19 children with congenital heart disease have been offered the gift of life after they were operated on at the Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Children's Heart Hospital in Suva at no cost. A 21-member team from the Sai Sanjeevani Hospital in India are currently conducting operations on the children. The Director of Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Children's Hospital in Nasese, Doctor Krupali Tappoo, says they aim to complete 25 to 30 surgeries this week. She says they are grateful to their partner hospital in India for sending their best doctors to operate on the children. Dr Krupali says they are hoping that another team will visit Fiji next month. Out of the 19 children that were operated on, six have been discharged. Dr Krupali is urging parents to take their children to their nearest health centre if they feel and see that something is wrong. Source: Fijianvillage

A week after a school bullying case went viral on social media of students from Popondetta Secondary School, the school has received a lot of calls from concerned parents to have this issue sorted out and the girls dealt with. School Principal, Mr Clarence Honani said that according to the girls statement, the incident happened after there was a confrontation about rumours and gossip between the victim and the girls involved. “The girls were suspended and their parents and guardians were notified as soon as the school had found out about the incident.” “They will face the School Board of Governors next week to decide whether they should come back or be expelled.” Mr Honani expressed his disappointment that this incident happened in his school and has painted a bad image on the school. He said that he doesn’t want to see anything like this happen again in his school and they will be taking tough measures to make sure bullying is stopped in the school.

Team Papua New Guinea's Neville Warupi, Arthur Lavalou and Jamie Chang have reached the boxing quarter finals of the Commonwealth Games set for this Thursday. Heavyweight (Over 86kg-92kg) boxer, Lavalou and Chang in the Bantamweight (Over 51kg-54kg) division had byes which pushed them straight into the quarter finals. In the Welterweight (Over 63.5kg-67kg) division, Warupi booked his spot after beating Solomon Islands' Pemberton Lele on points (4-1) on Tuesday at the NEC. An elated Warupi said there was no shortage of motivation going into the fight against Lele. "With John Ume, Charles Keama and Allan Oaike all bowing out earlier, this is what pushed me to want the win even more. It gave me even more strength and determination," he said.  

The Buk Bilong Pikinini launched Book Week today with a field trip to the Airways Hotel Kitchen where they learnt how a kitchen operates and they decorated cakes with the Managing Director of the Constantinou group of Companies, Mr George Constantinou. George Constantinou said that Airways Hotel and the Constantinou Group of Companies proudly support charity and NGO organizations such as Buk bilong Pikinini, who provide essential services in the disadvantaged communities. “Early childhood education for children is important as it creates their foundation in learning and education. Education is key aspect in everything to help build a safer, stronger workforce and improved community.” “It is wonderful to be a part of an organization as BbP that provides education foundation for children. Children are our future. Education is key aspect in everything, so it is important that children have an education foundation established in their lives.” Mr Constantinou read to the children the ‘When I grow up, I want to be a Pastry Chef’ book before the children were given a tour of the kitchen. The Buk Bilong Pikinini will be celebrating book week for the next two weeks. Meanwhile, Executive Officer of Buk bilong Pikinini, Leanne Resson behalf of BbP thanked the Board, Management and staff of Airways Hotel for launching Book week. She also thanked Airways Hotel for being a foundational sponsor of Buk bilong Pikinini and providing generous sponsorship to the organisation since 2009.

South Pacific Brewery Limited has opened its new-look staff housing complex, refurbished at a cost of K6 million today. Refurbishment work began in December 2021 and took 8 months to complete. The investment of K6 million into the refurbishment of these residential complexes will now ensure forty-eight staff and their families will be housed in clean, well-maintained, and safe accommodation. The staff housing compound consists of forty-eight accommodation units: 20 single bedroom units and 28 double bedroom units. "SP Brewery continuously strives to provide quality staff housing for our people," says Managing Director Ed Weggemans. He added, "As the Managing Director of SP Brewery, I have presided over a number of events of importance to the company, but nothing is as important to invest in accommodation, especially in Port Moresby, where the rental rates are high". [caption id="attachment_24763" align="aligncenter" width="597"] SP Brewery Managing Director Mr. Weggemans[/caption] Mr. Weggemans urge the occupants and their families to look after the facilities to benefit them into the future. The staff housing project will be ready for occupancy next week.

The Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition (PNGNRLC), the Digicel Cup competition continues with matches in Kimbe, Kokopo, Lae and Port Moresby this weekend as the nation winds down on the closure of the 2022 National General Elections. Round 14 of the semi-professional rugby league competition will be played this weekend on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th August at the venues mentioned, with the Minj double header now relocated to the Lae Rugby League Grounds for Sunday. This is the only change with counting still in progress in Jiwaka, as a result the double header in Minj has been relocated to Lae for the security of all stakeholders of the annual Digicel Cup competition. The Santos National Football Stadium will host a double for Port Moresby fans with PRK Gulf Isou taking on the Bintangor Goroka Lahanis, and the main feature of the day will be between the Moni Plus NCDC Port Moresby Vipers and the Kroton Hela Wigmen, which will be a close tussle between the two teams who have prominent representative players in their respective line-ups. In Kimbe, the West New Britain Provincial Government Kimbe Cutters will host the Central Provincal Government Central Dabaris on Saturday at 2pm at the Sir Peter Humprey’s Oval. The top of the table clash will see the PRK Mendi Muruks go up against the Agmark Rabaul Gurias at the Goldspot Kalabond Stadium also on Saturday at 2pm with a bumper crowd expected for this match. The competition is now into Round 14 with 3 more rounds of competition remaining before the four weeks of finals so the battle to get into the top 6 is heating up. Crowds are encouraged to behave appropriately during game days to ensure the matches are played without any outside disturbances. Franchises in charge of the games and venues are required to ensure security and protection of everyone involved as we near the end of the election period.

The NGO Development Council appeals for the restoration of peace in the National Capital, Highlands and other concerned areas during this period. The NDC urges the government and authorities to play a proactive role in ensuring security of all its citizens and residents. During the recent weeks, they have witnessed and received reports of a deteriorating security situation with grave injuries caused, and even deaths. Killings of innocent people and atrocities against women and children have been concerning and should be checked regardless of whether they are election related or not. Communities have been displaced and are constantly living in fear, with businesses and markets also being looted and affected and several communities face an uncertain future. NDC urges the government and authorities to put a stop to these incidents and apply the rule of law to ensure the safety of all citizens and residents, and preventing loss to lives and property. They also wish to encourage the government and authorities to work with other stakeholders to provide humanitarian support to the affected communities and make a coordinated effort to restore peace to fighting and tension zones in the country. "We stand to support and help in any way we can."

Team Papua New Guinea’s swimming sensation Ryan Maskelyne finished second in his heat with a time of 29.53 seconds knocking off the 29.85 seconds national record and setting a new one for PNG in the Men’s 50m Breaststroke. Maskelyne was exceptional in his respective events since starting last Saturday where he swam the Men’s 200m Breaststroke coming eighth in a pool consisting of World Record and Commonwealth Games Record holders. He also broke the Men’s 100m Breaststroke national record of 1:03:89 (set by himself) clocking a new time of 1:03:31. Swim Team Manager Sarenah Pini said she was happy with how Team PNG’s swimmers performed at the Commonwealth Games. “Ryan has done extremely well in his respective events and his performance is a reflection of all the hard work, sacrifices, the long hours to and from training, and the dedication and time put into his training,” said Mrs Pini. In other results for Day 4, Team PNG’s Georgia-Leigh Vele swam an improved time of 1:01:60 in the Women’s 100m Freestyle in comparison to her 1:01:73 time at the FINA World Championships in Budapest, five weeks ago. Georgia-Leigh will now prepare for the Queensland Short Course Championships in two weeks’ time. Then to the PNG FedEx National Short Course Championships in October followed by the FINA World Short Course Championships in Melbourne. In boxing, there were two tough bouts for Team PNG. Charles Keama went down against Zambian, Patrick Chinyemba in the Men's 48-51kg division. The fight was stopped by the referee in the second round. Similarly, in the Men’s 54-57kg division, Allan Oaike's bout was also stopped in the second round by the referee, awarding the win to his opponent Joseph Commey of Ghana

People's First Party candidate Theo Pelgens is the new member-elect of Parliament for Nawaeb District in Morobe Province, ousting incumbent MP Kennedy Wenge. He was announced winner at Boana Station in Wain Erap LLG on Saturday with 10, 335 votes. Running close and in second spot was Romeo Napo Momo with 9, 325 votes. Former Nawaeb Kennedy Wenge has been running at eight placing during the primary counts and made his way up to top five sitting fourth out of 55 candidates. He was the first candidate eliminated during eliminations. Theo was accompanied by his National President Dominic Kuasonbi to Boana Station to sign his writs.

Papua New Guinea’s leading superannuation provider, National Superannuation Fund (Nasfund), and leading air service provider, PNG Air, have renewed their partnership to provide more value for Nasfund contributors. Through the Fund’s Membership Discount Program (MDP), Nasfund members can now benefit from a K50 discount on one-way airfares. PNG Air Chief Commercial Officer Simon C. Pitt said this partnership seeks to provide outstanding value for Nasfund contributors. “Since the easing of restrictions, we have noted an increase in the demand for travel within Papua New Guinea. As a nationally-owned airline, it is in our best interest to make air travel more affordableand accessible. Given the current economic situation, we are pleased to renew our partnership with Nasfund to provide this discount to the Fund’s active contributors. To take advantage of these discounts, Nasfund members will have to show their Nasfund membership ID card, when purchasing their tickets at our sales offices”, said Mr. Pitt. [caption id="attachment_24720" align="aligncenter" width="389"] (Left to Right): PNG Air CCO Simon C. Pitt, and Nasfund Team Leader ClientRelations Raela Wari at the announcement of the renewal of PNG Air’s MDPpartnership offering[/caption] This offer is also redeemable on the PNG Air website. Members will have to use the promo code ‘NASFUND22’ when booking until November 30th 2022, and ‘NASFUND23’ when booking from February 1st 2023 onwards. Members can travel at any time, except within the aforementioned dates. The discount is now available for members and their beneficiaries, and subject to terms and conditions. This offer to Nasfund members will be in place for the next 12 months. CEO Ian Tarutia welcomed the renewed MDP agreement and thanked PNG Air for their commitment to provide affordable air travel for Nasfund Members. “We thank PNG Air for renewing their partnership through the Fund’s Membership Discount Program. This offer certainly provides more value for our members, especially during these challenging times. We encourage our members to take advantage of this partnership, to save more while you work today. We are committed to work together to provide value for our members while they work, so that they are ready for tomorrow.”

The National Superannuation Fund, Nasfund, today welcomed 800 new contributing members on Lihir Island. These 800 members, are employees of 200 landowner companies who provide services to Newcrest Mining Limited (NML), through Lihir Business Services (LBS). All 200 landowner companies this week received their Employer Registration Certificates, confirming their membership to Papua New Guinea’s leading superannuation provider. CEO Ian Tarutia welcomed the newly registered employers and praised the management of each entity for the responsible decision to provide a secure financial future for their employees through superannuation savings with Nasfund. “The process in registering our new members is one that was made possible through cooperation from NML, LBS, and our Nasfund Lihir service centre. The bulk registration of our new members on Lihir island is one of the largest we have had, and is a testament to the great working relationship we have with the local business community. This also demonstrates the importance that businesses, whether large or small, place on retirement savings for their employees. As members of Nasfund, these members now benefit from our cadre of services, which includes our online platforms, TextBal service, and our popular Membership Discount Program (MDP). We are committed to providing value for these members while they work today, so that they are ready for retirement, when the time comes.” In receiving the Employer Registration Certificates, Lihir Business Services Acting General Manager Assumpta Wauwau, thanked the Fund for its efforts in ensuring all requirements were met, for the contractors to join Nasfund. “This is a milestone for LBS in achieving the superfund compliance requirement for its 200 plus contractors under the LBS/Newcrest vendor agreement. Having the Nasfund General Manager Member & Employer Services Anne Wilson, on the island to handover the certificate signifies the importance of this achievement given the volume of employer and member registrations at any one time. LBS commends the company owners and directors of the Lihirian owned businesses for their cooperation in registering with Nasfund, to save guard the retirement savings for their employees.

The extended date for the Return of Writs will mean more money from the public purse will be forked out by the government to ensure the 2022 National General Election process is completed in full. Chair of the Inter-Departmental Election Committee and Secretary for the Department of Prime Minister and National Executive Council, Ivan Pomaleu, says the Governor General has extended the date of Return of Writs to 05th August 2022. Secretary Pomaleu said this is because counting and declarations have been slow. By the original date of Return of Writs, it was still impractical for the Electoral Commission to return most of the writs. “In a democratic process, we expect disruptions by candidates and their supporters, and there have been disputes and petitions. “Those are best handled by the Electoral Commission who has the powers to consider and or direct for counting to proceed after disputes are registered. “However, a lot of disruptions last week were instigated by election officials, counting officials on administrative matters such as allowances,” Secretary Pomaleu said. He said be aware that there is adequate provisioning for allowances by the Electoral Commission, and these allocations have been released to the Electoral Commission. “Any delays in receiving the allowances at operational level is administrative in nature, and election officials must ensure that all administrative requirements by the Electoral Commission are completed so that allowances can be paid. “Apart from constitutional issues, the extension of the date of the Return of Writs will also cost the taxpayers more money to adequately complete the election process. “Therefore, it is necessary for me to direct that any public servants causing delays in the counting must be charged for interfering in an election. “Please note that section 178(1)(h) of the Organic Law on Elections says that inciting or encouraging, whether publicly or otherwise, disturbances to interfere in an election is an offence,” Secretary Pomaleu said. He said if someone is found guilty of that offence, then there is a penalty not exceeding K500 or imprisonment of a term not exceeding one month or both a fine and imprisonment. These provisions of the Organic Law on Elections must be implemented. “Other offences under the Public Service Management Act are to be explored. The Electoral Commission has the primary mandate to deliver all elections, but all the State agencies including its employees are to stand in solidarity to deliver the outcome of the 2022 National General Elections by 05 August 2022. Parliament will convene possibly on 09 August 2022. “It is our collective responsibility to ensure that all our citizens are represented in 11th Parliament when it convenes,” Secretary Pomaleu said.