The Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) received a timely presentation of K344,000 from Trukai Industries Limited (TIL) to aid Team PNG’s participation at the 20th edition of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, United Kingdom later this month. The funds presented were raised from the sales of the 2022 Trukai Fun Run T Shirts. TIL Chief Executive Officer Alan Preston in making the presentation to the PNG Olympic Committee said that Trukai was happy with its continued partnership with PNGOC to support Team PNG in its endeavor to promote PNG’s sporting talents in international competitions. “Trukai Industries has been a great partner of Team PNG and the PNG Olympic Committee (PNGOC) for the past 23 years and was happy to continue this partnership again in 2022. “We are happy to continue our support again, and this year it will be towards supporting Team PNG to the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, United Kingdom later this month. On behalf of Trukai Industries Ltd, we wish them all the best and every success, as they fly our country’s Red, Black and Gold colors amongst the 70 plus Commonwealth nations’ who will congregate in one of the biggest sporting festivals of the world from 28th July to 08th August 2022”, Preston said. Sir John Dawanincura, President of the PNG Olympic Committee in receiving the cheque on behalf of PNGOC and Team PNG, thanked Trukai Industries for their continued support. “We are truly grateful for this wonderful partnership fostered over many years despite tough economic times our country has endured, you continue to stand by PNGOC. I salute your passion and support and admire your valuable contribution to enabling PNG’s elite sportsmen and women to aspire to greater heights”, Sir John said. Team PNG Chef de Mission (CdM) to the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, Michael Henao also reiterated the team’s gratitude to TIL for its continued support to Team PNG over the years and especially this year’s team. “Trukai have been wonderful supporters of Team PNG over the years and we are truly grateful for that. This year, we will be taking a contingent of 54 to these Games and we can assure you that we will be doing the very best for our country to fly our flag amongst other nations within the Commonwealth. Team PNG to the Commonwealth Games will leave our shores on July 21st, 2022”, CdM Henao said.

The National Alliance Party is greatly saddened by the sudden and unexpected passing of the NA Member of Parliament for North Bougainville, Hon. William Nakin. The NA Leader, Hon. Patrick Pruaitch, said: “The Hon. William Nakin was a humble leader with a heart for his people. Having been elected to Parliament in 2017, he set about improving public infrastructure such as hospitals and aid posts, schools, and community centres throughout North Bougainville. “The people of North Bougainville have improved living conditions today because of the dedicated leadership and service delivery instituted during Hon. Nakin’s term in Parliament.” Mr Pruaitch said NA would greatly miss the quiet and enlightened leadership style provided by Mr Nakin, which acted as a guiding light when things were going well as well as in difficult times. “My family and I, the people of Aitape-Lumi and the entire NA family extend our condolences to Mrs Nakin and the Honourable MP’s extended family and the people of North Bougainville in this time of mourning and sadness.”

Air Niugini has announced that the airline has suspended all flights to Kagamuga airport, Mt Hagen today due to civil unrest. The airline’s decision to suspend flights was made after it received a Notice to Pilots (NOTAM), consequently forcing the cancellation of all five flights today. Air Niugini will continue to closely monitor the situation and will resume operations as soon as it is safe, including withdrawal of the NOTAM. Passengers who had purchased tickets for the flights that were canceled can revalidate their travel for the next available flight. Air Niugini regrets the inconvenience caused to its passengers however the situation is beyond the airline’s control. "Safety is always of paramount importance in our operations".

NCD Metropolitan Superintendent Gideon Ikumu said homicide detectives are now investigating a shooting death incident which occurred at the ATS settlement yesterday in the National Capital District. A woman was reportedly killed in this election related violence. A video of the dead person purportedly killed by a stray bullet went viral on social media yesterday, with many commentators levelling blame at the police. Mr Ikumu confirmed that police reinforcements went to restore order when a rowdy and quarrelsome crowd threatened to harm election officials and disrupted polling at the ATS settlement. Rocks were hurled at police and gunshots were fired to disperse the unruly crowd. Mr Ikumu addressed angry settlers at ATS after the incident. He assured the settlers that the police investigation would ascertain the facts. He said a formal investigation began yesterday to establish how the victim was killed and who was responsible for her death. "Homicide detectives are now collecting evidence including video footage and statements from potential witnesses," Mr Ikumu said.

Maroons coach Billy Slater was adamant he wouldn’t be “playing games” in the lead-up to the series opener — but that attitude has clearly changed. Following Cameron Munster’s omission due to Covid-19, Cowboys playmaker Tom Dearden has been brought into the starting 17. Slater confirmed the 21-year-old would wear the No.6 jersey, but wouldn’t reveal if he would run out alongside Daly Cherry-Evans to start. NRL360 host Braith Anasta highlighted the big shift in Slater’s mentality suggesting the pressure is on ahead of a Game III decider. “We interviewed Billy Slater before Game I and after Game I, after the victory, and there was no playing games, it was all laid out, this was the team I am picking, this is the team that is running onto the field,” Anasta said. “Then all of a sudden, we go to Suncorp in a decider and Billy has changed, it is amazing.” The rookie coach previously stated ”I’m not here to play games” prior to the series opener after naming Ben Hunt in the No.9 jersey, explaining “he earnt the right” to start. But now, when asked if Dearden will be given the opportunity to start, Slater remained tight-lipped. “Can you confirm that Tom will start at five-eighth?” a journalist asked during Monday’s press conference. “No I can’t... I just can’t confirm right now, our players are very clear on their roles, I’ll say that,” Slater responded. “He will play five-eighth when he is out there, just whether he starts or not we will make that decision closer to the game. “We have to name a 19-man squad today, and then we will name our team an hour before kick-off. “We are pretty clear.. I know my team, I know our team.” Slater explained his side have two options to take over the vacant five-eighth positions — Ben Hunt and Tom Dearden. “We have an opportunity to start Harry Grant and Ben Hunt can move into the halves, he is leading the Dally M at the moment, he is playing some great football, that’s why he is in the team. “We’ve got an opportunity to start Tom Dearden, so they are the two scenarios we are sort of flirting with at the moment.” Slater also threw his full support behind the Cowboys young gun who has enjoyed a strong season with the revitalised Cowboys outfit who currently sit second on the competition ladder. “I have said to Tom a number of times throughout the series, if he was wearing a Maroons jersey throughout the series I wouldn’t be concerned one bit,” Slater said. “Now he is going to be and I am really confident in Tom... he is a true competitor, he is a tough defender.”

Digicel is pleased to announce the provision of the ‘Direct Fibre to the Business’ (FTTB) product to two of Papua New Guinea’s leading hotels under Kumul Hotels Limited, Holiday Inn Express and Holiday Inn & Suites in Port Moresby. The ‘Direct Fibre to Business’ provides dedicated internet access through Digicel’s fibre network with microwave redundancy which guarantees more uptime, availability and stability of the Hotel’s internet services. With the FTTB service in place, Holiday Inn Express Port Moresby and Holiday Inn & Suites Port Moresby internet service is upgraded and more resilient. The hotels are now able to better serve their guests by providing them with the additional benefit of stable, consistent high speed Wi-Fi connections, with zero to minimal internet down time. Mauro Leone, Area General Manager, IHG Hotels & Resort Papua New Guinea said, “Holiday Inn guests expect great value. We know today’s travellers are on the move and looking for options that are high quality and convenient, which is why we offer complimentary Wi-Fi with our rates, a perk we know is essential in our market.” “This is an especially important upgrade for our extended stay guests who occasionally work from home. This upgrade will guarantee our internet service offering is the best in market, we extend complimentary Wi-Fi with our long-term rental agreements,” he adds. With the increased reliability and speed, hotel staff can now download and upload files at the fastest speeds, increasing their day-to-day efficiencies in digital communications connecting and engaging with their head office and suppliers at a much faster rate than before. Digicel’s Head of Business Solutions for PNG, Charlie Clementson said, “Customers staying at Holiday Inn Express Port Moresby and Holiday Inn & Suites Port Moresby can expect world class internet and a very reliable service. Digicel is proud to be providing this service to these hotels, its long-standing customer via its Fibre network.” “Digicel’s ‘Fibre To The Business’ product provides the Holiday Inn Express Port Moresby and Holiday Inn & Suites Port Moresby with the fastest and most resilient dedicated internet service in Papua New Guinea. In addition to ensuring the hotels and their customers are always connected, we have also set up a dedicated redundant Microwave connection which will allow the two hotels’ network design to provide internet connections that will exceed its customers’ expectations. Digicel is proud to deliver this level of Internet experience in PNG” Mr. Clementson added. The ‘Direct Fibre to the Business’ product guarantees higher uptime and redundancy built in to provide 99% service availability. By moving to Digicel’s fibre network, businesses can increase their internet service availability and provide the best internet experience to their end customers. For more information on this product, visit https://www.digicelbusiness.com/pg/en/home.html.

PNG Netball is pleased to officially announce the final PNG National Team, Pepes. Congratulations are in order. GOAL SHOOTERS 1. Goloa Ovoa - Abau Netball Assoc. 2. Violet James - Kairuku Netball Assoc. 3. Kala Ali - Rigo Netball Assoc. 4. Allensandra Smith Ani - Australia based MIDCOURT 1. Jacklyn Lahari - POM Netball Assoc. 2. Villie Nopiri - POM Netball Assoc. 3. Alice James - Kairuku Netball Assoc. 4. Sarah Harris - Australia based GOAL DEFENCE 1. Kilala Owen - POM Netball Assoc. 2. Genevieve Ume - POM Netball Assoc. 3. Shannaz Apelis - POM Netball Assoc. 4. Lesieli Vele Taviri - POM Netball Assoc. Joining the team are Goloa Ovoa and Shannaz Apelis who have been attached to the Wildcats in the QLD Netball Competition under Netball Australia's Athlete Immersion Program. Pepes depart tomorrow to compete with other Pacific sisters for the Regional World Qualifiers in Suva, Fiji. This team will be led by Head Coach Gimanama Crowdy who is assisted by Assistant Coach Margaret Opina and Team Manager Helen Edwards. Upon return, training will recommence for two other international games scheduled in October and December 2022. PNG Netball is also pleased to announce the selection of Umpire Wilma Augerea Gigimat and BO Gewa Raula who will travel with the team to undergo specfic technical training in Suva. Both Wilma and Augerea will stay on to observe the games and will be used at the Tournament if required. Congratulations Wilma and Gewa. PNG Netball takes this time to acknowledge the support accorded by Netball Australia, DFAT and local Sponsor, Gas Resources PNG Limited. Please join us in wishing PNG Pepes the very best of PNG luck - The team will give it their best shot and that is all we expect from them . Source: Netball PNG FB Page

Residents of Ward 3 in the Wampar Local Level Government area of Huon Gulf, Morobe Province have expressed dissatisfaction over the manner in which the 2022 National General Election is being run. Ward three Councillor Francis Paul dubbed the 2022 National General Election as the "worst ever election" in the country's history. "My ward area is the most populated ward in Huon Gulf district with 15 hamlets, 7, 000 population, of which 1,200 are eligible voters," said Mr. Paul. "The eligible voting population was 1,020 before 2017 and we have additional 180 eligible voters on top of the previous population, however these names were not included in the common roll book." "Instead of increasing the voters population, we had a drop of 180 voters whose names were not on common roll book," "Apart from the missing names, the Electoral Commission had failed to issue uniforms to polling and counting officials in the ward," "Even the officials allowances' were not being fixed on time," Francis said. He said as a senior Councillor in the LLG and district, he is not happy with the manner in which this election was run.

PNG Air regrets to advise our customers and the travelling public that due to recent vandalism of airport property and suspension of services by the National Airports Corporation in Wapenamanda, Enga Province, all scheduled PNG Air flights into Wapenamanda have been suspended. This suspension will remain in place indefinitely until such time PNG Air can determine the safe operations of our services back into the Province. Customers with existing tickets can rebook or reroute at no further cost. PNG Air Call Centre will be in contact with passengers for inbound and outbound Wapenamanda travel for further advisories. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause, and appreciate your understanding during this time. For more information, please contact our Call Centre on 16111 (Digicel toll free) or 7411 2644 (Bmobile and Telikom).

St John Ambulance was called to an incident after reports of multiple casualties injured by gunshots at a location in Port Moresby yesterday. Multiple ambulances and paramedics responded to the call and were on scene within minutes and tried to render aid to the victims. Ambulance staff were blocked from accessing the casualties at the scene by some members of the community who were angry about the shooting and demanded that senior police command attend the scene before allowing ambulance officers to treat the victims. "Our ambulance officers are dedicated to their role in saving lives and serving others". St John says that obstructing ambulance staff endangers other people's lives and pleads with the public to always allow ambulance staff to do their life-saving work.

A total of 548 retired Public Servants will be paid out this week their retirement benefits as the second batch of retirees under the Public Service Retirement Exercise for 2022. The 548 officers are from 18 government agencies. The retired public servants will be paid out at a total cost of K50.78 Million on Pay 14 this week. Majority of the retirees are from the Police Department with 329 retired police personnel and public servants. The total cost is the combination of Gross payments and Personal Emolument (PE) Liabilities, excluding their Nambawan Super retirement funds. The retirees are from the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (329), Correction Service Institute (63), PNG Defence Force (29), Department of Works & Implementation (79), Department of Personnel Management (1), Treasury Department (1), Education Department (3), Department of Agriculture & Livestock (1), National Statistic Office (1), Pom General Hospital (4), Laloki Hospital (4), West New Britain PHA (2), Enga PHA (6), Southern Highlands PHA (1), Enga Provincial Administration (17), Hela Provincial Administration (1), Southern Highlands Provincial Administration (4) and Manus Provincial Administration (1). Department of Personnel Management Secretary Ms Taies Sansan said, the officers were identified by their respective agencies and their names submitted to DPM for validation and verification to be paid out. Secretary Ms. Sansan said, the retirement exercise has been on going since 2019 of which over 2, 600 public servants have so far been paid out at a cost of K119.7 million. “We are continuing the retirement exercise this year. The government had allocated K200 million in the 2022 annual budget to retire aging public servants and my department will continue to coordinate with all line agencies to ensure this process is executed well this year”. DPM has coordinated the public sector retirement program following an NEC decision in 2017, which has seen the development of a ‘Whole of Government approach undertaken to ensure all public servants who have reached the compulsory retirement age of 65 or those that are required to retire on medical grounds are paid out and put off the pay roll. “The vacancies created will also mean the workforce is better positioned to implement reforms, including the engagement of a new breed of Papua New Guinean public servants out of universities and colleges”. Secretary Ms. Sansan has thanked the government for the continued support to ensure that public servants who have reached compulsory retirement age are paid out.

Prime Minister Hon. James Marape travels to Fiji today (Tuesday, July 12, 2022) for the 51st Pacific Islands Forum (PIF51) taking place in the capital, Suva. He will return on Thursday (July 14, 2022). PIF leaders from 18 member countries will gather face-to face for the first time since 2019 to discuss a basket of issues affecting the region. PM Marape will meet host of the 51st PIF and Fijian Prime Minister Hon. Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama and newly-elected Australian Prime Minister Hon. Anthony Albanese on the margins of the 51st PIF. The meeting, hosted by the Fijian government, is billed as one of the most-significant in recent history as the region gradually emerges from the grips of the COVID-19 pandemic. PM Marape, who has been extremely caught up in election matters, has made time available in his very-busy schedule to participate as Head of Government at this important regional summit. “I will be out of the country for a day-and-a-half and return on Thursday, given that the elections are still in progress,” he said. "In my absence, I have designated Deputy Prime Minister Hon. John Rosso, to be Acting Prime Minister “The PIF is a very-important regional meeting for all Pacific nations, and as the sitting Prime Minister of the largest island nation, I must attend to ensure that PNG presence is felt and support and discuss progress on our shared-regional issues. “A very-pressing issue I have been handling, as a PIF leader, has been my involvement as Interlocutor of the Political Dialogue Mechanism (PDM) endorsed by PIF Leaders to negotiate an amicable way forward for Micronesian countries not break away from the PIF over contentious issues relating to the appointment of the Secretary-General of the PIF Secretariat. "Micronesian countries raised serious concerns that their candidate was not elected on a purported Gentlemans Agreement for the position of PIF Secretary-General under a regional rotational basis. “In fact, there have been indications by Micronesia nations to break away from the PIF. "Yesterday, Kiribati and Nauru informed of their non-attendance at the 51st PIF “As a senior member of PIF, PNG plays an important role to ensure that we, as a family of Pacific nations, remain together in the interest of regional stability and a collective voice for our socio-economic development agenda.” Apart from the above, PM Marape said several issues confronting the region would be on the table as the PIF celebrated 51 years of Pacific regionalism. “Among several issues which will be on the table are the intensifying geopolitical competition in the region, addressing the impacts of climate change, mending the Micronesian rift, COVID-19 recovery, and talks on the regional nuclear legacy, among others,” he said. “The PIF in Suva is expected to conclude with the launching of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, which has been developed over three years after wide consultation across the region. “The 2050 strategy, once endorsed, will become the blueprint that will set out the collective vision for the region in terms of oceans preservation, conservation and sustainable management for our future generations” Whilst in Suva, PM Marape will also hand-over the Chairmanship of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) at a Special MSG Leaders meeting on the margins of the 51st PIF to the incoming Chairman and Prime Minister of Vanuatu Hon. Bob Loughman. He will also formally introduce the new Director-General of the MSG Secretariat, Mr Leonard Louma,, a senior PNG Citizen who will officially be stationed at the MSG Secretariat in Port Vila for the next four years.