Team PNG was officially welcomed to the Games Village on Monday (25/07/2022) by Commonwealth Games Village Mayor David Moorcroft at the University of Birmingham. In receiving the welcoming gift from Mayor Moorcroft , General Management and Team Operations and Administration, Chris Aimini, thanked the Games Organizing Committee for the warm welcome. "Team PNG has settled in well since arrival on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday respectively ", said Amini. Weightlifters into 3rd Training Session Meanwhile, Weightlifting Team Manager Kila Mala has confirmed that weightlifting sensations Dika Toua amd Morea Baru are well into their 3rd training session with four more sessions to go before their competitions start on July 30, 2022. "So far all is going well the two weightlifters in their training and recovery and we are thankful for all the support, particularly head Physiotherapist  Matthew Natusch for all the post recovery work," said Mala.

H.E Grand Chief Sir Bob Bofeng Dadae, GCL, GCMG, KStJ, Governor General of Papua New Guinea, has expressed heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the family, friends, and relatives of one of Papua New Guinea's esteemed and renewed businessmen Chief Jacob Luke following his passing last week. Grand Chief Bob said Mr. Luke was a unique individual who beat all odds from humble beginnings and started and built his business into a successful business. " Mr. Luke is proof that Papua New Guineans can start a business, manage it and build it into an empire and be successful. Despite the odds and negativities that would deter many from expanding a business venture., Mr. Luke persevered and succeeded. His business now employs hundreds of, if not thousands of people, and has enabled many people to venture into business and private entrepreneurship. He was a businessman who also gave much to others and was well respected in the business community both here and abroad and a pillar to his people and community. He did not rely on handouts or others to build his business. And in the end, he was able to enjoy his success, be his own boss and give back to the community without seeking favors and public office to do so. It doesn't matter who and where we come from, we can be successful in our pursuits by doing so with perseverance, honesty, and hard work. Our youths and young ones can learn from this so that they can make a success of themselves to be useful and productive citizens of our country. Lady Dadae joins me in conveying to the immediate family of the late Mr. Luke our heartfelt sympathies and condolences during this time of difficult time. May God's peace comfort you in your time of mourning," Grand Chief Sir Bob said.

Sitting Member and Pangu Pati Candidate, Timothy Masiu has retained his South Bougainville Open Seat polling 14, 404 votes exceeding the absolute majority of 11, 760.

Kina Bank has issued this advice to customers. Some branches will remain closed until further notice in Port Moresby, these branches are Vision City, Boroko, and Jacksons Airport. As of 10.00 AM, this morning branches to be opened are the Waigani Drive, Port Moresby, and Harbourside branches. Kina Bank will continue to monitor the situation and then advise when they plan to re-open the branches that are currently closed. Kina Bank is advising to please continue to stay safe at this time and keep indoors. The Bank further says customers can utilize digital banking services through Kina Konnect and the Mobile App. Alternatively, you can also contact Kina Bank on toll-free number 180 1525 or Contact Centre on +675 308 3800.

Member-elect for Wabag Open Electorate, Dr. Lino Tom was declared yesterday afternoon after collecting 35,782 votes in the primary counts, surpassing the absolute majority mark of 28,000+1.

The Manly Sea Eagles have been thrown into turmoil ahead of their Thursday night contest against the Sydney Roosters, because of their pride jersey. As many as seven players are reportedly considering pulling out of the contest due to the club’s inclusive jersey. Players are reportedly opposed to wearing the jersey due to religious beliefs and are set to stand down with suggestions they weren’t consulted prior to the jersey announcement, The Daily Telegraph reports. The players in question reportedly include Jason Saab, Christian Tuipulotu and Josh Aloiai. Manly officials are set to hold an emergency meeting on Monday night with the players as the club faces the damning prospect of contesting the must win game without seven of their stars. The trio of Sean Keppie, Kieran Foran and Reuben Garrick happily posed in the Sea Eagles jersey titled “everyone in league” on Monday. Manly will become the first club in rugby league history to wear a jersey celebrating inclusivity with rainbow colours replacing the traditional white piping. The players in question have reportedly told their managers they’ll stand down if forced to play in the one-off jumper, according to The Daily Telegraph. The Manly Sea Eagles major sponsor is gambling company Pointsbet, while their home stadium, 4 Pines Park, is named after an alcoholic brewing company. Sea Eagles great Ian Roberts, the first rugby league player to come out as openly gay, was hoping to attend the game this Thursday. “LGBTIQA people have always been a part of sport but haven’t always been allowed the visibility,” Roberts said. “Honestly I have been trying to get the NRL to have a pride round for the past three years and it still hasn’t got the traction it deserves. It saddens me because they think having a float at the Mardi Gras is enough and it’s not.” The damning report drew severe social media backlash with fans in uproar over the players potentially standing down because of the jersey. Wide World of Sports’ Matt Bungard wrote: “I don’t want to hear one single thing about ‘respecting other people’s opinions’ or using religion as a crutch to hide behind while being homophobic. No issues playing at a stadium covered in alcohol and gambling sponsors, which is also a sin. What a joke.” Spalk Talk’s Tom Read wrote: “As a manly fan, I’d be more than ok for those players to not play in this game, or ever again for the club.” Townsville Bulletin editor Chris McMahon wrote: “I don’t care if it derails Manly’s season, but if these flogs pull out of this game because of an inclusive jersey, they should be stood down for the season without pay. As a massive @SeaEagles supporter this is enough for me to almost pack it in.” Source: www.news.com.au

Port Moresby General Hospital has stepped up its security measures in light of the spates of violence that are being experienced in and around the city. The PMGH Senior Executive team held an emergency meeting with Clinical Coordinators, Nurse Managers, and Corporate staff to discuss the measures that will be undertaken to ensure the safety of all staff [and patients] until some sort of normalcy is restored in the city. [caption id="attachment_24347" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Photo Credit: Port Moresby General Hospital[/caption] The security measures include: 1. All vehicles and persons to be searched for weapons before entering the hospital premises; 2. Metal detector search for anyone entering the Emergency Department (ED), Children's Emergency Department (CED), Consultation Clinic, and/or all entry points into the hospital; 3. The ED gate will be controlled by security personnel and no guardians will be allowed in; 4. Staff will be provided security-protected pickup and drop off and security escort; 5. Locks will be placed on all gates, gate at the mortuary, and all gates within the hospital premises; and 6. The Emergency Response team is on standby to receive mass casualties. [caption id="attachment_24348" align="aligncenter" width="593"] Photo Credit: Port Moresby General Hospital[/caption] Meanwhile, an overnight summary from the Emergency Department has reported two (2) casualties stemming from yesterday's incident at Waigani near the Sir John Guise Stadium and Vision City Mall. The casualties are: 1. Bush knife injury / Traumatic Brain Injury; managed and in a stable condition. 2. Bush knife Injury / Limb Injury; managed and treated. Thus far, there are no election-related deaths.

Returning Officer for Kagua Erave Open Electorate in Southern Highlands Province, Albert Wens has resigned today while counting is still in progress. Mr. Wens said he resigned because he was faced with a lot of threats from candidates and supporters. In a letter to the Electoral Commissioner, Wens complained that some of the 44 ballot boxes set aside by the Electoral Commissioner were already counted since Saturday. Wens said most of the candidates called for a failed election because more than three-quarters of the ballot boxes were allegedly hijacked.

The member of Ialibu Pangia and former prime minister, Peter O’Neil, have come out to strongly condemn the election-related violence that has erupted in the nation’s capital city Port Moresby and appeals for calm. Mr. O’Neil is appealing to the current leaders and candidates to show leadership in this chaotic time and put a stop to this madness now. He is appealing to the people as well to stop this violence. “I know you are frustrated and angry but please, I am asking you, to stop holding the city to ransom. “Get off the streets and go back to your home and calm down,” said Mr. O’Neil. He said no leader, past or present would ever ask their people to go about settling issues this way and in the process putting the lives of others at risk for no good reason. “I give you my word that I am doing all I can, but I first need those who are causing this chaos to the whole Port Moresby community to return to your homes.” Meanwhile, he is also urging the public to stay safe and look out for those close to them.

Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has been in Port Moresby since early today (July 25, 2022) from Wewak to attend to yesterday’s unfortunate election-related events in Port Moresby and others around the country. The National Security Advisory Committee (NSAC) is meeting at 3 pm today to discuss not only the Port Moresby issue but other issues that have disrupted the electoral process right across the country. PM Marape will address the nation through a press conference right after the NSAC meeting. “We are on top of all these issues,” he said. “By tonight or tomorrow, there will be a curfew. “Those who want to continue to cause disturbances to counting, as well as to the innocent society at large, will face the full force of the law.”

A stand off outside the Sir John Guise Stadium led to a violent attack in which supporters of rival candidates clashed with bush knives and other offensive weapons. Police , PNGDF and Correctional Services personnel responded immediately. A cluster of makeshift tents set up outside the Stadium and along the fence line of Vision City mall were removed by the security forces. In the process of doing so, knives, clubs, and other non lethal offensive weapons were found and confiscated. What happened outside of the counting centre? This altercation and violence has put the lives of the innocent public in danger. We must understand that while the election process is taking place , people must be free to move about their normal activities without the fear of violence. Detectives at the helm of the investigations have confirmed that two men were wounded in these attacks. A footage of the marauding mob armed with bush knives was taken on video from a shopper inside a Shopping Mall. The footage showing the mob slashing their victims near the mall is now being investigated by CID. The victims were taken to the hospital for treatment. The Police investigation team is now in contact with the two men and statements will be collected. After Police dispersed the fighting a suspicious vehicle was stopped and searched in which a bundle of bush knives was found. The vehicle was taken to Waigani Police Station and 9 male adult occupants were detained and they will be formerly arrested and charged. Police have also dispersed people camping outside PILAG and the Rita Flyn courts as a security measure against any form of violence. Scrutineers of candidates are the only ones who will enter the counting venues on behalf of their candidates upon producing their IDs. Wagambie said he has instructed the Metropolitan Superintendent to work with candidates to ensure that while we ensure that public safety is maintained, candidates and their scrutineers must also be catered for so that transparency in the process of counting is maintained. He further called on candidates to exercise their leadership in controlling their supporters for the benefit of the public in NCD. Public Safety is our paramount interest.

Police are called upon to undertake a wide variety of tasks during the election campaign that go beyond maintaining general law and order and protecting and transporting ballot boxes. Enga Special Operations Chief Inspector, Kelly Sombe, said police, and all security services members have to be ready for the unexpected often in remote areas. Chief Inspector Sombe said, “While undertaking overall security to protect our people and our democracy, there are always a number of other varied tasks. “This could be anything from helping to transport people to healthcare facilities, through to wielding a chainsaw to remove obstructions and roadblocks. “Our disciplined officers are always ready to jump in and perform tasks that are not always part of their training, but must be done to keep the election process moving and supporting communities. “No matter their rank, our security services personnel must always be prepared to overcome any challenge that confronts them.”