Commenting on the recent announcement by Total Energies that that the Papua LNG joint venture will launch the first phase of front-end engineering and design (FEED) studies for upstream production facilities on the 5.4 Mt/year LNG project that they are operator of, Kumul Petroleum managing director Wapu Sonk was congratulatory. He said, “As a potential co-venturer in this LNG project, we are really glad that this momentous decision has been made by TotalEnergies and its partners, it is a sign of their faith in the future of Papua New Guinea.” Mr Sonk noted that studies for the downstream liquefaction facilities were also progressing in line with the overall project schedule, with the objective of launching the integrated FEED in the fourth quarter of 2022. “The project is targeting a final investment decision (FID) around the end of 2023, which will enable project construction to commence, leading to a projected project start-up at the end of 2027. We have been waiting for this good news for a number of years now.” As the national petroleum, company Kumul Petroleum Holdings will be exercising its right to take up to 22.5% equity in the Papua LNG project, and join the other partners TotalEnergies, ExxonMobil and Santos. Mr Sonk continued, “We have seen the many benefits that have come about as a result of the ExxonMobil led PNG LNG Project, and I foresee that the lessons learned from that project will enable all Papua New Guinea stakeholders to maximise their various benefits from the Papua LNG development. Papua LNG construction will have large multiplier effects in the economy” The decision by Papua LNG to enter FEED would benefit many stakeholders since after the completion of an estimated four years of construction it was planned to then start the construction of the P’nyang LNG Project, which would take another 3-4 years to construct. “The likelihood of up to eight years of LNG related infrastructure construction means that many nationally owned service industries have the opportunity to develop a firm financial, technical and human resource foundation that will ensure their future in a rapidly industrialising Papua New Guinea.” Mr Sonk confirmed his belief that LNG developments would underpin the economy of PNG for at least the next two decades, assisting in the roll out of electrification across the country and be the catalyst for downstream processing of petroleum into products such as fertilisers and petrochemicals. “ At Kumul Petroleum we will be playing a continuing role in petroleum developments and also intend to play a greater role in related nation-building projects to ensure that benefits from this sector are spread as widely as possible.”

Incumbent Morobe Governor Hon Ginson Goheyuc Saonu has passed his Ultimate Condolences to the Late Chief Jacob Luke, the Businessman & Founder of Mapai Group of Companies. Governor Saonu acknowledged the efforts of the Late Chief Luke in the transport industry of the Morobe Province and Papua New Guinea. He described the Late Chief Luke as a simple yet hardworking man who contributed to the Economy of the country and provided many opportunities for Morobeans and fellow Papua New Guineans alike. “On behalf of the people of Lae City and Morobe Province, I would like to take this time to praise the leadership you have shown towards the Business Sector of the Country by demonstrating that Papua New Guinean’s are capable of entrepreneurship skills at National to International Level.” “Although originally from Enga Province, the Late Chief Luke called Lae City and Morobe province his home and even basing the headquarters of his entire operations in Lae City.” “I would like to pass my sincere condolences to his wife, children and family on behalf of the people of Morobe Province.” Governor Saonu said his passing was at a very crucial time for Papua New Guinea going to the poll and therefore his legacy will remain memory fitting to this significant time for the country to choose its next crop of Leaders to lead the nation into prosperity. “On behalf of my wife Marilyn, and my family I would like to honor the Late Chief Luke for his legacy & benchmark left behind for the next generation of Papua New Guineans to embrace.” VALE CHIEF JACOB LUKE

A video of a group of students ganging up on a fellow student at Popondetta Secondary School in Northern Province has gone viral on social media causing outrage with parents of students attending the school. Popondetta Secondary School Principal, Mr Clarence Honani said the incident happened yesterday however the school was unaware until the video was posted and shared. “There were 5 grade 10 girls involved and the video shows one of the students hitting the victim, a grade 9 student while her friends watched on and took the video.” “It is unknown at this time why they did that to the victim but I have suspended the girls and they will be facing the School Board of Governors.” Mr Honani said that bullying is a big issue in schools and it saddened him that this incident happened in his school. He added that as soon as he was notified of the incident, he called up the girl’s parents to come and meet with him. They were removed from the school grounds and will be called back once the BOG is ready to meet with them to decide on the right punishment for their actions. The school has made it clear that it won’t be tolerating such behaviour.

Seven suspects surrendered this morning to Mt Hagen police over the murder of four people in an ambush at the upper Nebilyer bridge on Tuesday July 19. Western Highlands Provincial Police Commander Superintendent John Sagom commended community and tribal leaders for their efforts in bringing the suspects to police. He also thanked the suspect for surrendering to the authorities to allow for the law to take its course and for peace to prevail. The PPC took the opportunity to also thank the relatives of the four victims for not taking the law into their own hands. “This again is a first and I am grateful to the relatives of the four who were killed for not retaliating as is common in the highlands. Violence begets violence and is not a permanent solution. For long term peace and stability, we must allow the law to take its full and natural course,” Superintendent Sagom said. Mr Sagom said for the seven suspects, normal police investigations will continue where they will be charged to stand trial in court.

NATEL 2022 Operation High Speed for New Ireland Province was successfully concluded without any major incidences. This was revealed by New Ireland PPC, Chief Inspector Felix Nebanat during his final brief with the Namatanai team following the declaration in that electorate that concluded the election proper phase for the province. He said overall he was impressed with the high standard of professionalism displayed by every member of the Joint Security Forces during the NATEL 2022 Ops High Speed. “I am overwhelmed with the outcome of operations in general despite minor hiccups that was swiftly dealt with and mitigated to ensure the smooth running of the election process take its course until our leaders are declared for the 3 seats of Parliament.” PPC Nebanat thanked his men and women for the Joint Security Forces Ops including the local police, local QRF team, MS 17 and the PNGDF for the invaluable service during the Ops High Speed starting from the Contingent Commands to the Field Commanders from each stations looking after their respective LLGs to the Team Leaders, all his PPHQ team, admin team, all the way to the reservists and community auxiliary police officers. He extended a special thank you to the families of his formidable team, stating that the reason they can carry out their duties with diligence is because they have their families behind them making the biggest sacrifices on their part. He also acknowledged all candidates, scrutineers and their supporters for keeping the peace despite minor disagreements in between the business house, partners and stakeholders, the Provincial Administration, Provincial Government, KDDA, NDDA, the RPNGC both HQ in Port Moresby and DHQ at Ralum for their continued support in making sure that he is on par with the delivery of the NATEL Ops High Speed. Nebanat also commended the people of New Ireland saying that he cannot fathom the gratitude he felt seeing how far they have come in terms of security. “Knowing that you all have taken ownership and put in your collective effort one way or another to make our job a little easier and more bearable,” Nebanat stressed. With that said, he congratulated the 3 Members of Parliament, Sir Julius Chan, Governor for New Ireland, Member for Kavieng Open, Ian Ling Stuckey and Member for Namatanai Open Walter David Schnaubelt on their respective victories to take up another term in Parliament as mandated leaders representing the little people back at home. “I look forward to working with your prestigious offices to uphold and maintain Law & Order through my Smart Policing Concept,” Nebanat said.

Growing up in Sogeri, in the Central Province of Papua New Guinea, Edene Gebbie loved to watch Queensland Maroons legend Matt Bowen in action. For a young speedster, there was no better idol to have in rugby league. Fast forward to today and Gebbie is living out a childhood dream, as he learns from the man himself in Townsville’s representative team. Gebbie was selected for the side in April, when they overcame Mackay and Cairns to take out this year’s XXXX Foley Shield. This Saturday, July 30, he will now look to lead Townsville all the way to the state title, when they take on the Gold Coast in the XXXX League Championship grand final. Bowen, alongside the experienced Roy Baira, co-coaches the Townsville team and the opportunity to learn from one of the game’s greatest fullbacks has been invaluable for Gebbie. “He’s been really good,” Gebbie said of Bowen. “As a kid growing up watching him play, I was one of his fans back home. I just loved how he plays, the way he plays… it makes me want to be like him. “When I met him, he’s such a nice guy. He comes down to our level, especially for the younger guys. He’s a role model to us. “He tells me to just catch the ball, run, and run fast. That’s what he always tells me. Back yourself and just run. “It’s been good for me the way he coaches, the way he talks.” Gebbie starred at fullback for Townsville in the XXXX Foley Shield and in the side’s XXXX League Championship semi-final victory over Rockhampton last month. He has been named on the wing against the Gold Coast this weekend, with Carlin Anderson moving into the fullback role. Gebbie only arrived in Townsville at the end of last year, after he signed with the Blackhawks following a rollercoaster few years. The 27-year-old former PNG and Wynnum Manly gun had a taste of NRL systems with both the South Sydney Rabbitohs and Wests Tigers, but also experienced some disruption due to the impact of COVID-19 on the game. Since arriving in Townsville however, Gebbie has been slowly building back to his best football, playing with Centrals ASA Tigers in the local A grade competition, earning selection with the representative team, and making a return to the Hostplus Cup with the Townsville Blackhawks earlier this month. He scored a try in that outing and while he admits he has been a “bit upset” with his form, he knows Townsville is the right place for him. “It’s been good here, especially around the boys,” Gebbie said. “It felt so good to get back (in Hostplus Cup). I missed it for like a year or two years so it was good to be back, playing for the Blackhawks. “Normally I feel home sick but moving up here I don’t feel home sick anymore. It’s because of the playing group, the coaching staff, the people in the office. “Everyone in and around the club just makes me feel at home.” As well as getting more time in the Hostplus Cup before the 2022 season is over, Gebbie also has his sights set on a World Cup call up for Papua New Guinea. But his next big goal is to claim a win for Townsville this Saturday. He knows what a win would mean, not just for his teammates and Bowen and Baira, but for his new home in Townsville as well. “I’m going to take this final very serious,” Gebbie said. “I will do what I love doing on the field. Go hard. Back each other up. Play hard and get the win. That’s all I’m expecting.” The XXXX League Championship grand final will be held at Neil Stewart Park in Townsville from 4pm on Saturday, July 30. SOURCE: QLD.com.au

Two new ambulances have been added to the St John Ambulance fleet to assist them to continue to provide reliable, safe, and efficient ambulance services to urban and rural communities. Australian High Commission Minster Counsellor, Economics, Health and Infrastructure, Diane Barclay handed over the keys to St John Chief Executive Officer Matt Cannon at St John Headquarters in Port Moresby on Wednesday 27 July. The ambulances were funded by the Australian Government as part of the Papua New Guinea-Australia Partnership to boost St John’s capacity to address the high number of emergency responses in NCD, Central and Gulf provinces. St John Ambulance is the only ambulance service in PNG. The ambulance service covers a population of nearly 5 million people and responds to over 12,000 emergency calls for help each year. Ms Barclay said Australia is proud to contribute to St Johns work in PNG. “People from rural communities across the country now call St John Ambulance directly to attend to emergency cases - this is a real demonstration of the growing understanding, awareness and confidence that the people of PNG have in the services that St John offers” Acting Deputy Secretary, National Health Standards and Compliance, National Department of Health, Dr Goa Tau, said that St John was tasked by the national government to manage ambulance services and is providing significant support to hospitals, especially in emergency services. “The ambulance services have contributed significantly to the early provision of treatment that is critical to supporting survival, while transporting patients to appropriate health services,” said Dr Tau. St John Ambulance is a charity and statutory body that provides the nation’s primary emergency ambulance and emergency medical response service on behalf of the PNG Government. Mr Cannon said, “to save lives, emergency ambulances must carry essential lifesaving equipment. These ambulances not only help transport patients, but also deliver emergency pre-hospital care. We expect each ambulance will help us reach a thousand patients every year. “This support from the Australian Government is timely with the redevelopment of our new National Ambulance Call Centre that runs 24/7, answering to an increased number of calls to the 111-emergency line,” said Mr Cannon. The two new ambulances will replace older ambulances and ensure St John can be reliable in responding to emergencies all day and night, and in all kinds of weather and terrain, to serve others and save lives. Ambulance services are free for all Papua New Guineans requiring emergency and life-saving care at public hospitals. Fees apply for visitors to Papua New Guinea, any person requesting transport to a private hospital, or for medically non-urgent transport to a public health facility. Australia is committed to supporting PNG by working closely with health and emergency organizations across PNG such as St John and with other partners through a range of initiatives.

Veteran Madako Suari Jr and youngster Feanor Siaguru from the sport of squash are set to take the courts come Friday and Saturday for Team PNG at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Suari will take to the court first in the Men’s Singles preliminary round at the University of Birmingham Hockey and Squash Centre against Malaysia’s Mohammad Kamal on Friday, July 29 at 12:30pm local time (9:30pm PNG time). Siaguru will go up against Lwamba Chileshe from New Zealand the same day at 7:45pm (Saturday 4:45am PNG time). Amity Alarcos will play England’s Lucy Turmel on Saturday, July 30 at 12pm (9pm PNG time) in the Women’s Singles preliminary round. “They’ve all got their work cut out for them,” said Head Coach, Marc Forster. Forster added preparations have gone smoothly. “They’re hitting the ball a little sweeter, a little harder, a little straighter, and their length is good. I think it’s just been really good hitting time for them and they’re starting to hit more of their targets. “Since arriving it’s been all good, no problems. We’ve been putting in two sessions a day and hopefully they all can play as well as they can come Friday and Saturday.” In other updates: Team PNG’s boxers will commence competition as well on Friday, July 29 with John Ume and Charles Keama into the rings first against Malawi and Zambia boxers respectively. Team PNG’s swimmers Ryan Maskelyne and Georgia-Leigh Vele will also begin competition starting this Friday. Photo Credit: Team PNG

Nine suspects were arrested and charged for being in possession of a M16A2 rifle, live ammunition as well as Police and PNG Defence Force Uniforms in the Southern Highlands Province (SHP). Southern Highlands Provincial Police Commander Chief Inspector Daniel Yangen said the suspects were arrested on July 20 and charged with two counts each under section 7 and section 65A of the Firearms Act and two counts each under section 16 of the Summary Offences Act. Mr Yangen said the suspects' ages range from 19 to 45 years old and were from the Nipa Kutubu and Mendi Munihu districts in the Southern Highlands province (SHP). Members of the Police Mobile Squad and the PNG Defence Force were on patrol along the Mendi-Nipa road when they came across a suspicious vehicle (Toyota land Cruiser, ten-seater white in colour bearing registration number HAY 084). The security personnel intercepted the suspicious vehicle at the Megi Hill and searched the vehicle. They found a high powered M16 A2 rifle with fully loaded magazine and seven extra live 5.56mm ammunition, Police Field Uniform as well as PNG Defence Force camouflage uniform in the vehicle. The suspects were brought to Mendi, charged and locked up. Mr Yangen said according to the serial number obtained from the rifle it is a PNG Defence Force issued firearm. He said the suspects were remanded at the Buiebi Prison in the Southern Highlands, then onto the Baisu Correctional Service in the Western Highlands province. The suspects will appear in court on Thursday 28 July. Mr Yangen commended the members of the security forces for a job well done in confiscating the high-powered firearm. “We have more to go and the first part was completed. We are in the middle of the election security operations and by the end of this month we should complete this operation. All members of the disciplinary forces are working well and I want them to maintain the same spirit. “We are working tirelessly to ensure law and order prevails in the province. We have done the polling in a peaceful manner and we are also expecting the same result during the counting and the declaration periods,” Mr Yangen said.

Deputy Commissioner of Police and Chief of Operations Anton Billie has commended provinces in the highlands west, Simbu, Jiwaka and Western Highlands, for a peaceful polling and counting during the 2022 National General Election. He said counting and declaration of the 2022 National General Election in Western Highlands, Jiwaka and Simbu provinces are progressing peacefully without much disturbances as expected. Mr Billie made these remarks following the declaration of Hon. William Duma for the Mt Hagen Open and Hon. Don Polye for Kandep Open on Tuesday July 26 as well as Hon. Dr Tom Lino who retained his Wabag Open seat on Monday July 25 at the Papua New Guinea Defence Force Singirok Barracks in Jiwaka Province. Mr Billie said these electorates have been a security concern during the campaign and polling period but the counting and declarations have so far been peaceful. “I want to commend all candidates’ supporters for their cooperation and leadership during this election. At the end of the day there is only one winner to represent us but you all are still leaders in your own community, districts and provinces. I’m urging all candidates and supporters to work with all member elects to ensure business and daily living of citizens resume normal,” Mr Billie said. He also highlighted that counting for the Western Highlands regional and other open seats are progressing well under heightened security surveillance. He said winners for all provinces in the highlands region are expected before the extended date for the return of writs on 12 August 2022.  

A man who has lived with HIV since the 1980s seems to have been cured in only the fourth such case, say doctors. He was given a bone marrow transplant to treat blood cancer leukemia from a donor who was naturally resistant to the virus. The 66-year-old, who does not want to be identified, has stopped taking HIV medication. He said he was "beyond grateful" the virus could no longer be found in his body. The man is known as the "City of Hope" patient after the hospital where he was treated in Duarte, California. Many of his friends died from HIV in the era before antiretroviral drugs could give people a near-normal life expectancy. 'I never thought I would see the day' Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) damages the body's immune system. This can lead to Aids (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) and the body struggling to fight off infection. In a statement, the man said: "When I was diagnosed with HIV in 1988, like many others, I thought it was a death sentence. "I never thought I would live to see the day that I no longer have HIV." However, he was given the therapy not for his HIV, but because he developed the blood cancer leukaemia at the age of 63. The man's medical team decided he needed a bone marrow transplant to replace his cancerous blood cells. By coincidence, the donor was resistant to HIV. The virus gets into our body's white blood cells by using a microscopic doorway - a protein called CCR5. However, some people, including the donor, have CCR5 mutations that bolt the door shut and keep out HIV. Cure remains 'Holy Grail' The City of Hope patient was closely monitored after the transplant, and levels of the HIV became undetectable in his body. He has now been in remission for more than 17 months. "We were thrilled to let him know that his HIV is in remission and he no longer needs to take antiretroviral therapy that he had been on for over 30 years," said Dr Jana Dickter, an infectious diseases doctor at City of Hope. The first time this happened was in 2011 when Timothy Ray Brown - known as the Berlin Patient - became the first person in the world to be cured of HIV. There have now been three similar cases in the past three years. The City of Hope patient is both the oldest patient to be treated in this way and the one who has lived with HIV for the longest time. However, bone marrow transplants are not going to revolutionize HIV treatment for the 38 million people in the world currently infected. Dr Dickter told me: "It's a complex procedure with significant potential side effects. So, it's not really a suitable option for most people living with HIV." However, researchers are looking at ways of targeting the CCR5 doorway using gene therapy as a potential treatment. The case was reported at the Aids 2022 conference in Montreal, Canada. Commenting on the findings, Prof Sharon Lewin, president-elect of the International Aids Society, said: "A cure remains the Holy Grail of HIV research." She said there had been a "handful of individual cure cases before" and they provided "continued hope for people living with HIV, and inspiration for the scientific community. SOURCE: ABC NEWS.COM

Acting Official Secretary Mr. Bill Toraso has confirmed that Governor for Madang province Hon. Peter Yama and Governor for Gulf province Hon. Chris Haiveta have been recommended for awards in the Queen’s Birthday Imperial Honours and Awards.  Mr. Toraso was responding to a recent media article that referred to Governor Yama as Sir Peter even though Mr. Yama was not awarded a knighthood by the Governor General.   Mr. Toraso clarified that Mr. Yama has been recommended for an award together with Gulf Governor Chris Haiveta.  That recommendation has since been sent to Buckingham Palace awaiting approval.   Mr. Toraso said, once approval is given, the appropriate awards and titles will be awarded to the two Governors accordingly.     “The process for nomination for awards under Imperial Honours and Awards for Mr. Yama and Mr. Haiveta was done and sent to London awaiting final approval. Once approval is given, both Governors will be notified to receive their awards with the appropriate titles,” Mr. Toraso said.  PC: Parliament of Papua New Guinea web