will be reviewed next year.
“In the next eight years, if all the projects come on, our golden time will come. Today marks that day and it is time to rise up and lift and
change. On behalf of the capital city, we would like to thank MRDC and all the landowner companies well done and thank you for your project.
“We had a bad storm on the 10th of January but at the end, the rainbow will shine.”
PRIME Minister James Marape cutting the ribbon to launch stage two of the Star Mountain Plaza Hilton Port Moresby Residence and launch stage three of the project. - PICTURE: MARK TALIA.
PRIME Minister James Marape speaking during the opening of the Star Mountain Plaza Hilton Port Moresby Residence last Thursday night. Marape encouraged Papua New Guineans to be optimistic about the future of PNG rather than being pessimists.
- PICTURE: MARK TALIA.
MRDC targets K8 billion investment benchmark
BY DALE LUMA dluma@spp.com.pg
THE Mineral Resources Development Company hopes to grow its investment portfolio to K8 billion next year when the country celebrates its 50th independence.
Managing director Augustine Mano recently highlighted MRDC’s investments have grown in the last 15 years from K600 million to K7 billion as of last year.
“In 2025 when we celebrate 50 years of independence, we hope to reach the K8 billion mark,” Mr. Mano said.
“Our community infrastructure projects are beginning to improve the quality of life for our people in the project sites.”
MRDC has recently opened its K1.4 billion Hilton Hotel Port Moresby Residence in Port Moresby.
This is stage two of the Star Mountain Plaza Hilton Hotel precinct in Port Moresby with stage three to begin. This is just
one of many MRDC investments with many more both domestic and international.
MRDC is mandated by the Oil and Gas Act 1998 to manage project benefits which are held in trusts by corporate trustees which are subsidiaries of MRDC, according to its profile. The corporate trustees under MRDC management have an investment mandate by utilising a certain percentage of the trust funds to investment. Board of each corporate trustee has the sole authority to make the investment decisions based on proper considerations. MRDC’s role is to implement the investment decisions and then monitor the performance of the investment and make appropriate recommendations to the Board.
MRDC also provides other corporate and financial management services to the corporate trustees.
Gulf Governor Sir Chris Haiveta when speaking during the launch of the Hilton Hotel Port Moresby Residence last Thursday, commended MRDC for growing the business over the years to have its portfolio now at K7 billion.
Star Mountain Plaza partnership rakes in K214 million since 2018
BY DALE LUMA
SINCE stage one of the Star Mountain Plaza Hilton Hotel development in 2018, around K214 million has been generated, according to the Mineral Resources Development Company.
MRDC Managing director Augustine Mano said during the opening of Hilton Hotel Port Moresby Residence which is part of stage two that the development of the Hilton prescinct is a testament that PNG is the land of opportunity. Incorporated in 2024, Star Mountain Plaza Limited stands as a collaborative venture between the Independent State of Papua New Guinea and these MRDC subsidiaries.
These subsidiaries, representing landowner and provincial government interests, are as follows:
-Mineral Resources Star Mountain (MRSM) – Mt Fubilan landowners
-Mineral Resources Ok Tedi No.
2 (MROT) – Fly River Provincial Government
-Mineral Resources CMCA –Encompassing North Fly, Middle Fly, Kiwaba, Highway, North Ok Tedi, Suki Fly Gogo, Manawete, and Dudi Region
-Commenting on the opening of the Hilton Port Moresby Residence, Mr. Mano said: “This occasion will not be possible without the undivided support of the Star Mountain Plaza which is PRK and the Ok Tedi Landowners.
“The Shareholders of Star Mountain Plaza includes the state which holds 20 per cent and then MRDC group partners holding 80 per cent. The K1.4 billion cost of this project was shared between the partners.
“The Port Moresby residence took around four years and seven months to complete.
“Since the Hilton Hotel stage one opening of the stage one in 2018, its performance has been remarkable.
“Some of the highlights include total rooms sold about 198,000, total revenue since the opening K214 million, total payments to local suppliers about K95 million.
“Total fresh produce purchased is about K43 million and it hosted three major meetings.
“Notwithstanding the downtime in profits due to COVID-19, we have built the business and the have steadily increased employment opportunities for Papua New Guineans by 30 per cent over five years. We have employed 355 people across our portfolio with further expansion plans for 2024 and 2025 as the business grows.
“Over the last five years, over 600 people have had the benefit of working with the Hilton Hotel. Our shareholders should be proud that we have beaten the odds.
“A Study by PwC in 2014 expected high occupancy above 70 per cent after five years of operation. We achieved in just one-year last year.
“This achievement was without any contribution from the expected construction boom from Porgera, Papua LNG, Wafi-Golpu or P’Nyang.
“It is a demonstration that this country is a land of opportunity and has so much potential but can only be
through building a world class facility through partnership with calculated risk and having a reputable international friend like Hilton.”
harnessed
THE Hilton Hotel Port Moresby Residence opened last Thursday. - PICTURE: MARK TALIA.
Prime Minister James Marape and wife Rachel arrive at the Hilton Hotel for the opening of the Hilton Hotel Port Moresby Residence last Thursday. - PICTURE: MARK TALIA.
MRDC managing director Augustine Mano speaking during the opening of the Star Mountain Plaza Hilton Port Moresby Residence last Thursday. - PICTURE: MARK TALIA.
FROM LEFT: Prime Minister James Marape, Hilton general manager Port Moresby Hotel and Residence Ryan Mikkelson and NCD Governor Powes Parkop inside the Hilton Hotel Port Moresby Residence. - PICTURE: MARK TALIA.
Prime Minister James Marape and Sir Chris Haiveta unveil the plaque as MRDC managing director Augustine Mano and Mrs Rachel Marape watch on. - PICTURE: MARK TALIA.
FROM LEFT: Prime Minster James Marape, Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso and Gulf Governor Sir Chris Haiveta standing on the podium to launch the Hilton Hotel Port Moresby Residence last Thursday.
- PICTURE: MARK TALIA.
Private sector cheques to end by 30 June 2024
THE Bank of Papua New Guinea has confirmed that the use of private sector cheques will officially end by 30 June 2024.
The BPNG emphasized in a media statement that this decision by the National Payments Council (NPC) does not affect government cheques, which will continue to be accepted.
Private sector cheques will not be accepted for payment by commercial banks and financial institutions in PNG
after close of business on 28 June 2024. Private sector cheques presented after 28 June 2024 will not be honoured.
Unused cheque books are redundant after 28 June 2024.
Individuals, businesses, companies and institutions who have cheque books should contact their banking organisation as soon as possible to arrange secure alternative payment methods that comply with the Bills of Exchange Act. Alternatives include digital products, vouchers and private
bills of exchange. For example, comprehensive digital services are being rolled out that would allow farmers and businesses to receive funds from agents in trade stores and other service locations at a lower cost than they are now paying to redeem cheques.
The NPC had originally agreed to the cessation of private sector cheques by 31 December 2023.
However, at their meeting on 18 December 2023, council members agreed to offer
IRC addresses withholding tax concerns for depository interests
THE Papua New Guinea’s National Stock Exchange has received advice from the Internal Revenue Commission that, having looked into the taxation treatment of the various PNG residents impacted by the establishment of depository interests (PDIs), the IRC is satisfied that the existing tax treatment of dividend income will not be altered significantly. Similarly, the treatment of stamp duty will not be altered significantly.
a six-month extension to 30 June 2024. In agreeing to the extension, Council members acknowledged valid concerns, raised by members of parliament and members of the public, about the ability of unbanked citizens and those in remote locations to present cheques by the end of 2023.
NPC Sub-committee members will be meeting with the members of parliament and others who expressed concern about the cessation of private sector cheques.
SME DESK DES
ARTICLE 6 OF 2024
PNG has over 800 languages. Not all customers are identical. They all have either large or small differences based on age, location, gender, interests and other demographics. Giving customers a reason to choose your products is important.
Differentiating one product from helps businesses make more money from competitors’. Differentiation simple means to make your product “different” or unique.
It takes many forms – from a product’s features, price and reliability to emotional, aspirational attributes and branding.
Customers like to buy a product relevant to them and differentiation itself prompts the customer into seeing a difference and helps to narrow down the decision-making process – in other words, it makes things easier.
This means that PDI holders will be taxed on any dividend distributions they receive on PDIs as though they were shareholders receiving the company dividends directly, subject to overseas withholding tax. PNG dividend withholding tax will not be applied.
PDIs will be subject to the same stamp duty arrangements as ordinary shares. That is, on-market transfers of PDIs on PNGX will not be subject to stamp duty.
Off-market transfers of PDIs
The IRC has accepted that PDIs will be treated as a pass through arrangement for income tax purposes.
not on PNGX may be subject to stamp duty as the transfer of a marketable security.
Newmont Corporation is the first company to be listed in PNG using PDIs. The IRC has acknowledged that the use of PDIs may be more common going forward. The IRC reserves the right to reconsider its position should new information come to light.
PNGX General Manager, Elizabeth Wamsa said without this positive advice from the IRC, PNG holders of PDIs would have faced complex taxation treatment of dividends
from overseas companies listed on PNGX using PDIs.
“This complexity would have been to the disadvantage of both PNG investors and the PNG capital market.
“The advice from the IRC means that investors will receive dividends net of USA withholding taxes, and they will need to seek their own advice on the taxation of the dividends and their entitlement to a foreign tax credit. We thank the IRC for its pragmatic consideration and its support for the development of the capital market,” she said.
ABG grants Panguna SML exploration license BCL
BY STEVEN BUSIN
THE Autonomous Bougainville Government has granted the Exploration License ELOI for the Special Mining Lease area to Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL).
The signing of the exploration license between ABG President, Ismael Toroama, and BCL Chairman Mel Togolo was done on Friday witnessed by various ABG members and senior public servants at the ABG Conference Centre.
The granting of the license also follows a long legal battle between the two parties and an out of court agreement that paved the way for the granting of the exploration license to BCL, and a 36.45 percent ownership equity of BCL to ABG.
Bougainvilleans now own the majority of shares with BCL.
The shares are held by the Bougainville Minerals Limited, ABG’s own company
incorporated under the companies Act 1997. The ownership of shares transfer follows the departure of mining giant Rio Tinto in mid-2016.
The ABG is also awaiting the formal transfer of another 36 percentage of Bougainville Copper Limited currently held the Government of PNG to ABG. Once this is completed it will give Bougainvilleans over 72 percent ownership of BCL.
The company was previously the operator of the giant copper and gold mine, Panguna prior
to the Bougainville Crisis which saw the closure of the Panguna mine.
The President while handing over the exploration license assured all stakeholders the process had undergone rigorous scrutiny within the framework of the legal process.
“I wish to assure all stakeholders that the grant of EL01 marks a significant milestone, that will finally settle the longstanding court proceedings between ABG and BCL,” said President Toroama.
Mama Bank, Pacifund signs agreement
WOMEN’S Micro Bank Limited (WMB), branded as MAMA BANK, has signed a MoU with Pacifund to provide accessible financial services and affordable credit facilities to the SMEs and MSMEs graduating from the Pacifund incubation program. This collaboration marks the beginning of a strategic partnership to provide business development and financial services to SMEs and MSMEs, facilitating access to start-up capital for business initiation and expansion. Women in
Papua New Guinea face significant challenges, with the country ranking poorly in global gender inequality tables. Entrepreneurial endeavours, especially for women, involve hurdles such as limited access to training and credit.
Mr Gunanidhi Das, the CEO of Mama Bank shared about the unique problem that Pacifund is trying to solve by catering to the entrepreneurial capacities of the women in the country.
“This will go a long way to achieve
“This is welcoming news given that the ABG is a major shareholder in BCL.
“We all know that we have a political agenda to achieve, however our economic situation needs to improve if we are to realise our political aspirations.
“For too long, impediments have hindered our economic development. The issuance of EL01 now provides us with a unique opportunity to overcome a major obstacle and make tangible advances.”
gender equality, women's economic empowerment, and the holistic development of SMEs, and MSMEs across the nation.” He added that Mama Bank stands firm with team Pacifund to provide the necessary support to promote financial inclusion and access to financial services.
“The MOU outlines the mutual roles and responsibilities of both parties, including the formation of a Steering Committee to oversee project activities.”
A classic recent example was recently when a liquor manufacturer branded it’s product either blues or maroons during state of origin.
Let’s look at four ways how SMEs can differentiate your products;
STEP 1: KNOW YOUR STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES – AND YOUR COMPETITORS. By understanding your own strengths and weaknesses, and those of your competitors, you will know what attributes you can leverage and what you need to do differently in order to outcompete rivals and to appeal to customers. Recently a local SME which was well known for baking cakes went into catering as well. Their strength was a loyal customer base and they added catering as another service they provided to their existing customers.
STEP 2: FOCUS ON CUSTOMERS.
Knowing what will appeal to them and how they will respond to any developments or changes in tastes in attitudes should always inform you strategy –including recognizing new customer groups and opportunities. Stationery companies do this very well in January every year by aggressively targeting the back-to-school students and families. Later in the year they run promotions for offices and businesses but when it comes to January – they target the back to school market.
STEP 3: COMPETE WITH YOURSELF.
Many companies offer products that compete with their own products. By offering differentiated products, you will appeal to a broader range of customers and occupy a larger portion of the entire market, restricting the space available for competitors. A clear example of this is how Trukai rice has different rice products. They have roots rice, normal trukai rice and then the jasmine rice for different customer segments with tastes and income levels.
STEP 4: BE AWARE OF SHIFTS IN THE MARKETPLACE.
Customers are always changing and competitors will copy paste your products and services and erode any advantage you once had. You will need to continually scan the marketplace to assess competitors and to identify new opportunities. An example of a new market is the so called “boom box generation” which has created an increase in demand for short diploma or certificate courses to help them find jobs.
PRESIDENT Toroama and Sir Mel Togolo holding the Exploration Licence. - PICTURE: SUPPLIED.
WOMEN’S Micro Bank and Pacifund staff following
Graduates challenged to create self-employment
UNIVERSITY graduates must use their knowledge to create self employment.
This was the challenge given to more than 1,700 students from the University of Goroka during the 27th graduation ceremony last week by the Vice Chancellor Dr Joe Wemin.
“What do you do when you don’t get formal employment immediately?”
He addressed 832 graduates who had obtained various qualifications that any economy in the world cannot absorb all the employable population.
“This is the challenge every economy faces and Papua New Guinea is not an exception,” Dr Wemin said.
“But getting a degree is not only for formal employment.
“It enlightens you as a human being.
enment to create employment for yourself.”
He stressed that employment creation is everyone’s responsibility.
“The government is responsible for creating a conducive environment for the private sector to flourish and create employment,” Dr Wemin said.
“That’s how far they can go.
“They cannot cater for the 100 per cent employable population of the country.
“Change your mindset and start thinking about self employment.”
Meanwhile, guest speaker Kessy Sawang, Rai Coast MP and Minister for Labour and Employment, encouraged the graduates to have courage as they move forward in life.
“Do not be afraid to go and fail for it is those times of failure that we discover our true strength and character,” she said.
K92 Mining empowering women
RECOGNISING that women drive development has been one of the principles of K92 Mining Limited’s sustainable development program.
Thus, one of the company’s prime focus has been the women in its declared communities.
Its literacy unit’s work for the improvement of literacy around Kainantu and in Agarabi was recognised last year by the PNG Chamber of Resources and Energy (PNG CORE).
Besides K92’s village literacy program, there is a dedicated women-inmining program in which the company has significantly invested in over two years.
Led by Julie Beu and Orpah Peter, this program is focused on skills to broaden the base for livelihood and giving women the knowledge and
skills to avoid any reduction in shortening of the quality and length of their lives posed by particular natural and social risks.
On the livelihood upskilling program, K92’s women-in-mining program has taken 44 women from its four declared communities – Bilimoia, Unantu, Pomasi and Sakimanip (Watarais and Marawasa) and enabled them to start learning tailoring skills.
K92 Mining engaged Highlands Tailoring from Goroka to train these 44 women, who knew nothing about sewing and taught them how to sewmeri blouses and laplap skirts.
The training for the Sakimaniap women was conducted from October 30 to November 3, 2023, after it completed the same training in the other three communities.
“From all our experiences in life, we will carry scars of our defeat and joys of our victories into the expression of our being and self worth.
“The scores of failures are celebrations for growth.
“Don’t let them hold you back but propel you forward, to build, strengthen and develop you to be a better Papua New Guinean.” REPORTS
“You have to use this enlight-
Parents stand in queues to pay for school fees
AS the 2024 academic year begins, queues have been long throughout the day at commercial banks in Goroka, Eastern Highlands province.
Post-Courier has observed that queues started to form around 6:30am at Bank South Pacific Goroka branch three weeks ago.
This trend has began after the Eastern Highlands Provincial government and Henganofi District Development Authority announced for the evidence of upfront payment of K2000 for university students, K1000 for college students and K500 for technical vocational students as one of their requirements for the tertiary students assistance program they have been implementing.
Post-Courier spoke to the peoplein the queues, who said joining the line is the only way to not miss out on the tertiary students school fee assistance program.
“The tertiary institutions want all school fees to be deposited
in their accounts,” said one of them.
“The tertiary school fee assistance programs are a big relief for struggling parents and we are here to make sure we deposit the parental components into the schools accounts, no matter how long it takes,” said another.
The others shared the same sentiment and determination to fulfil this requirement. Last week, one of the security
guards was handing out deposit slips, saying they had run out of school fee receipts.
One of the staff said she has been serving without a break.
“I do not know about my other colleagues but for myself, I can not bear seeing the parents and students standing in the long queues for hours under the hot sun, so I am trying my best to serve as fast as I could to serve as many as I can,” the staff said.
No claims from public servants will be paid: Sia
THE Eastern Highlands governor's office will not entertain claims from businesses run by public servants.
Governor,Simon Sia said this at the dedication service for public servants last Friday in Goroka.
He said he knows who is running what business in the province.
“If you are one of those public servants running a private business and have submitted invoices for services you claim to have provided, I am sorry but your claims will not be entertained,” he said.
“I'm going through every claim, why are we paying, who are we paying to and for what work or services.
“I am siging Form 11 only but I am not blind,” he said.
“I know most of you public servants are running private business, have so many vehicles and have acquired big properties.
“I don't know where you are getting the money from to afford these wealth and this question begs for answers.
“I am now appealing to you to change your attitude and be a better person in
2024.”
Mr Sia said public servants using their positions to enrich themselves does not fall short of the definition of corruption which, he likened to a cancer that is slowly but surely killing this country.
“We must work together to cut it (cancer of corruption) off,” he said.
“As the governor of the second largest province with 600-700 thousand people, I will be very strict with the public funds,’’ he said.
“This money belongs to the people and we are only the custodians
“Public servants, you do not need to be told of this.
“You already know this and you are expected to deliver results from the application of this funds.”
Mr Sia urged public servants to be accountable, transparent and honest. Provincial administrator Allen Los said the top management team will not hesitate to deal with unethical conduct going forward to restore public confidence in the provincial administration.
GRADUATES of the University of Goroka.
- PICTURES BY NELSON JOE
EASTERN Highlands public servants at their dedication service in Goroka last Friday. The service was attended by EHP Governor Simon Sia.
RAI Coast MP and Minister for Labour and Employment Kessy Sawang (centre) and Vice Chancellor Dr Joe Wemin (left) with other invited guests at the University of Goroka’s 27th graduation ceremony.
THE long queues, mostly of tertiary students and their parents at the Bank South Pacific Goroka branch, Eastern Highlands Province.
During periods of often
by the
seems most
That being the
tling those changes, you’ll explore their potential.
That
Tempting as it is to say ‘I told you so’ to certain stubborn individuals, it would be unwise. While it’s true, you’ve battled over a number of issues, in some cases at length, you’ve been just as stubborn as they have. And, that being the case, you, too, will need to adopt a flexible approach.
By no means are you narrow minded. Yet you long ago dismissed certain options as being unappealing or just plain unrealistic. While that was true at the time, since then circumstances have changed as have your priorities. Knowing that, explore past ideas and, equally, plans and concepts as new as they are intriguing.
There’s a difference between making a decision and a final decision, in the sense that you can’t back out of it. While you’re tempted to commit whole-heartedly, it’s unrealistic. With the actual circumstances in question shifting, the more you know, the better you’ll be able to assess the matters that arise.
Don’t be surprised if you’re faced with both the need to substantially alter longstanding arrangements and rethink plans you’ve regarded as solid. Once, they were. But between the current pair of eclipses and the three midyear, there’ll be a series of changes. While they’ll be unsettling at the time, ultimately, they’ll be a joy.
As a Libra, you have a strong sentimental streak. You both enjoy musing over happy times in the past but also try to use these memories to inspire certain tricky individuals to behave better. But that’s not the way others think, so this won’t work. In fact, push it too far and it could backfire on you. With both the Sun and your ruler Mercury forming tricky aspects to the fortunate Jupiter between now and mid-February, you could soon find yourself struggling with longstanding arrangements and new ideas. While unsettling, these are introducing exciting breakthroughs. The trick is to be aware changes will be necessary, and possibly more than once.
Nobody is better at making it seem you’d no interest in certain ideas, plans or, possibly, individuals without even mentioning the matter in question. The problem is, you must now get others involved, and that means discussing your feelings openly. Worrying as that sounds, it will be no problem.
Usually you’ve a knack for tackling misunderstandings head on, and untangling them in a single, forthright discussion. Similarly, if you’ve made mistakes, you’ll delve into them until you discover what went wrong. Judging by the current tricky planetary setup, those answers won’t appear swiftly as you’d hoped. Be patient. It will be worth it.
While you hate wasting time on pointless disputes, when an issue is interesting or a heated debate would generate worthwhile ideas, you’ll happily get involved. That’s exactly what you’re encouraged to do, and now. You’ll be amazed what you learn from the resulting, and often surprising, exchange of ideas.
1X MAZDA BT-50 SINGLE CAB UTE GOOD CONDITION REGO: BGI- 396 | Mileage: 64,707 KMS STORAGE: POM
CASH BIDS ONLY
For inquiries and inspection, Contact: Executive Manager Complance & Risk on Ph: 321 7900 / 70842929, E: emcr@fifl.com.pg F: 321 7907
TENDER CLOSES: 14/02/2024
SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72049224R10012
ISSUANCE DATE: 12 January 2024
CLOSING DATE/TIME: 11 February 2024 11:59PM Port Moresby time
SUBJECT: Solicitation for USAID Project Management Specialist (Democracy, Rights, and Governance), FSN-10
The United States Government (USG), represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking offers from qualified persons to provide personal services under contract as described on the website: https://www.usaid.gov/pacific-islands/careers.
The USAID Project Management Specialist (Democracy, Rights, and Governance) is located in the USAID Country Office in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The Specialist reports to the General Development Officer and is one of the principal foreign service national (FSN) specialists on conflict, democracy, rights, and governance programming for the Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu portfolio, with responsibility for designing, managing, and evaluating assistance in support of USAID’s Strategic Framework for the Pacific Islands. The Specialist manages activities related to civic participation, elections and political processes, and rule of law. S/he has a broad and solid understanding of democracy, rights and governance and its cross-sectoral applications. S/he has high-level knowledge on issues such as democratic systems, judicial reform, transparency and accountability, voter education and political participation, trafficking in persons and human rights. Governance related activities include support to civil society and advocacy in areas ranging from human rights to economic governance.
Specifically, the Specialist takes the lead in providing research and analytical expertise in support of policy planning efforts, shaping overall strategic and program planning. S/he is responsible for bringing evidence, analysis, and critical thinking to bear on democracy, rights and governance issues that informs the design, development, selection, implementation, and evaluation of projects undertaken by the office. The job holder takes the lead in formulating and implementing public opinion/group-specific surveys, studies and projects that will guide and inform programming decisions including contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements in the areas of democracy, rights, governance, and policy reform. S/he also takes the lead in generating and disseminating evidence-based research and evaluation that will guide USAID program and policy decisions.
To be considered for this position candidates must meet the following minimum qualifications:
1. Education (5 points) – Completion of bachelor’s degree in a field related to development assistance such as public administration, public policy, political economy, or other related fields is required. Note: Additional education may NOT be substituted for experience.
2. Prior Work Experience (15 points) – A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible, professional-level experience in project management-related work and data analysis in democratic systems, judicial reform, transparency and accountability, voter education and political participation, trafficking in persons, and human rights is required. Must have at least three (3) years’ experience of related work with USAID or any agency of the U.S. Government, other donor agencies, host government organizations or relevant private sector or civil society/non-governmental institutions. Note: Additional experience may NOT be substituted for education.
3. Language Proficiency/Communication Skills (10 points) – Fluent English (Level IV) - oral, reading, and writing proficiency in English, and Tok Pisin or other Papua New Guinean local language is required.
4. Job Knowledge (40 points) – A thorough knowledge of the: (1) concepts, principles, techniques, and practices of the assigned professional field of specialization; (2) host countries’ economic, political, social, and cultural characteristics and of the history of the development assistance activities in the host countries; and (3) host countries’ development prospects, priorities, and resources in the assigned field of specialization. This position requires a thorough knowledge, or the potential to acquire such knowledge, of U.S. Government legislation relating to development assistance; USAID programming and policies, regulations, procedures, and documentation; and the objectives, methodology, and status of the programs and projects to which assigned.
5. Skills and Abilities (30 points) – Ability to establish and maintain an extensive range of contacts with high-level officials of multiple host governments and regional institutions, and with influential persons in civil society, the private sector, and international donors across the entire region is required in order to represent and advance USAID development priorities in the region, and to advocate for resources and support with senior officials across the U.S. Government. The ability to identify significant economic, political, and social trends in partner countries and assess their importance and impact on USAID development assistance objectives and programs throughout the region is required. The ability to obtain, analyze, and evaluate a variety of data and to organize and present it in meaningful terms to others is required. The ability to draft factual and interpretive reports covering complex subject matter is required. The ability to provide information and advice with detachments and objectivity is required. The job holder must possess a very high degree of discretion, maturity, and flexibility, very strong interpersonal, teamwork, and communications skills. Proficiency in the use of various computer applications is required. Must also be able to prepare reports, correspondence, and documents in English in a professional and competent manner.
MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR- LAE
Chemcare Group Limited is a family-owned business and is a Good Corporate Citizen. The business has been operating in PNG for well over 50 years. We operate a Chain of Pharmacies throughout the country including Retail & Wholesale Shops, a Medical Drugs Warehouse & a Large Format Digital Printing Business that forms the Group. We pride ourselves to provide our customers’ the best service we can. In Chemcare; We Care.
We have an exciting opportunity within our Maintenance Department of the organization & would like to hear from you if you are keen to join a great team who is commercially focused with a conducive & family oriented working environment. We are seeking a skilled and dedicated Maintainance Supervisor to oversee our maintance team based in Lae.
Key Roles & Responsiblities:
The primary role is to oversee and manage all aspects of maintenance operations within the company but not limited to the following;
• Supervise and coordinate maintenance team activities.
Conduct regular inspections of facilities and equiptment.
Coordinate with other departments to prioritise tasks.
Train and mentor maintenance staff. Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities
• Response to emergency maintenance promptly.
Skills / Qualification / Experience:
• Appropriate qualification to a national standard or equivalent trade certificate.
• Minimum 5 years experience as Maintenance Supervisor.
• Proven experience in maintenance supervision.
• Excellent communication, leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of safety regulations and best practices.
If you want to be a part of an organziation that promotes equal employment opportunities, challenging but rewarding, team, we look forward to hearing from you.
Please send your applications with an updated CV including relevant documents & your expression of interest letter to;
Human Resource Team Chemcare Group Ltd, P.O. Box 349, Lae, 411, Morobe Province E-mail Address: human.resource@chemcaregroup.com.pg
Electronic applications are encouraged. No hand-written applications will be entertained.
PUBLIC NOTICE
INDEPENDENT STATE OF PAPUA NEW GUINEA Associations Incorporation Act
Reg, Sec. 2
Notice of Intention to Apply for the Incorporation of an Association HLANPE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION INC. 5-128282750
I, Shelley Leahy, of PO Box 850, Port Moresby, Port Moresby, Moresby South, National Capital District (Port Moresby), 121, Papua New Guinea, a person authorized by the committee of the association named above give notice that I intend to apply for the incorporation of the association under the Associations Incorporation Act.
The following are the details of the prescribed qualifications for incorporation as specified in Section 2 of the Act:
The Proposed Association aims to promote the interest of its members through partnerships and ventures that will result in the social and economic development of the Hlanpe sub-clan and their community.
Note: A person may within one month after the publication of this notice, lodge with the registrar an objection to the incorporation of the proposed association in accordance with Section 4 of the Act. This Notice has been approved by the Registrar of Companies. Dated 31 January, 2024
Harriet Kokiva Acting Registrar of Companies
The validation code for the Notice of Intention to Apply for the Incorporation of an Association is AS-2387626. To check the validity of this certificate enter https:// www.ipa.gov.pg/Corp/Verify.aspx?entityNumber=5128282750&code=AS-2387626 in your browser.PC576356
NATIONAL FISHERIES AUTHORITY
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)
The National Fisheries Authority is seeking proposals from qualified and experienced firms to conduct a comprehensive review of Employee Fringe Benefits Program. As a key player in the fisheries sector, NFA recognizes the importance of ensuring that its employees receive competitive and equitable fringe benefits that align with industry standards.
PROJECT TITLE:REVIEW OF EMPLOYEE FRINGE BENEFITS
RFP/TENDER NO: NFAHR/2024/01
KEY DELIVERABLES:
• Comprehensive analysis report detailing the current employee fringe benefits program.
• Recommendations for improvements or adjustments to enhance the overall competitiveness and fairness of the benefits package.
• Comparative analysis with industry benchmarks to ensure alignment with best practices.
• A presentation to the National Fisheries Authority Management team highlighting key findings and proposed changes.
SCOPE OF PROPOSAL Submissions should include a detailed proposal outlining the methodology, timeline, team qualifications, and a clear breakdown of associated costs. Only electronic submission will be accepted.
EVALUATION CRITERIA: • Experience in conducting similar reviews for organizations of comparable size and complexity.
• Qualifications and expertise of the proposed team members.
• Demonstrated understanding of the fisheries industry and related employment practices.
• Clarity and completeness of the proposal, including a realistic timeline and cost estimate.
EVALUATION PERIOD: Five (5) Working Days
NOTIFICATION OF AWARD: Three (3) Working Days
ADDRESS FOR SUBMISSION OF PROPOSAL:
Interested firms are invited to submit their proposals electronically to email address: nfaprocurement@fisheries.gov.pg clearly stating the Tender Number: Tender Number: NFAHR/2024/01
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF PROPOSAL: 17:00hrs, on Friday, 29th of February 2024
CONTACT PERSON: Direct any questions or requests for additional information to Mr. Philip Lens, Executive Manager Corporate Services Division at plens@fisheries.gov.pg or Telephone Number: 3090444
Authorized by
JUSTIN ILAKINI MANAGING DIRECTOR
National Fisheries Authority
OPENING OF THE LEGAL YEAR 2024
THE 2024 LEGAL YEAR CHURCH SERVICE WILL BE HELD AT THE CRC BETHEL CENTRE – NORTH WAIGANI, AT 9:30AM ON MONDAY 5th FEBRUARY 2024.
THIS IS AN ECUMENICAL SERVICE TO WHICH REPRESENTATIVES FROM ALL CHURCH CONGREGATIONS & THE PUBLIC ARE INVITED TO ATTEND. THE SERVICE IS FOR THE JUDICIARY AND THE LEGAL PROFESSION BUT MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO JOIN.
THERE IS AMPLE PARKING AT THE CHURCH PREMISES & ALONG THE MAIN ROAD.
National JudicialService & PNG Law Society PHONE: 324 5868 I FAX: 325 7732
Judges, Magistrates & Lawyers are to be robed for the service.
A combined Police, Correctional Services and Army Band will lead the Judges, Magistrates & Lawyers along the main road from the Tango supermarket along Koura Way to the CRC Bethel Centre Hall, North Waigani.
There will be a combined Guard of Honour Parade to be inspected by Honourable Chief Sir Gibuma Gibbs Salika, GCL KBE CSM OBE – Chief Justice of Papua New Guinea. Refreshments will be available after the Church Service, which is expected to finish by 10:45 am.
The Courts in Boroko, Port Moresby and Waigani will be closed during that morning.
Issued by:
IAN AUGEREA Registrar & Sheriff Supreme & National Courts
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTCE ATTORNEY GENERAL
OPENING OF LEGAL YEAR 2024
OPENING OF THE HIGHLANDS REGION LEGAL YEAR & THE NEW IMBONGGU NATIONAL COURT HOUSE
The 2024 Highlands Region Legal Year Opening Church Service and the new Walume Court House opening will be held at Walume, lmbonggu District HQ, Southern Highlands Province, at 9:3Oam on Thursday 08th February 2024.
Judiciary and the Legal Profession. Members of the the service and witness the opening of the new Court House.
Judges, Magistrates & Lawyers are to be robed for the service. The Army band, the Navy and other armed forces will lead the Judges, Magistrates & Lawyers along the main Highlands high-way into the lmbonggu District HQ at Walume for the programs. There is ample parking within the Court premises.
There will be a Guard of Honour Parade to be inspected by Honourable Chief Sir Gibumo Gibbs Salika, GCL KBE
The Courts in Mt. Hagen and Mendi will be closed for the day.
OPENED BY
CHIEF JUSTICE HON. SIR GIBBS SALIKA, GCL KBE CSM OBE
Department of Treasury Office of the Secretary
CONDOLENCE MESSAGE
WE ARE HIRING
Late Christy Tende
DOB 25/12/1989 - DOD 26/01/2024
The Management and staff of the Department of Treasury wish to convey our heartfelt condolences to husband Mr Martin Waswas, Children Jamila, Lina, Myron, families and friends on the untimely death of the Late Ms Christy Tende on 26th January 2024 at Port Moresby General Hospital. Late Ms Tende was employed by the Department of Treasury for eight years and at the time of her passing she was Acting Senior Analyst with Sectoral Policy Division. She will be remembered for her significant contribution to the Department of Treasury and Papua New Guinea. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this time of sorrow.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Mathew 5.4”
May her soul rest in eternal peace
John Uware Acting Secretary
experience. 5. Senior Lecturer, Rural Medicine –Department of Medicine, Masters Level with relevant work experience.
6. Lecturer, General Practitioner – Department of Medicine, Bachelor (MBBS) Level with relevant work experience. 7. Lecturer, Information Systems, Information Systems Department, Master level with
working experience in the field or teaching
Lecturer in Mathematics - MCS Department Masters Level, 6 years’ working experience in
Lecturer in Hospitality - Tourism and Hospitality Management Department Masters Level, 6 years’ working experience in the field or teaching
10. Senior Lecturer, Finance and Management, Port Moresby Campus, PhD level or Masters with at least 6 years working experience in the field or teaching.
11. Lecturer in Nursing, Rabaul Campus, Master’s Level in Nursing (Clinical and Surgery Background).
12. Director, Centre for Health Research and Diagnostic, PhD level or Masters level with 10 years’ relevant experience, Madang Campus.
13. Executive Officer to the Vice President Research and Higher Degrees, Madang Campus.
14. Director for Quality Assurance, required Masters Level and relevant experience, Madang Campus.
Requirements:
• For senior lecturer’s position required master level and relevant work experience. Desired experience in teaching and research.
• For lecturer position required a minimum of Master’s/Bachelor’s degree and relevant work experience in the field.
• For other positions required a minimum of Bachelor’s degree in the subject area and at least 2 – 3 years of relevant experience in a similar position within an academic environment.
Submit your applications including your updated CV and other educational documents to:
The HRM Office Divine Word University PO Box 483, Madang Telephone: 422 2937 or Fax 4222812
The position attracts a competitive salary package inclusive of other benefits such as Staff Development Programs, Medical and Housing.
Closing Date: 23 February, 2024
Only Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interview
Bougainville Copper Foundation Limited (“BCF”) takes this opportunity to inform all those who responded to our announcement on New Dawn FM and NBC Bougainville on the 3rd January 2024 regarding Bougainville Copper Foundation Scholarships to Education Institutions in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville and in Papua New Guinea. In total, 582 applications were received and considered.
In considering and evaluating all the applications received, the Committee, as much as the circumstances would permit, in awarding Scholarships, aimed at maintaining gender balance and adherence to the criteria that was announced.
The Bougainville Copper Foundation will not communicate directly with those applicants who were unsuccessful. Only individually.
If you are an Applicant for a Bougainville Copper Foundation Scholarship and have not received any communication from Bougainville Copper Foundation by Wednesday 7th February 2024, Bougainville Copper Foundation advises that you have not been successful with your application and thanks you for your response to our invitation for Applications.
Bougainville Copper Foundation remains committed to assisting within its means, to promoting the advancement of Bougainvilleans through its charitable endeavours, Assistance.
VACANCIES
The Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) was established by virtue of the Mineral Resources Authority Act 2005, as a Statutory Authority mandated to regulate and promote the Mining Industry in the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, (PNG).
Mining is the largest industry in PNG commonly associated with increasing myriad challenges affecting the entire Mine Cyle; from exploration, mine development, operations, mine closure and corporate social responsibilities.
At the MRA, we aspire to be a leading government institution in PNG. At the heart of our business, our human capital is our greatest asset. We base our recruitment on the principles of Good Values rather than high academic grades. We recruit for Honesty, Respect, Responsibility, Accountability, Dedication, and Integrity. We strive to offer rewarding packages including training for staff to attract and retain best-fitting candidates to serve the Authority, our people and her nation with pride and dignity. The MRA is an equal opportunity employer and currently, there are two female staff who are pursuing Doctoral (PhD) studies in geology abroad.
The MRA is currently seeking expressions of interest from qualified, experienced, and competent candidates for the following vacant positions under various Divisions.
MANAGING DIRECTORS OFFICE
POS. NO. POSITION
MR016 Manager Legal & Compliance
MR120 Senior Legal Counsel
MR008 Manager - Special Projects Unit
MR119 Projects Administration Officer
MR088 Procurement Specialist
CORPORATE SERVICES DIVISION
POS. NO. POSITION
MR052 Manager - Assets
MR019 Manager IT Infrastructure
MR122 Financial Accountant
MR125 Procurement Coordinator
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY DIVISION
POS. NO. POSITION
MR002 Executive Manager - GSD
DIVISIONLOCATION
MDO-LEGAL Port Moresby
MDO-LEGAL Port Moresby
MDO-SPU Port Moresby
MDO-SPU Port Moresby
MDO-SPU Port Moresby
DIVISION LOCATION
CSD-ASS Port Moresby
CSD-IT Port Moresby
CSD-FIN Port Moresby
CSD-FIN Port Moresby
DIVISION LOCATION
GSD-EO Port Moresby
MR009 Manager Geological Mapping & ExplorationGSD-GME Port Moresby
MR081 Mapping Geologist
MR033 Senior Engineering Geologist
MR045 Senior Engineering Geologist
MR148 Librarian/Data Compiler
DEVELOPMENT COORDINATION DIVISION
POS. NO. POSITION
MR003Executive Manager - DCD
MR037 Project Coordinator
MR134 Project Coordinator
MR135 Project Coordinator
MR136 Project Coordinator
MR138 Exploration Coordinator
REGULATORY OPERATIONS DIVISON
POS. NO. POSITION
MR170 Tenements Administration Officer
MR173 Data Administration Officer
MR059 Senior Inspector of Mines
MR076 Inspector of Mines
MR160 Inspector of Mines
MR161 Inspector of Mines
MR162 Inspector of Mines
MR163 Inspector of Mines
GSD-GME Port Moresby
GSD-GEH Port Moresby
GSD-GEH Port Moresby
GSD-GIS Port Moresby
DIVISION LOCATION
DCD-EOPort Moresby
DCD-PCOPort Moresby
DCD-PCOPort Moresby
DCD-PCOPort Moresby
DCD-PCOPort Moresby
DCD-ECOPort Moresby
DIVISION LOCATION
ROD-MIT Port Moresby
ROD-TAS Port Moresby
ROD-INS Port Moresby
ROD-INS Port Moresby
ROD-INS Port Moresby
ROD-INS Port Moresby
ROD-INS Port Moresby
ROD-INS Port Moresby
MR101 Personal Assistant/Secretary - Mines InspectorROD-INS Port Moresby
MR032 Development Engineer
MR179 Trainer- SSMTC
MR180 Trainer- SSMTC
MR181 Trainer- SSMTC
MR182 Trainer - SSMTC
ROD-SSM Wau, Morobe
ROD-SSM Wau, Morobe
ROD-SSM Wau, Morobe
ROD-SSM Wau, Morobe
ROD-SSM Wau, Morobe
Application Process: All applications should include your recent updated CV, Expression of Interest Letter, supporting documents and contact details of three non-related referees including MRA Employment Application form (submit in Word format). All application must be emailed to Careers@mra.gov.pg no later than 5:00pm, Friday 09th February 2024. Late application will not be considered. ONLY shortlisted applicants will be notified.
Position Details can be viewed from our website at www.mra.gov.pg/careers/
Authorized by: JERRY GARRY
Terms and Condition: Paddington Marmalade Money
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South Africa win penalty shoot out to reach Afcon semi-final
FOOTBALL
CAPTAIN Ronwen Williams saved four penalties to help South Africa reach the semi-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations following a 0-0 draw against Cape Verde.
Bebe, Willy Semedo, Laros Duarte and Patrick Andrade were all denied in the shootout by the outstanding Williams, who also made a spectacular late save to tip Gilson Benchimol’s first-time strike against the woodwork and ensure the gruelling quarter-final entered extra time.
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha made two exceptional saves in quick succession shortly after extra time began to deny Mihlali Mayambela and Teboho Mokoena.
South Africa will now have the chance to avenge their defeat by Nigeria in their last appearance in the Afcon semi-finals, when they were beaten 2-0 by the Super Eagles in 2000.
A moment which will perhaps be remembered as the save of the tournament was as close as either team came in normal time during a contest largely characterised by poor finishing.
Williams will undoubtedly be a contender for the Best Goalkeeper award once the tournament is over, and his fingertip save as he sprung into the air to keep out Benchimol's effort by the slightest of margins was a remarkable reflex stop.
There was even better to come from the 32-year-old when he stopped Cape Verde's first three penalties by diving to his right and thwarted Andrade by leaping in the opposite direction, having appeared to consult notes on a water bottle between each kick.
Cape Verde had more of the possession during the early stages before South Africa midfielder Teboho Mokoena blasted an effort straight at Vozinha and Themba Zwane and Evidence Makgopa both scuffed shots wide from promising positions at opposite ends.
With Percy Tau better placed to
Kane scores for Bayern
Harry Kane scored his 24th Bundesliga goal to help Bayern Munich beat Borussia Monchengladbach and keep pace with leaders Bayer Leverkusen.
Kane headed Bayern in front in the 70th minute after Aleksandar Pavlovic had cancelled out Nico Elvedi's opener for Gladbach. Matthijs de Ligt added a third for the German champions who remained two points behind Leverkusen. Two goals from Nathan Tella helped Xabi Alonso's side beat Darmstadt 2-0.
shoot, an off-balance Khuliso Mudau wedged an early effort behind as part of a slick South Africa move he was at the centre of.
Tau was then involved in a flashpoint on the stroke of half-time when he appeared to push Kenny Rocha Santos to the floor, with Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala deciding to take no action against either player.
The incident proved the final act of a first period which was far from a classic, causing some locals in the stands at Yamoussoukro's Charles Konan Banny Stadium to create their own entertainment by audibly celebrating Ivory Coast's lastgasp win over Mali after extra time of Saturday's earlier quarter-final.
Garry Rodrigues, who was Cape Verde's hero with their late winner against Ghana in their opening
Buatsi outpoints Azeez in bout
BRITON Joshua Buatsi outpointed friend and rival Dan Azeez in a brilliant all-British light-heavyweight encounter at Wembley's OVO Arena.
Buatsi floored his fellow Londoner twice in the 11th round, although Azeez insisted he slipped on both occasions.
Two judges scored it 116-110 and the other 117-109 to Buatsi in a bout where both men continued swinging into the final seconds.
"He pushed me every round, he's a champion," Buatsi, 30, said.
"I couldn't have done it without Dan, it's a pleasure to share the ring with him. Dan was pounding my head. He made me fight every second. Dan, big up yourself."
The contest was an eliminator for WBA champion Dmitry Bivol's world title, while Buatsi also picks up the British and Commonwealth belts with his 18th professional win.
Azeez, who suffered a first defeat in his 21st bout, was gracious in defeat.
"He was just the better man," said the 34-year-old. "I can't say one particular thing. He came and performed. He's a great athlete inside and outside the ring. I respect him."
Buatsi and Azeez served up a domestic dust-up for the boxing purist.
In quite the striking visual, Azeez made his ring walk second and headed straight to the middle of the ring to meet Buatsi face on. He skipped on the spot as Buatsi shadowboxed - neither man averting their gaze.
match of the finals, made his first start at the tournament in place of former Manchester United attacker Bebe, while Rocha Santos replaced Deroy Duarte in midfield for the Blue Sharks.
Joao Paulo Fernandes sent Rodrigues clear inside the penalty area with a perceptive low pass from the flank, only for the winger to send a shot straight into Williams' arms.
Cape Verde had two fine chances in quick succession following the introduction of Bebe for Rodrigues late in the second half, Rocha Santos having a shot blocked after incisive work by the substitute and Jovane Cabral blazing a strike over.
With nerves fraying in the shootout, Mokoena scored for South Africa but Zakhele Lepasa sent his effort high and Aubrey Modiba saw his parried by Vozinha as Hugo
Broos' side triumphed 2-1. Broos has successfully trusted in unchanged starting selections for each of his side's past four matches, and their task could be far trickier against their next opponents, who are in the semi-finals for the 13th time in 15 Afcon appearances and on a run of four successive clean sheets.
South Africa have matched that defensive sequence, doing so for the first time in their 11th appearance at the finals.
And with Williams in this form, it may take something special for Victor Osimhen and his team-mates to find a way past the 1996 champions, who will attempt to bridge a 24-place gap in Fifa's rankings when they meet the three-time winners in Bouake on Wednesday
Boland cleared Scott Boland is dealing with “wear and tear” in his knee but the fringe Test quick is expected to bowl for Victoria in the second innings of their Sheffield Shield match. The 34-year-old left the field on Saturday after being unable to complete his 17th over on day one of the Vics’ clash with South Australia at the Junction Oval. Boland was cleared of any major damage after undergoing a precautionary scan, which revealed “acute inflammatory signs around his patella tendon”.
Gordon sustains injury Newcastle forward Anthony Gordon could be facing a spell on the sidelines after leaving St James' Park on crutches following the 4-4 draw with Luton. The 22-year-old was replaced by Callum Wilson at half-time on Saturday. “I think he twisted his ankle,” said Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, who did not provide a time frame for how long Gordon could be out for. “He is in a protective boot and the physios are doing the right thing.” Newcastle have struggled with injuries to key players this season.
Surrey re-sign Roach West Indies international fast bowler Kemar Roach will return to Surrey for the first seven matches of the 2024 County Championship season. The 35-year-old has been part of the team that has won the competition in the past two seasons, taking 25 wickets in their title defence last year. Roach has 396 wickets from 183 matches across all formats for his country. He will join up with his Surrey team-mates in time for their first match, against Lancashire in April. “Everyone knows that Surrey is a second home for me, and I love coming to London to play at one of the best grounds in the world,” he said.
Chambers to race
Former world indoor champion Dwain Chambers is set to race in the 60m at the UK Indoor Championships at the age of 45. Chambers qualified for February’s event by running 6.81 seconds at a meet in Lee Valley earlier this year. He was banned for doping in 2004 but returned to the sport in 2006 and won the 60m world indoor title in 2010. The qualifying time for the World Indoor Championships, which take place in Glasgow in March, is 6.58secs.
Gundogan stars for Barcelona
Ilkay Gundogan played a starring role as Barcelona beat Alaves in La Liga. Barca went in front when Robert Lewandowski latched on to Gundogan's pass to dink the ball over the onrushing Antonio Sivera. Gundogan then fired in to double the away side's lead after the break, before Samu Omorodion's header for Alaves made it 2-1. Substitute Victor Roque sealed victory when he converted Hector Fort's cross, only to be sent off nine minutes later.
Wales 26-27 Scotland: The historic Six Nations victory that felt lika a defeat
RUGBY UNION
IN the end, nothing made sense. The loser felt better than the winner. The lifting of a trophy was rarely done with less gusto.
The triumphant visitors wore long faces, rejoicing in a first win in this place in 22 years by wearing the look of men who had earned a reprieve from the gallows.
One of their number said that this historic victory felt more like a defeat. And it did. It was one of the most extraordinary Tests that Scotland have ever been involved in. A wild ride. A journey to the dark side. After 43 minutes of this surreal
epic, rampant Scotland led pitiful Wales by 27-0. Duhan van der Merwe had just run in their third try from close on halfway. The famed Principality crowd had been hushed. A lone piper could be heard amid the sea of red. This was a rout. An exhibition. Poor Wales. Callow and humiliated. Trounced in front of their own people. You felt for Dafydd Jenkins, a fine player and the second youngest captain of Wales in all of time. You watched Warren Gatland who, at times, looked like his coaching life was flashing before him. New Zealand couldn't ever have felt so far away.
Scotland are the great entertainers, though. They're box office. A marquee act. From total domination to total capitulation. Their collapse was like one of those slow motion videos of a crash test dummy. Maybe it was the sound of the pipes that sparked Wales into life.
RONWEN Williams’ penalty heroics came after he had made a superb save during second half added time of normal time. -PICTURE: GETTY IMAGES.
Azeez (left) insisted he twice slipped in the 11th round but both were ruled knockdowns. -PICTURE: GETTY IMAGES
PAPENHUYZEN EYES NO.1
RYAN Papenhuyzen has been to hell and back, but he’s put his injuries in the rear-view mirror and wants to play fullback for the Storm in round 1. He’s endured three years of crippling injuries that have led some people to question his future in the sport, but Ryan Papenhuyzen can finally see a light at the end of the tunnel. The Storm superstar is eyeing off the fullback spot for the round 1 blockbuster against Penrith. It was only a few years ago that Papenhuyzen won the Clive Churchill Medal for his electrifying performance against the Panthers on grand final night, but he’s played just 30 games in the three years since thanks to a horrific knee injury in 2022 and a devastating ankle injury in last year’s finals.
FOGARTY IS VICE-CAPTAIN
THE Raiders have announced halfback Jamal Fogarty will be their new vicecaptain for the 2024 season, with Canberra losing a stack of experienced leaders from the team that made the finals last year. The Green Machine have lost nearly 550 games worth of NRL experience, with co-captain Jarrod Croker (retired) and Jack Wighton (Rabbitohs) no longer at the club. But Fogarty has emerged as a genuine leader and could replace skipper Elliott Whitehead when the Englishman eventually calls it quits after a glittering career in the nation’s capital. Fogarty, 30, signed a lengthy extension last year that will keep him in Canberra until the end of the 2026 season, with the playmaker fitting right in since he made the move from the Titans in 2022.
BURGESS BIG COURT WIN
FORMER NRL superstar Sam Burgess has made a passionate promise to stay on the straight and narrow and off his mobile phone while behind the wheel as charges he drove on a suspended licence were dismissed. A bleary-eyed Mr Burgess was beamed into Waverley Local Court on Thursday from northern England, where he is now coaching. When the South Sydney great was stopped by police in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs in the lead up to Christmas 2022, he had finished serving a 10-month licence suspension due to his poor driving record just months earlier. He had initially tested positive for a roadside breath test, but subsequent testing cleared him of having any drugs in his system.
KEMP EYES ALL STARS
SITTING in a clubhouse preparing for a rugby union trial match in Wagga Wagga, Grace Kemp watched on as the Maori All Stars overcame their Indigenous rivals in the dying seconds of a thrilling match in Rotorua last year. A proud Wiradjuri woman from Harden in the south west of New South Wales, the 22-year-old knew in that moment she belonged in an Indigenous All Stars jersey. “Sitting there watching the All-Stars game last year, I just thought it was absolutely amazing,” Kemp told NRL.com. “Just imagining being able to play a sport that you love and represent your culture while playing against another special culture, it was just awesome to see.
SCHUSTER NEARS RETURN
THE Sea Eagles expect back-rower Josh Schuster to be available for their opening Pre-Season Challenge clash with the Roosters on February 17, following a string of injury and health concerns. The 22-year-old picked up a calf injury on January 29 which kept him out of action for the remainder of the club’s training sessions that week, but he is expected to return to running in the second week of February. But coach Anthony Seibold told the club website that he doesn’t believe Schuster will be in any doubt for upcoming Pre-season Challenge matches or Round 1 of the Telstra Premiership season. “We expect him to play against the Roosters in our first official trial,” Seibold said.
A Dogs lifeline has ‘comeback kid’ ready to explode
RUGBY LEAGUE FOX SPORTS
“THE comeback kid”. That’s what Bronson Xerri’s Bulldogs teammates are calling him this summer as the young gun centre charges towards an NRL return after four years in the rugby league wilderness.
Xerri burst into the NRL as a teenager at the Sharks in 2019 but tested positive to the presence of exogenous Testosterone and was slapped with a four-year ban.
Rugby league is full of comeback stories and Xerri is determined to become the next by making the most of Canterbury and Phil Gould’s career lifeline.
It’s why the 23-year-old is leaning into the new nickname, which Bulldogs skipper Reed Mahoney called out as Xerri spoke with foxsports.com.au at Belmore on Thursday morning.
a number of big life lessons, including being appreciative for the life of an NRL player.
Prior to his suspension Xerri emerged as one of the brightest talents in the rugby league. He scored 13 tries in 22 games for the Sharks at only 19 years old.
He was even considered a future Immortal by Andrew Johns, but required two shoulder surgeries following his debut season with a third on the horizon.
“Gratitude, when something is taken away from you, you don’t truly know what you had,” Xerri explained.
“Coming back I’m more grateful to be here and be in the situation I’m in and gratitude is the biggest thing I’ve learnt.
It triggered a wry smile from Xerri who emphasised he won’t be taking his second chance for granted as he reflected on the moments he almost threw the game away.
When asked if he thought he’d ever return to the NRL, Xerri told foxsports.com.au: “It was up and down for me, at one stage I was like ‘nah, I am giving away the game’. Then sometimes I’ll be like ‘no, I need to come back’.
“I’m happy to be here and grateful for the opportunity and I’m going to take it with both hands.”
Xerri’s battles with mental health following his suspension have been well documented and he described his first two years of his suspension as being “down and out”.
“I suffered pretty bad with my mental health so I pretty much just stayed home and kept in my little shell,” he said.
“Then I actually jumped on a job site and worked for a few months doing carpentry and then when it came to the last two years I just started training with Roger (Fabri) and get my life back on track.”
However, Xerri explained that through his adversity he learnt
Desira, who quickly informed him Gould wanted to have a meeting to discuss a potential return to the sport.
“He (Gould) had a coffee with my manager and this was only recently when I signed with my manager, he gave me a call and said ‘Gus wants to meet you’,” Xerri recounted.
“It just built my spirits and I was so happy, I couldn’t wait until the next morning to go and see him. From the first meeting I was pretty much sold.”
“I wish no one to go through that, and I didn’t want to go through it just to learn what I had to about myself, but it is what it is and everything happens for a reason.
“I’m here and I just have tunnel vision and I’m ready to look forward... when times get tough on the field doing physical work I always just go back to doing work on the job site and how hard it was.
“It comes back to gratitude, I’m just so grateful to be here again and to be given that second opportunity... I learnt a lot about myself and I think I’ve grown a lot. I was 19-years-old too, so I’ve learnt a lot and I learnt who my true friends are.”
Xerri went on to express his love for the Bulldogs, a club he had only spent a handful of months at during the club’s 2024 pre-season to kick off his two-year contract.
Formerly a Moorebank Junior, Xerri played for the Canterbury-Bankstown Under 13s development team before being recruited for Cronulla’s Harold Matthews outfit.
After a dark period in which Xerri battled depression, Bulldogs supremo Gould emerged as a shining light.
The gun centre had only recently signed on with manager Matt
g at Belmore Oval. ULLDOGS
THE son of former NRL star and boxing champion Anthony Mundine has been tipped as a future top-tier talent, with a promotion not too far away according to his father.
Rahim 'CJ' Mundine, a versatile prospect, is currently part of the NRL pathways, having plied his trade in the NSW Cup with reserve sides for both the Wests Tigers and South Sydney Rabbitohs.
Currently with the latter while also sharing the occasional boxing commitment of his own, the 22-yearold looks set to follow a path his father took three decades ago.
A serious hip operation wasn't enough to bring CJ's professional rugby league hopes to and end, with the junior playmaker building a case for a top job.
Speaking to News Corp, Mundine senior believes his son isn't too far from reaching the NRL.
“I reckon he'll break through this year, he's really a utility and he can play in the halves but his best role's fullback,” the former Dragons and Broncos playmaker said.
“Another Mundine in NRL, he's killing it at training, he's close.”
A part-time light-heavyweight fighter, Rahim is set to continue in the Rabbitohs' junior ranks for the year ahead.
Anthony Mundine played 134 games in the top flight, 116 of which game in the Red V with St George Illawarra. The 48-year-old departed the Dragons midway through the 2000 season to take up boxing, featuring in 59 career fights across four weight divisions.
Johnathan Thurston backs Cowboys shake-up
RUGBY LEAGUE
AS JOHNATHAN Thurston sits eating a hot cross bun, he's reflective on the big changes the North Queensland Cowboys have made. Many predicted them to be premiership winners last year, but for a variety of reasons it was a spectacular failure, finishing 11th. Now there’s new captains, assistant coaches and a new environment in the club that Thurston believes was needed. “There’s been a lot of change actually, while there's still the same squad, the coaching staff has changed, with James Maloney as an assistant there and Justin
Morgan so they'll have different styles and structures they'll look to implement into the team,” he told Wide World of Sports.
“I think that's what they needed, they needed a freshen up and will certainly get that with James Maloney there.
“I went on a tour with Jimmy so I know what he brings, he's a winner, he's a winner wherever he's gone and that's what he'll want to instill into the young people at the Cowboys.”
A larrikin and notoriously not the hardest trainer, Maloney’s persona was famous throughout his playing career. To think he’d become an assistant coach wouldn't have been
expected for a number of people.
Reminded of that successful Kangaroos 2016 Four Nations tour, Thurston was asked if he ever thought Maloney would end up in a coaching role.
His trademark laugh accompanied his pondering the question for a good five seconds.
“He’s always had the football brain and football nous to be a coach,” he said.
"You don't want to take personality traits away from people, you want to hone them in the right way and having spent time with Jimmy up there he's started to put his mark on the team."
BRONSON Xerri (right) training at Belmore Oval. - PICTURE: BULLDOGS MEDIA
NORTH Queensland Cowboys assistant coach James Maloney with head coach Todd Payten. - PICTURE: GETTY IMAGES
RAHIM Mundine, the son of former NRL player Anthony Mundine (right).
MEETING up with families and friends
Here are some of the pictorial highlighted captured by Mark Talia, Charlie Dumavi and Fidelis Wasari on Private Companies netball, PNG Hunters trial match and the NCD Football Association grand finals
BRADLEY Manugel (C) passes the ball to NSL team mate Fedrick Joseph.
JOSHUA Lau in action for team Grey during PNG Hunters trial match.
after the Hunters trial.
MOUKELE FC Under 23 goalkeeper Karo Eiwana comes up with a clearance kick.
BSP 1 Jacklyn Hape (GS) looks to pass to a team mate as Moore Printing`s Mary Leka(GK) and Shamaine Kila (GD) watch closely.
MOUKELE Men’s A League team (in blue) celebrating after their first goal scored against Hekari.
JORDAN Pat and Junior Rop (right) after the PNG Hunters trial match.
MOREA Morea Jr turning up to watch the PNG Hunters trial match.
TEAM Grey’s Valentine Culligan makes a strong hit-up.
HEKARI United FC’s Marie Kaipu in action during the NCDFA women’s A league grand final prior to departing yesterday with the women’s national team.
I was left in the dark:coach Sakette
BY JOHN PANGKATANA jpangkatana@spp.com.pg
SOCCER
HIGHLY successful women’s football coach Frederica Sakette has put the record straight that she was never sacked but was never formally advised that she was sidelined and replaced by Hekari United FC coach Eric Komeng. There seems to be trend as this situation is comparable to the sacking of past women’s coach Nicola Demaine in 2022, after leading the national team to its first ever OFC Nations Cup victory.
The only difference is that Demaine was paid on a professional contract, while Sakette did it for the love of the game.
Sakette who coached the national team to win the gold medal at the last two Pacific Games in Apia and Honiara to maintain a milestone 6th consecutive winning run, was looking forward to prepare the team to take part in the forthcoming OFC Olympic Qualifiers set for Samoa (February 7-19), but never got her release letter from the PNG Football Association (PNGFA) to her employer.
Sakette said: “As I am a working mother I can’t just leave work because I have a full-time job.
“I was constantly calling them (PNGFA) for my release letter but I got
Kipsy thankful for Hunters pre-season opportunity
RUGBY LEAGUE: Hard running utility forward Wendell Kipsy tabled all he got in front of the Papua New Guinea Hunters coaching staff in the internal trial match last Saturday at the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.
Putting a lock to end the Hunters preseason training camp, Kipsy perfected his script in his role as the lock with his former Lae Snax Tigers in club level and gained an extra yard for his boys.
“I gave my best tonight (Saturday evening). I played lock 13 and my job is to run hard and defend the heart, the heart is the middle, so I defended the heart and supported the edges. That’s what the coach wanted me to do,” Kipsy said.
Kipsy put on some of the big hits in the trial match without preservation against some of the best forwards in Hunters camp to live up to his dream
to wear the Hunters jersey. He ran hard gain yards and even stepped it up in the dummy area to keep the momentum going whenever he could.
He said it is his dream to put on the Hunters jersey and he chose rugby league as his career so there is nothing to hold back as he hopes to find his name on the final team list for the Queensland Hostplus season 2024.
“Thanks to the good Lord if I make the final squad. It is my dream to play for Hunters,” Kipsy said.
“The Digicel Cup level is different from Hunters. Here we are learning new things it is tough but as we go on, we start to cope up with the system.”
He said he is so thankful for the opportunity for being part of the 2024 PNG Hunters training camp and glad to have learn from some big-name players that he will use the experience in his career.
-BY CHARLIE DUMAVI
no response.
“I was left in the dark, not knowing whether I should sacrifice some time off work or not...thus my absence.
“If they (PNGFA) were not going to maintain me I would have expected something in writing early to notify me formally,” said an upset Sakette who feels the PNGFA don’t care or appreciate the amount of time she put in and her efforts for the national team.
Sakette there was no warning or explanation. She said later the General Secretary informed her that the PNGFA appointed Komeng to take charge because of her absence and timing leading up to
the Olympic Qualifiers.
She said she has no grudges but felt the need to voice her dissatisfaction with the way the PNGFA has treated her and hopes this process improves.
With regards to the future of the women’s game, Sakette was blunt in saying that there are no development programs at all the member associations.
“So going forward, our women's national teams from the youths to the seniors will be competitive but never the best that we are capable of.
“We also need our women's coaches to be certified in order to coach the grassroots, elite and national teams.
Sakette.
Moukele had a good season run
SOCCER: Moukele Football Club was part of the NCD Football Association 2023 season that concluded with an outstanding season.
The team is from the Fisherman Island and were very competitive in the 2023 season.
Head Coach Babob Korilabong was extremely proud of his team’s performance throughout the season and in finishing off in the second place in the Men’s A League Division.
Korilabong who coaches the Men’s A league Division and oversees the other participating divisions expressed how proud he was.
“It’s an achievement for us as a community on how far the boys have come, and the level of playing and competitiveness that they have offered against Hekari United in the grand final match.”
“We want to extend our gratitude to Hekari for giving the boys a good game, so that the Moukele boys can know how football works when played at that standard, especially in a competition that
is at the national level and is associated with the PNG Football Association.”
Korilabong shared that Moukele Football Club was founded by himself and NCDFA Vice President Joel Keimelo who was a student at Divine Word University at the time decided to start their own club to expose the talents.
“We were the feeder of POM Souths in Madang like Hekari, and we sat down and thought that one day we can have our own club because of the talent of the youths in the village, so this is how we started in 2021, and it took us three years to get to this level.”
He added that the boys are from Hula but reside at the Fisherman Island, “their interest lies in soccer and this is how they’ve played and reached this level.”
“With Moukele FC we’ve instilled in them to never give up, despite the score you play till the last whistle to determine the winner and loser and to always keep the fighting spirit.”
Korilabong said after the 2023 season that they’ve had; they will
improve when the 2024 season kicks off in two months’ time.
He said their main aim as a football club is to develop the youths up, “especially in Fisherman Island, soccer is very dominant and then volleyball and cricket and what we are aiming to do is focus on the development squad and one of those requirements is you can only play soccer if your attending school.”
He also extended his gratitude to everyone who supported them from the beginning of the season till the end.
Under 15 Division saw the girls team beat Hekari Academy 2 to nil to claim the win, while the boys came in as runner ups to South Side Kuabo FC.
The under 17 girls claimed the fourth place, while under 23 saw the boys claim second place to Hekari Academy after losing in the penalty shootout.
And the A League’s men division put a tough match against Hekari to only lose in the second half 2 goals to 3. -BY MARCIA
NEGRI
TEAM Grey’s Wendell Kipsy fires out a pass from the dummy half to Valentine Culligan during the PNG Hunters internal trial match hosted on Saturday at the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby. Team Grey lost 10-24 to Team White. PICTURE: FIDELIS WASARI
“But again, the programs should be in place first in all Member Associations of the PNGFA,” added
FREDERICA Sakette.
Moukele celebrated their first goal against Hekari United in the Men’s A League Division match on Saturday at the PNG Football Stadium, Port Moresby. CHARLIE DUMAVI
NSL upset Pacific Industries
BY MARCIA NEGRI mnegri@spp.com.pg
NETBALL
NAMBAWAN Super Limited put up a strong defensive 20-5 win over Pacific Industries in the Private Companies Netball Competition premier division match yesterday at the Rita Flynn Courts in Port Moresby.
NSL wing defender Yvonne Nelson was one of the standouts in their (NSL) back court defense, shutting down the oppositions attack in the first quarter resulting in quick turnovers of possession. Her efforts paid off on a positive note with counter attack and scoring 10 points.
Taking aim under hoop for NSL and ensuring the 10 point were scored was skipper/goal shooter Maxine Aihi and goal attack Jemaimah Mai.
The opposition (Pacific Industries) goal shooter Ora Api and goal attack Kila Kini managed to evade Nelson's defensive efforts to score two points.
Pacific Industries had to work overtime in general play and their struggle saw them trailing at 2-10 half time.
NSL wing attacker Latisha Muriki was fluid in the mid-court and dominated with ball possession and passes to center Evangeline Taunao.
The team managed dominance and ball possession throughout a struggling PI side throughout the duration of the match.
NSL had the much-needed advantage over the opposing side after having a hefty lead in the first half and in maintaining that same spirit with their combining efforts in the end resulted in their victory.
Captain Maxine Aihi said their game was good as they had trained throughout the last week.
“We’ve just started slow at the last game but this game will set up for to complete the game this year so the court work is all from the dedication from our staff that paid off at the games today (yesterday).
The team put on a strong defense against Pacific Industries with a lot of turn overs and keeping their opponent at five goals.
“It was because we had our defenders throughout the year for the competition so they know how to work around the defense together.
Aihi is keeping her fingers crossed on hopefully making it through the game this Sunday that will see them through to the finals next week.
“We can make our decision from there but we are hopefully looking at the top four.”
She thanked everyone for their efforts saying it was a team work all around that got them the win.
“We will be doing our court drills and will work throughout the court, but we will mainly focus on the mid court as this is the area that mainly brings the ball down to the shooter so we will work around the mid court.”
“The teams that we are looking at as main rivals for this season are BSP and Moore Printing and if we focus on our game we should get through and I am looking forward to completing the rounds.”
Taekwondo athletes return from training camp
TAEKWONDO : ATHLETES Kevin Kassman, Enila Soma, Fiona Johe and Gibson Mara on Saturday returned back to Port Moresby after taking part in a World Taekwondo sanctioned training camp in Solomon Islands.
The four attended the two weeks training camp hosted at the SIFF (Solomon Island Football Federation) Academy in Honiara.
National coach Edward Kassman said the training camp gave the four
athletes the opportunity to train under high level coaches from Korea. He said this serves as a lead up to their Olympic Qualifier in April.
“The camp was quite intense and yet again we are preparing for the Olympic Qualifiers and this is just a taste of things to come in terms of being at an Olympic level, and a very big difference from the Pacific Games. Coaches were from the World Federation and this would be the first Oceania Camp for the ath-
Kapinias suffers knee injury
RUGBY LEAGUE: PNG Hunters front-rower Epel Kapinias has unfortunately suffered what looks to be a serious knee injury during his preseason training opportunity with the Dolphins NRL franchise. Kapinias will undergo surgery in Brisbane this week where the full extent of the injury will be uncovered.
The Dolphins NRL and SP PNG Hunters medical staff will work closely together following his surgery to make sure Kapinias makes a full recovery and returns to play.
A further update will be provide once the full extent of the injury is known.
K70,000 up for grabs in JT Super 9s tourney
LEAGUE: MORESBY-South electorate MP Justin Tkatchenko last Thursday officially launched the annual JT Super 9s Rugby League tournament at MoresbySouth Sports Stadium.
The tournament is expected to kick off later this month with a total of 32 teams including senior men's, women's and Under 20s vying for the prize money which is sponsored by the office of the Moresby-South MP.
Tkatchenko while commending the Moresby South rugby league association for organising the tournament, said it is for everyone to enjoy.
“I’m here to announce the 2024 JT Super 9s which will happen once again in the next coming weeks and we have 32 teams parting in this year 2024 tournament,” Tkatchenko said.
“The prize money is over K70,000 distributed evenly with women’s U20s and senior games.
“This is to give everybody the change of playing in Moresby South stadium as well as promoting sports in the best electorate in NCD.
letes, since we created the Oceania Taekwondo Union,” said Kassman.
Kassman said this is the first of its kind, and is a new experience for all the athletes.
He said this offers a good talent base, quite intense and at a whole new level.
Kassman said upon the return of the four athletes from the training camp, the executives and the selection board, will make the decisions as to which athletes they will send
Hunters final squad expected to be named this weekend
FROM BACK PAGE: WITH a 20 minutes trial interval, both teams came out firing in the opening minutes of play.
Team Grey led by Finley Glare and Joshua Lau in the halves had to direct traffic in the middle of the park and giving a good contest against first-choice halves combination of Jamie Mavoko and Sakias Komati on the opposing team.
Ball handling errors and the strong physical contact in defence sort of change the attacking momentum for both teams.
There were promising try scoring opportunities through line-breaks but still both team fall short to score the four pointers.
Komati had a good day at the office, linking up with the forwards
as well as Mavoko and hooker Tapia Solu as they (Team White) scored the only two converted tries in the first 40 minutes of play.
Team Grey also had their fair share of attack to close in on the scoreboard with a converted try for a 12-6 halftime score.
Game management by Mavoko and Komati came into play in the last 20 minutes of the second half.
In one of Team White’s attacking set of play, Komati placed a grubber into the opposing team’s in goal which allowed fullback Sanny Wabo to scoop up the ball and dive over to score their third try.
With Solu adding the extras, the change in attacking momentum was in their (Team White) favor. This resulted in last season’s skip-
per, Ila Alu, bulldozing his way over in a solo effort to score another converted four-pointer.
It was not yet over for Team Grey as Lau stood up and set up their second try.
However, the regular 80-minutes of play was not in their (Team Grey) favour when the final whistle was signaled for fulltime.
Head coach Paul Aiton last Thursday told the media that he and the coaching staff will finalise the 30man squad by Sunday and have the final squad list announces today (Monday, February 5).
The next trial coming up will be against QRL team, Ipswich Jets.
“It is good to have a game, we’ve been training for like probably the last ten weeks.
between now and April to the qualifiers.
“We have a month’s period for final preparations and selections has to be made with the selection panel and decisions has to be made.”
He added that with the universality application they can only apply for their gold medalists at the Pacific Games, and that was Yvette Boyama and both national captains, Bobby Willie (58kg) and Rose Tona (49kg).
“It’s a great competition, it brings our communities together, our families together great sportsmanship between all our players, officials and management.
“This has been a successful competition since I’ve been your member over 12 years now.”
Tkatchenko commended Moresby South rugby league association chairman Bagelo Solien for being at the forefront in getting the competition underway.
“There’s a lot of things for us to improve on and we will get there.”
“Ball handling…there’s a lot of drop balls, defensively I think we
NSL goal attacker Jemaimah Mai attempting a shot against Pacific Industries yesterday at the Rita Flynn courts.
-PICTURE: MARK TALIA
RUGBY
TEAM White’s prop Anthony Worot taking on Team Grey’s defense during the PNG Hunters internal trial match on Saturday. PICTURE: CHARLIE DUMAVI.
skeslep@spp.com.pg
RUGBY LEAGUE
PNG Hunters internal trial match hosted on Saturday at the National Football stadium in Port Moresby saw team white defeating team grey, 24-10.
With the regular starters from last season featuring in the winning team going up against the newcomers, the overall match performance was below par. Ball handling errors, conceded penalties
including general execution of structure game plan is what team white coach and former Hunters hooker, Wartovo Puara Jr, said they will have to improve on. Individual performances were on song with several players impressively putting their body on the line to secure a spot in the 30-man final squad for the 2024 QRL Hostplus Cup season. -CONTINUE ON PAGE 39
TEAM Grey winger Siki Konden secures possession as team white’s Clent Lama and Sakias Komati (right) closes in during the PNG Hunters internal trial match hosted on Saturday at the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby. INSET: Team White coach and former PNG Hunters/PNG Kumuls hooker Wartovo Puara Jr. PICTURES: CHARLIE DUMAVI AND FIDELIS WASARI
