Team PNG has now landed with majority of the members checked-in to the two Games Village. Training has commenced for all team members including familiarization of the training and competition venues. Chef de Mission Michael Henao and his General Management Team are satisfied with the level of preparation of these Commonwealth Games, and thanked the Organizing Committee “for all their efforts thus far.” “The support from Papua New Guineans at home and abroad has been truly remarkable, boosting the confidence of our athletes who have been preparing for these Games for months upon months," said Mr Henao. He reminded Papua New Guineans to “keep supporting our 33 athletes via social and other media as they fly the Bird of Paradise at the Commonwealth Games.”

The SP PNG Hunters have produced an inspiring come-from-behind 32-24 win over the Brisbane Tigers in Round 16 of the QRL Hostplus Cup. John Kerr Park played host to the game as part of the QRL’s Country Round initiative and the Cunnamulla locals were treated to a high-scoring and fiery contest on Saturday afternoon, with the Hunters finding themselves down 14-0 at one stage only to fight back and claim their fifth win of the season. Early penalties conceded by both sides presented scoring opportunities in the opening sets and it was the Tigers who first turned those chances into points. Setting up camp on the Hunters’ line, the Tigers sent one attacking raid down their right edge which the Hunters repelled before setting up at the posts for another crack. Again searching to the right, the Tigers’ shape beat PNG’s rushing defence on the second attempt and towering centre Dan Russel was the beneficiary in the corner. [caption id="attachment_24281" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Photo Credit: SP Hunters Fb page[/caption] The Hunters responded convincingly by forcing an error with their defence in the kick off set and then surging upfield themselves through prop partners Sylvester Namo and debutant Francis Kembis. A deft fifth tackle kick from fullback Tyler Han then pinned Brisbane on their own line but an offside penalty on the following play gifted the Tigers free passage upfield and Jayden Nikorima made them pay. Targeting the space around the ruck, some fancy footwork from Nikorima broke the line to link with Haele Finau in support, giving Brisbane a 10-point lead. Another smart attacking kick from the Hunters in good ball – this time Wartovo Puara –quickly swung the momentum back in PNG’s favour. Puara’s grubber looked too heavy off the boot but found a puddle of water in the in-goal to sit up perfectly and force a line drop out. In the ensuing set, 50 Cup game milestone man Brandon Nima almost collected another attacking grubber but his timing was out by the smallest of margins to be called back for offside. Taking a leaf out of the Hunters’ book, the Tigers put boot to ball in their very next set. The class of Nikorima was again the difference, landing a bomb right on the Hunters’ line which ricocheted to find an unmarked Bennett Leslie a few metres out. Facing a 14-0 deficit midway through the first half, the Hunters suddenly came to life. Bench forward Emmanuel Waine made an immediate impact to generate some ruckspeed with his first carry, and two more quick play-the-balls later Puara went from half and linked with Han in the backfield who slid over beneath the posts to score. With halftime approaching, ill-discipline was proving the key difference between the two sides as the Hunters continued giving Brisbane free passage out their own end. Bessie Toomaga was the next Tiger to turn that gifted field position into points, producing a special diving effort in the right-hand corner to score in the 28th minute. The Hunters would answer right back however, with Judah Rimbu sweeping down PNG’s left edge and dropping a charging Kitron Laka back against the grain. Taking possession 20 metres out from Brisbane’s line, Laka pushed through four attempted tacklers to dive over beside the right post and bring the scores to 18-12 at the break. A far more disciplined Hunters outfit took the field in the second half and immediately earned themselves a shot at Brisbane’s line when Rimbu forced a drop out with a delicate short kick. Five tackles later and bench hooker Kingstimer Paraia produced a trademark burrowing effort close to the line to score. [caption id="attachment_24280" align="aligncenter" width="674"] Photo Credit: SP Hunters Fb page[/caption] Paraia was at it again just four minutes later, darting from hooker and passing Laka into half a space beside the ruck when attacking Brisbane’s line. The Tigers’ markers couldn’t react in time as the powerful backrower drove low to give PNG the lead for the first time in the match. The Tigers had no answer for Paraia around the ruck as he orchestrated yet another Hunters’ try for Jordan Pat in the 56th minute. Again the points came on the back of PNG’s improved discipline and the boot of Rimbu, who forced his second line drop-out of the match to give PNG another shot at Brisbane’s line. Paraia would make that shot just three tackles later, scooting from half to engage the markers before offloading back inside for Pat to score beside the posts. A rare error off the boot of Rimbu then saw a yardage kick go out on the full and give Brisbane their first chance of the second half. The Tigers promptly took it through Bernard Gregorius who finished a nice left edge movement in the 61st minute, diving in the corner to narrow PNG’s lead to just four points when Jonah Pezet added the extras. Those four points quickly became eight however when Hunters’ debutant Liam Joseph finished a slick four pass shift to the right edge. Han played a leading role in Joseph’s maiden try, with the Hunters’ fullback popping up on the left edge one tackle earlier and then creating the overlap on the right for his winger to score on the following play. [caption id="attachment_24283" align="aligncenter" width="906"] Photo Credit: SP Hunters Fb page[/caption] Joseph’s try sealed the result for the Hunters, who repelled a desperate Tigers outfit in the dying stages to finish off an inspiring comeback win. Head Coach Matt Church was delighted with his players’ response after conceding an early lead. “That was a really brave effort from us today,” said Church. “I’m really proud of the way the players responded. We just gave them too many leg ups in the first half so we spoke about getting through our sets and stopping all the penalties and we did that in the second half.” Church also paid tribute to Liam Joseph and Francis Kembis who made their club debuts in winning fashion. “Both our debutants were huge for us today and I’m really pleased for them,” said Church. “Liam’s positioning was excellent and obviously a great reward to get that try, and Francis played 67 minutes straight for us in the middle in his first game at this level – that’s a huge effort.”

Barrick (Niugini) Limited (BNL), in response to a recent media article that the Port Moresby BNL office would operate out of Perth, Australia, is not accurate. BNL would like to clarify that the Port Moresby Office will continue to be the Head of Country office for its operations in Papua New Guinea, after the incorporation of New Porgera Limited. Barrick President and Chief Executive officer, Mark Bristow, explained that Barrick recently opened a Perth Office for Barrick’s Asia Pacific growth operations. “Barrick has recognized the potential for the mining industry in the Asia Pacific region with current operations in Papua New Guinea and Pakistan. We are looking at other mines throughout Asia Pacific, and the new Barrick office in Perth will allow for our move into the region. As for the Porgera Mine, our head office for all of Papua New Guinea operations is Port Moresby and will continue to be after the Shareholders Agreement is fully executed.” Bristow said that Barrick’s approach is to ensure that the countries in which Barrick has primary operations, is managed by citizens of that country. For PNG, the Porgera Project Commencement Agreement ensures a greater participation by its citizens and the State. Speaking from Port Moresby Bristow said, “The Porgera Project Commencement Agreement shows our genuine intention to nation building here in Papua New Guinea. On top of the 51% equity to PNG stakeholders, of which 10% is protected equity for Project-impacted landowners, we are committed to building a predominantly PNG national workforce at Porgera Mine - and refining our approach to localizing our supply and business contracts.” Mark Bristow, who was in country this week, stated that once Mineral Resource Enga Limited signs the Shareholders Agreement and other associated agreements, the long awaited economic benefits for the country will flow.

Papua New Guinea took full advantage in the second half as their three substitutes stepped up to control the game to see them through with a win on penalty-shoot out 3-2 against spirited Tonga side in the quarter finals on Saturday night at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, Fiji. The score was 2-2 at the regulation time and in the extra time both teams scored a goal each to for for the penalty shoot-out. The injection of the three substitutes Ramona Padio, Rumona Morris and Meagan Gunemba in the second half sparked off a fight back by PNG ladies despite a two goal down. Tonga was leading 2-0 at half time through Daviana Vaka before imperious centre-back Laveni Vaka who grabbed another assist for Tonga’s second goal where she perfectly chippedto Jazmine Loto’aniu, who fired home Tonga’s second to further stun the pre-tournament favourites. [caption id="attachment_24262" align="aligncenter" width="676"] Photo Credit: PNGFA Fb page[/caption] PNG had won all three previous OFC Women’s Nations Cup meetings between these two sides, with Tonga failing to score in any of those fixtures. On the half-hour mark, Team Mataliki broke that record in sensational fashion to lead 2-0 half time. In the second half, West New Britain striker Padio pulled her nation back into the game, reacting fastest to fire home after Tonga’s replacement goalkeeper Meleana Taufa had saved Meagen Gunemba’s effort to trail 2-1 Gunemba who came in for Arnolda Dou level the score at 2-2 from the corner kick. Her corner-kick delivery evaded all-comers before finding its way beyond Taufa for the equaliser. Gunemba’s ferocious free-kick and Marie Kaipu’s one-on-one shot were then well saved by Taufa. Tonga Loto’aniu shrugged off her marker and hit a low powerful drive which snuck past Watpore’s near-post for her second goal of the game to take the tie to penalties. The match was one of the best ever games since the start of the tournament. Half-time introduction Padio ulled her nation back into the game, reacting fastest to fire home after Tonga’s replacement goalkeeper Meleana Taufa had saved Meagen Gunemba’s effort. Gunemba, another substitute, then pulled PNG level. Her corner-kick delivery evaded all-comers before finding its way beyond Taufa for the equaliser. [caption id="attachment_24263" align="aligncenter" width="716"] Photo Credit: PNGFA Fb page[/caption] Gunemba’s ferocious free-kick and Marie Kaipu’s one-on-one shot were then well saved by Taufa, who was later fortunate her mistimed clearance was not punished by Kaipu, as PNG piled on the pressure. Tonga held on until the end of normal time and Laveni Vaka again produced a tenacious piece of defending to deny Kaipu early in extra-time before Padio thought she had secured the win, heading home Charlie Yanding’s well-placed cross only for Tonga to produce more heroics. Tonga star player Loto’aniu shrugged off her marker and hit a low powerful drive which snuck past Watpore’s near-post for her second goal of the game to take the tie to penalties. After Daviana Vaka hit the post with Tonga’s second spot-kick Watpore was the hero, saving from Ofaloto La’akulu and Fololeni Siale for victory with her teammates mobbing their experienced stopper, knowing she had saved them from a shock exit. Papua New Guinea will now play Samoa in the semi-finals on Wednesday, July 27

The Police Investigative Task Force for the 2022 National General Election will soon arrest supporters and candidates involved in causing destruction and disruption to the counting for the Markham and Kabwum Open seats. Morobe Provincial Police Commander Superintendent Jacob Singura said the criminal acts resulted in the suspension of counting for these two electorates. The Police Investigative Task Force (ITF) team has commenced investigation for the Mahakam counting incident. He said another team will be set up to investigate the incident in Kabwum as well. Mr Singura said the actions taken are criminal in nature and will not be allowed to go unpunished. He said what happened did not display the actions of leaders but thugs and criminals. He said candidates are responsible for the actions of their supporters and cannot distance themselves from what has happened. Everyone involved either directly or indirectly will be arrested and charged criminally. Mr Singura said the electoral commission is to make a decision on the future of these two disrupted electorates. Meanwhile, Mr Singura said two declarations were made for Lae as well as the Huon Gulf open seats. Pangu candidate John Rosso retained his seat whilst United Resource Party candidate Jason Peter was declared for the Huon Gulf Open seat. “We have commenced counting for Bulolo, Nawae and Menyama electorates. The counting for the other three districts (Finschhafen, Tewae-Siassi, and Wau-Waria) are yet to commence,” Mr Singura said. The PPC said that disgruntled candidates from Bulolo have also presented petitions to the Provincial Election Steering Committee (PESC) and the Provincial Election Manager this week alleging foul play in the counting process. This is being addressed by the PNG Electoral Commission.

Roadblocks and stop and search of all persons and vehicles entering into and within the Mendi township is critical to the security of counting for the Southern Highlands Province 2022 National General Election, says Chief Inspector Daniel Yangen. Mr Yangen, who is the Provincial Police Commander for the Southern Highlands Province, said roadblocks and checkpoints have been set up within the Mendi township to monitor movements of people within the town area. Vehicles are also being checked to ensure no offensive weapons are brought in during the counting and declaration. “The people of Southern Highlands had a peaceful polling and I expect the same results to be maintained during counting and declaration periods but it does not hurt to be a bit more cautious,” Mr Yangen said. Mr Yangen said the roadblocks sends a signal to the people that the security forces are on high alert and at work. He said they have enough manpower consisting of the local mobile squad, Quick Response Force, a platoon from the PNG Defence Force, and additional manpower is coming into the province to boost the numbers to allow the counting process to be completed without any major mishaps. “I am expecting peace without any disturbance as I am working closely with the communities talking to the leaders, stakeholders, churches, and the candidates. I want the supporters to respect the rule of law and to accept the declarations. Candidates are expected to educate and inform their people, and the supporters to behave,” Mr Yangen said. Mr Yangen called on the candidates to control their supporters. He said during this critical period people are not to carry any offensive weapons into the Mendi town area. He said everyone must respect the rule of law and the security personnel and let the counting process continue to its completion undisturbed.

The three patients were transferred to PMGH by SJA team. Two males; a 25 year old & 13 year and a 22 year old female. They had consumed internal organs (Liver/ Intestines, etc...) of a large pufferfish. All three patients had paralysis and difficulty breathing on arrival and assessment at the PMGH Emergency Department. They were immediately artificially Ventilated and eventually transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for ongoing mechanical ventilation and critical care. Pufferfish contains a Toxin called Tetrodotoxin. It is named after the Tetraodontidae pufferfish family. This poison blocks the ability of muscles to contract and therefore it will affect all muscles by causing paralysis. Paralysis of the breathing muscles means patients will become hypoxic (low on oxygen in the blood). The toxin cannot be broken down by cooking. It is therefore, not recommended for anyone to eat this fish. There is no antidote for the this rare type of poisoning. Therefore doctors are not able to administer any type of Antivenom (like they would for Snakebite patients). The recovery of these patients is dependent on supportive Intensive Care. Until such time that the toxicity wears off and the patients are able to sustain their own breaths; will they possibly be weaned off mechanical ventilation.

BSP PNG| An innovative online marketplace - FindrPNG, now able to facilitate payments efficiently between service providers and respective customers after onboarding BSP Online Payment system on its platform. FindrPNG is an online platform that helps connect service providers to customers when looking to get any tasks done. The platform allows the service providers to list their services, thereby allowing customers to search from a broad service category or request for a specific service via the platform. The cost effective click-of-a-button-search-and-match offers convenience to both parties. The local business owner, Gadoeno Gabi describes that, “Whenever a customer needs a job done, they simply post the job on FindrPNG for individual service providers to apply and execute, or alternatively the customer can directly message a service provider and request their assistance via the FindrPNG platform.” “Once the terms of the job such as date of delivery and budget are agreed by both parties, FindrPNG creates a specific Job Identification and facilitate the payment for services rendered once both the customer and service provider confirm that the job has been completed,” added Gabi. He added that; “Onboarding the BSP online payment solution, it will guarantee convenient transaction of payments between service providers and its customers. FindrPNG will ensure transactions are efficient, cash-free and safe in order to protect both Customers and Service Providers on the platform. FindrPNG guarantees its users that this is achievable, knowing that payments will be settled efficiently without the risks associated with physical currency being exchanged,” added Gabi. Thus, to access the online marketplace, both customers and service providers will have to register and log onto the FindrPNG website: www.findrpng.com. BSP encourages businesses to consider moving online and ensures there is support every step of the on-boarding processes.

Maprik Open Electorate in East Sepik has declared PNC Party Candidate Gabriel Kapris as the New Member Elect for Maprik District. Returning officer Godfried Sokomia declared Mr Kapris at 4:30 pm Friday 22nd July 2022. He was declared after exclusion 26 after polling a total of 16,657 beating the absolute majority of 16207+1. Mr Kapris ousted Agriculture Minister and PANGU Candidate John Simon.

The timely donation will go towards the OOH’s funding assistance in carrying out Provincial Paediatric Cardiac Screening and Closed Heart Surgeries- Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) ligations at the Port Moresby General Hospital Cardiac Unit. The foundation has saved thousands of Papua New Guineans in the last 26 years– a medical expense that would cost up to K200,000 per case, if done overseas. Since 2000, BSP has been assisting the program with annual donations of K100,000 totalling K2.2 million so far, and is pleased to continue this assistance with a donation again this year. BSP Brand Ambassador David Mead on behalf of the bank presented the cheque of K100,000 to Kathy Johnston – Operation Open Heart Foundation Chairlady and Deputy Chairlady of Port Moresby General Hospital Board, and her team of Cardiac Surgeons on Thursday 14th July, 2022. “BSP is pleased to once again continue its support with the Operation Open Heart – a partnership that spans for more than 20 years. BSP has not only been a supporter of the (OOH), but also a contributor to other health programs including the PNG Cancer Foundation and Kidney Foundation of PNG,” the BSP Brand Ambassador and retired Kumuls Skipper said. The Operation Open Heart Program has been running for 26 years in the country, giving thousands a second chance in life. The program that was a service is now a training program, led by Chief Cardiothoracic surgeon Dr Noah Tapaua. Dr Tapaua said BSP’s assistance came in a big way in 2013 when it funded the Cardiac recovery room inside Ward 7 of the Port Moresby General Hospital. “So now that BSP has donated K100,000 our plan is to go out and continue screening in the provinces after the election. We plan to start after the election. Our local Cardiologists conduct screening and because of this program, they have trained and imparted the skills to doctors in the provinces who can now investigate and identify suspected cases for the team in PNG to operate on. “Last year we visited 12 provinces where 400 children were screened. 150 of those patients with heart conditions were detected. This was further shortlisted to 24 patients, of which 17 have undergone surgery by our local medical team,” Dr Tapaua added.

The PNG Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA) in an effort to stimulate domestic tourism has provided half a million kina to Air Niugini as travel subsidy to promote domestic tourism in the country through the airline’s extensive range of existing tour packages. Of the total K500,000, half of that money will go towards promotions in the domestic market while the other half will be used to support and promote the inbound Australian tourism market. PNGTPA Chief Executive Officer, Eric Mossman in signing the agreement with Air Niugini General Manager, Commercial Paul Abbot in Port Moresby yesterday (Thursday 21st July) said the promotion is timely as travel restrictions are being slowly relaxed after the COVID pandemic with more people now traveling. He said “ COVID19 brought travel and tourism to a standstill over the last two years, however with the restrictions being slowly lifted and more people now traveling, we hope they can make use of the domestic travel subsidies being offered. “ Air Niugini as one of our leading industry partners provides a wide range of tour packages, we therefore encourage people to make use of the subsidies by purchasing domestic tour packages from Air Niugini, which in turn will boost domestic tourism.” Mr Mossman said. Mr Abbot explained that Air Niugini will ensure domestic packages are more accessible in order to stimulate more demand and support the domestic tourism operators. He said once the travel subsidy is in place, every person that purchases an Air Niugini domestic tour package will be offered a K500 discount. A tour package includes airfares, accommodation, return airport transfers, breakfast and taxes. “ We hope to make domestic tourism more accessible and easier for everyone to be able to take advantage of the many and varied tourism experiences in our beautiful country. The flow on effect from people traveling and staying domestically will have a positive impact on communities all over the country.” “Air Niugini has always had great relationship with PNGTPA and this is a shining example of stake holders working together to take domestic tourism to a new level. We look forward to a strong, positive result from this arrangement.” Mr Abbot said Apart from Air Niugini’s current range of domestic tour packages, the airline will also look to create new product to come on the market to further support domestic tourism initiatives

The Brisbane Broncos produced a first half blitz to shock fellow finals contenders Parramatta 36-14 tonight at a soggy CommBank Stadium. Freshened up by a team camp this week at Kingscliff beach, Brisbane looked sharp as they played dry weather football on a rainy night to dominate the opening half and set up an important victory in the race to the finals. Playmakers Adam Reynolds, Ezra Mam and Tesi Niu were dominant as the Broncos piled on 24 unanswered points during the opening stanza to shock the home side, while prolific winger Corey Oates collected a double for a third-straight game to make it 16 tries for the season. The platform for the performance was laid by huge games from middle forwards Payne Haas (225 metres from 22 runs, 9 tackle breaks, 29 tackles and a try), Thomas Flegler (151 metres from 17 runs and 4 tackle breaks) and Pat Carrigan (139 metres from 15 runs and 31 tackles). Brisbane's win catapulted them into fourth spot on the NRL ladder with 26 competition points from 12 wins and just 6 losses. They now play four of their next five games at home at Suncorp Stadium, and have the luxury of a nine-day break heading into their next fixture against the Wests Tigers on Saturday, July 30. Against the Eels, Brisbane started slowly and struggled to get out of their half from the opening whistle with repeat handling errors in the slippery conditions gifting Parramatta field position - and the home side capitalised when a shift to the left saw Maika Sivo cross for an easy try out wide for a 4-0 lead in the 4th minute. But the Broncos steadied and started to control the ball better, hitting back in the 10th minute with some nice work down the left by centre Brenko Lee who grubbered through from 40 metres out, regained the ball off a rebound, and then rolled another grubber through to find Corey Oates who toed the ball through himself before diving on the ball to cross for his 15th try of the season. Reynolds converted from out wide for a 6-4 lead. And the visitors extended their lead in the 19th minute when they charged upfield off the back of a one-on-one strip by Reynolds on Waqa Blake, and then an offload by prop Flegler that yielded a six-again. Brisbane continued to attack the Eels middle, with Haas eventually bumping his way through to score under the posts from 20 metres out to score under the posts. Reynolds converted to make it 12-4. Brisbane were on a roll and Reynolds was at it again shortly after the restart, again cashing in on another six-again call to roll through a perfect grubber on the angle in behind the Eels defensive line for backrower Jordan Riki to touch down. Reynolds knocked over the conversion and the Broncos led 18-4 after 22 minutes. The visitors then continued to hammer the Parramatta line for the next eight minutes but could not crack some staunch defence as the home side made almost 40 tackles in succession. But the Broncos were back attacking soon after with Niu continuing his electric form of recent week with another sizzling, stepping run up the middle and then an offload to Mam who was pulled down close to the line by Will Penisini. The centre would not let Mam get back to his feet and was sent for 10 minutes in the sin bin. Brisbane instantly made the most of the one-man advantage, moving the ball right through hands and then getting the try back on the left where backrower Kurt Capewell strolled through a massive gap to score in the 32nd minute. Reynolds converted for a 24-4 advantage. The Eels grabbed a try just before halftime when they were gifted possession through a slight misjudgement catching a high ball close to the sideline by Broncos winger Jordan Pereira, with Blake crossing on the left and Moses converting to drag it back to a 14-point deficit at the break. Brisbane got the perfect start to the second half after the Eels fumbled the kick-off and from the ensuing set, Oates leapt his to catch a Reynolds cross-kick and scramble well to get the ball down in the left corner to make it a try-scoring double for his third game in a row. Reynolds threaded the conversion from the touchline and it was 30-10. Source: Broncos.com.au