Candidates in East New Britain participated in a week-long open forum earlier this month to let voters know about their policies. It was also an opportunity to educate the people about the limited preferential voting system. The forums were organised by the ENB election steering committee who are driving voter education in the province assisting the provincial electoral office under the chairmanship of provincial administrator Wilson Matava. For ENB regional seat and Kokopo open seat, the forum was held at the Kokopo market, Gazelle Open seat at Kerevat market and Rabaul Open seat at Rabaul market. The forum for Pomio Open would be held at Palmalmal. The committee felt it was important to get voters to make informed choices and the importance of LPV awareness. The general message was to ensure a “free, fair and safe” election. People turned up in numbers to hear what the candidates had to offer them. Speaking during the forum in Rabaul, Mr Matava said the forum is an important platform for candidates as well as voters to be informed about policies and platforms. He made a stern warning to candidates to steer clear of criticizing their political rivals and reminded that those caught spoiling posters and other merchandise will be dealt with. Meantime Rabaul District Administrator Peter Lapim when giving a brief status of the district’s profile said the district is ready to work with the duly elected new leader in driving the district mission and vision in growing the local economy and ensuring that people are free of oppression.

FUTURE of PNG President and Rigo Open candidate, Vikki Mossine envisions Rigo District to be an economic hub that will contribute to the national purse. Her vision is for Rigo to become the supplier of fresh vegetables and fruits to other centres in the country and exported to other countries. She made this known during her campaign rallies at Seba, Binagoro and Wiga villages in the North-Rigo area last week. Mrs. Mossine encouraged the people to free up their land for development, that will enable the upgrade and construction of transport infrastructure such as roads and bridges that will in turn open up access to health, education, law and justice services and provide economic opportunities to generate income. [caption id="attachment_22589" align="aligncenter" width="875"] President of Future of PNG Party and Rigo Open Candidate Vikki Gara Mossine and Gary Mossine (son) presented with betelnut at Binagoro village.[/caption] Mrs. Mossine has been traveling by road to conduct her campaign rallies starting from the Rigo Coast, to Rigo Central, Rigo North and will finish in East Rigo. She has taken into account the current state of the roads and other vital infrastructure and heard from the people especially women who have made it known that they want equal participation in the development of Rigo. Helping people out of hardships has always been a soft side of Mrs Mossine as a Director of her own business and she is determined to continue that in Rigo.

An intending candidate contesting the newly created Hiri-Koiari electorate in Central Province said that political leadership is key to change and has urged his people not to vote for money and materials but choose a leader who can perform and bring change to the community and country. Jack Totona from Lealea Village in the Hiri West LLG is endorsed by the Peoples National Congress Party said the struggle for survival has provoked him to stand for the election. He said said despite the electorate hosting the LNG Plant on their land, twelve years have gone as they watched billions of kina worth of LNG being shipped out from their shores with no basic services being received. “Our mothers continue to carry 20 litre containers of water, our roads are turned into potholes and craters, our jetties and foot bridges have never been rebuilt, our schools and health centers are deteriorating,” Mr Totona said. “If I am given the mandate by you, I will ensure Hiri Koiari District development aspiration are well planned and developed within the next five years.” Mr Totona who previously worked as the project consultant to Imbonggu District and First Secretary for then Minister of Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Pila Niningi said his work back then shows his capability to transform and bring about the change that his people need in these times. He further added that the government’s commitment to build a technical institution at Porebada junction to educate technical skills human resource within the LNG impact area of Porebada, Boera, Papa and Lealea villages were hijacked and the funds remitted elsewhere. "Now we will soon have a second Papua LNG through Total who will build train three and four within our area. But the technical skills required from our locals to participate is not there." “Once our political party forms the government, I will urge the new Government to build this technical institution in our area to produce the labor that is required for the new LNG and give priority to the basic services that we have been denied for decades." "My vision is to create a better future for our children of Hiri-Koiari electorate."

Rigo North rural local level government (LLG) in Rigo District of Central Province has a new President in Duri Tom after the incumbent President Roger McKenzie was terminated by Minister for Provincial & Local Governments Affairs, Pila Ninigi early this year for non-performance of duties. Mr Duri Tom was elected President unopposed by 13 ward members who were present at Rigo Council Chambers at Kwikila in a by-election conducted by acting District Administrator & CEO Garo Bala. The occasion was witnessed by the Secretary for Department of Provincial & local Government Affairs, Dr Alphonse Gelu, senior officials from the department and Provincial Administrator Francis Koaba and his senior officers from the Central Provincial Administration. Mr Tom after his election said, he wants to work with the incoming Central Governor and member for Rigo to deliver much-needed government services to his people in the remote part of the district bordering the Northern Province. Mr Tom said government services do not reach the remote areas like Dorobisoro, Mt Brown, Barai, Doromu, Wiga and Boku and so he wants ensure basic services reach his people. “My aim and goal is to work with the Rigo district administration and Central provincial government and administration to develop those areas in my LLG that are untouched and under-developed to bring services to them”, said Tom. President-elect Duri Tom was later sworn-in as President of Rigo North LLG by Senior Provincial Magistrate Alex Kalandi, last Friday at Central Provincial headquarters in Konedobu. Mr Kalandi, after the swearing-in ceremony told President Duri Tom, his ward members supporters and family, that becoming a leader comes with responsibilities, and being a leader it is not easy to take on board those responsibilities, people will be watching the kind of leadership you will display. “I congratulate you on taking this leadership role as President on board and you must be mindful that this is a very important promise you have made today for your people in Rigo, especially Rigo North LLG and people of Central province,” said Magistrate Kalandi.

Bereina Rugby League in Kairuku District of Central province received two new sets of rugby league uniforms over the weekend for the new season which will kick start next year 2023. Nadi Panthers from Bereina village and BTS Eagles from Bereina station were proud recipients of the new uniforms. Central Provincial Administrator Francis Koaba during the presentation at the Kairuku district office at Bereina said the uniforms were a long overdue commitment made during the Robert Agarobe Boxing Tournament held last year at Bereina station. The uniforms were purchased from Tura, a sports uniform company in Fiji costing almost K18, 000 for a set. Mr Koaba presented the team officials with 20 sets of uniforms each which includes a rugby shorts, socks and jersey. Kairuku district administrator George Aminae thanked Mr Koaba and the Provincial Administration for fulfilling their commitment by delivering the rugby uniforms to the two teams. President of Bereina Rugby League Association Aihi Billy said the competition was cancelled due to affiliation issues with PNGRFL but preparations are now underway for a trial match between the Central Dabaris Rugby League team at Bereina.

Assistant Commissioner Operations Samson Kua has called on the general public to be more responsible when releasing information over social media, especially when they do not have all the facts on hand. Mr Kua made this remark when posts on the social media alleged that a large unknown quantity of police and PNG Defence Force uniforms were confiscated whilst they were being transported into Hela Province via Komo Airport. One of the posts on the Facebook page “PNG Political Limelights” claims that a flight chartered by a regional candidate for the Hela Province contained boxes of police and PNG Defence Force uniforms. Mr Kua refuted this statement, saying, “This is not true and is totally irresponsible of persons who released this. It has the potential to create fear and anxiety and further problems.” “We are concerned at the inference that a large quantity of police and PNG Defence Force uniforms were intercepted in Komo and confiscated. That is not true and is an exaggeration,” Mr Kua further clarifies. Mr Kua confirmed that police have in fact confiscated one blue field uniform, three police Number One long pants with a GB boot as well as one set of PNG Defence Force camouflage uniform, one shirt and one short trouser. The items are now in police custody and investigations are being conducted into their origins.

Cocoa is an important cash crop that contributes an estimated K300 million kina or about US$88 million equivalent to Papua New Guinea’s economy. Cocoa helps sustain around 151, 000 families and provides jobs for up to a million people. Cocoa is grown across PNG in 14 of the 22 provinces with the Morobe Province being one of the major producers. However, PNG’s cocoa industry has been in decline since the serious outbreak of Cocoa Pod Borer (CPB) from 2008. Cocoa exports fell from 52,579 tonnes in 2008 to 33,090 tonnes in 2015. Despite production increasing to over 40,000 tonnes in 2016, the industry still faces problems with low and stagnant yields, and inconsistent quality. USAID’s PNG Lukautim Graun Program is working in partnership with Outspan PNG Limited to help improve production quality among women small holder cocoa farmers. This partnership is helping to improve the lives of rural farmers whose livelihoods depend on cocoa and helping to minimize their reliance on forest resources will help reduce the threat to biodiversity in PNG. Through USAID support, Outspan PNG Limited provides training to women small holder cocoa farmer as well as to provide first aid kits to treat minor injuries. USAID’s most recent contribution includes first aid kits worth over PGK5,700, for 20 women cocoa farmers in Markham and Huon Gulf electorates in Morobe Province. The distribution of first aid kits is inline with USAID’s Lukautim Graun Program objectives where it aims to improve the conservation of biodiversity and equity among genders in priority terrestrial, marine, and freshwater ecosystems and support women across the value chain in PNG, from farming in rural and remote areas to women entrepreneurs developing new businesses, to women employees and leaders in the formal sector. “The distribution of first aid kits is important as woman’s health is important to ensuring that the whole household is functioning as it should be. In the event that a mother, for example, falls ill due to farming activities, it affects the whole family due to other roles that the woman play in the family and as such, the first aid kits presented, will contribute to reducing minor farming injuries that lead onto major infections,” said Melinda Thom, Program Manager for Outspan PNG Limited. “In many scenarios when there are minor cuts, bruises or minor incidents that occur on the cocoa patch, farmers do not seek medical assistance. This can be mainly due to access to health facilities (long distance to reach, work load too much) or that farmers have too much to do that going to a medical facility at times can be seen as waste of their time. These minor cuts or bruise when not treated can get infected which leads on to other issues now that can affect families’ financial loss and emotions stress,” she continued. Led by Cardno International Development, LGP works in partnership with PNG governments and a range of implementing partners, including Care International, CEFI, The Nature Conservancy, the PNG Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program, the Research and Conservation Foundation, the Wildlife Conservation Program, and the Woodland Park Zoo. Additionally, LGP works with the private sector, faith-based organizations, and civil society organizations. The overall objective of LGP is to empower traditional landowners to manage their resources sustainably and empower women as full participants in PNG’s economy.

3000 ballistic vests and 3000 ballistic helmets arrived at Jackson Airport in Port Moresby flown in on a Royal Australian Airforce C17 Globemaster inbound from the United States. The ballistic vests and helmets are a gift from Australia to the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) in response to Papua New Guinea’s request for additional protective equipment for the police force. Australian High Commissioner Jon Philp and Australian Federal Police Commander Jamie Strauss formally signed over the equipment to the RPNGC Police Commissioner David Manning. “Australia is pleased to deliver these ballistic vests and helmets ahead of the 2022 national elections. PNG and Australia share a tradition of representative democracy reflecting our broader shared values and Australia is proud to be able to support PNG through this gift and through our broader Supporting Elections Program” said High Commissioner Philp. The protective equipment that Australia delivered will allow the RPNGC to safely carry out their duties, not only during the upcoming national election, but in the critical operations the RPNGC undertake every day. AFP Commander Jamie Strauss highlighted that “The provision of this equipment is a demonstration of the maturing cooperation between the RPNGC and the AFP under the PNG-Australia Policing Partnership”. The partnership between Australia and PNG was strengthened by our close cooperation during the covid-19 response and Australia looks forward to further deepening the cooperation.

Team PNG’s Women’s Tennis team secured the country’s and the 2022 Northern Marianas Pacific Mini Games first gold on Saturday. The women’s team consisting of the Apisah siblings Violet and Patricia and their aunt, Abigail Tere-Apisah breezed through the first Team category competition undefeated. Abigail set the tone for her nieces and they didn’t disappoint. Despite the onset of pre-game nerves, Abigail did not look too far to find her composure, easily shrugging off her Kiribati opponent before Violet and Patricia turned up the assault in the doubles. Overcoming the first two games between Kiribati and Guam on Thursday dissipated any doubts of their skills as they downed their opponents booking an early semi-final berth and well-earned break on Friday. The team then turned on Saturday morning, doused the Commonwealth of Northern Marianas in the morning session to set up a golden encounter with Fiji in the afternoon. With Abigail first up again, her prowess in calculating her swings made up for a strong encounter that ensured a step closer to glory. But it was Violet’s sharp and powerful serves that proved the difference. Picking her moves with precision and power, young Apisah drove shards of brilliance down the Fijian line leaving no stones unturned. “It feels great. Especially to do it with my aunty and my other aunty as a coach and official. It’s just a good feeling and honor to play all together for PNG as well,” “I played in the 2015 Pacific Games and got a gold medal for the Teams and a Silver and both for mixed and doubles. “And I also played in Samoa and got a few medals there. “It feels good to represent my country and play alongside my family as well,” “I think we will do well. I think recovery is the main thing to take care of. Just take care of our bodies, and make sure we are all good for the next games coming up. Apisah said she was nervous in the lead up to her first match but after getting a few games under her belt, she felt better as the match progressed. Team PNG Chef De Mission, Kila Dick was over the moon with the result. “I’m really excited for our Team PNG Women’s Tennis team to come out on top and get our first gold at the start of the competition. “It’s a moral boost for all our other sports,” Mr Dick said.

PNG Power advises its valued clients and customers that they are currently undertaking load shedding of electricity in Port Moresby due to no fuel delivered to the Kanudi Power Station by the delivery truck. This was due to manpower issues faced with their delivery truck drivers on Sunday. This has resulted in a generation shortfall therefore the need for this load shedding undertaken. PNG Power says they are awaiting the delivery of fuel to the Kanudi Power Station this morning. Load shedding will cease once the Kanudi Power Station is back online. A load shedding schedule will be posted online shortly. For more information contact the PNG Power National Call Centre on Toll Free Number 116 or email callcentre@pngpower.com.pg

The Northern Pride have proven too strong at home for the SP PNG Hunters on Sunday, coming away with a 30-6 win in Round 12 of the QRL Hostplus Cup. With a strong wind at their backs to begin the game, the Pride wasted no time going on the attack thanks to an early penalty conceded by the Hunters in the kick-off set. Suddenly camped on their own goal line, the Hunters looked like they’d defended the set until Pride fullback Julian Christian took possession on the last, feigned a kick to the left and turned back in towards the ruck to link with Matthew Egan in support. The Hunters’ cover defense couldn’t close the space in time as the Pride halfback opened the scoring with a clever four pointer. The Hunters would respond in kind, targeting the ruck area in yardage to collapse the middle and advance quickly upfield into position for a left-side shift on the last. Wartovo Puara Jr and Mark Tony did well to hold up the defense before passing to get Brandon Nima into space, only for the Hunters’ centre to be held up over the line with a superb defensive effort from the home side. Some bruising defense from the Hunters’ Junior Rop and Pride’s Nick Lui-Toso tried to swing the momentum, but both teams absorbed the pressure well as the game looked like settling in the grind. That was until Christian injected himself on the last again, this time scooting from dummy-half down a short side and grubbering back inside for Will Partridge to score in the 13th minute. After watching his fullback produce two big plays for Pride’s first two tries, prop Lui-Toso took it upon himself to be next to score for the home side. Taking possession 20 meters out, Lui-Toso put on a big left foot step to straighten on his run before powering through the defense to score beside the posts. Next it was Gideon Gela-Mosby’s turn, coming off the back fence to take advantage of a fatiguing Hunters’ defense with a solo try in the 37nd minute, giving his side a 20-0 lead at half time. The Hunters’ inability to get through their sets – and a strong head wind effecting their kicking game – saw them play most of the first 40 minutes inside their own half. A notable change in attitude as they returned for the second stanza however saw the PNG side dominate possession and field position. After completing consecutive sets to begin the second half, the Hunters quickly found themselves on Pride’s try line. Some power running and a few late offloads had the home side scrambling but again they somehow managed to hold the ball up when Emmanuel Waine crashed over the line only to be denied. That passage summed up the second half – the Hunters were dominant in yardage and looked likely every time they held the ball, but were repeatedly denied by a desperate Pride defense. Late tries to Will Partridge and Ewan Moore arguably came against the run of play and are a testament to Pride’s resilience playing at home on Sunday.

Highland’s Eastern-end Divisional Commander Assistant Commissioner Rigga Neggi has issued instructions to all the Provincial Police Commanders under his command to deal with unauthorized police officers and impound suspicious vehicles within the provinces during the 2022 nation general election period. Commander Neggi said from past experiences police officers have been accused of conducting illegal activities during the election period. “We are taking this corrective measure to address such allegations in the future. During the election period many illegal elements take cover under the pretext of police and military uniforms and go around conducting all sorts of illegal activities.   “I have instructed all the PPCs to start mounting check-points to check all vehicles moving around the provinces. I have made it very clear that any police units traveling from province to province must inform the Commander’s office and or the provincial command centre before engaging in their duties. This is to ensure command and control and to instill trust and confidence in the security operations during the 2022 election in the Highlands region,” Commander Neggi said. Western Highlands Provincial Police Commander Superintendent John Sagom said the quick response force together with the regular members have already mounted regular check points in parts of the access roads into and out of Western Highlands Province since last week and will continue until after the election.