Panamex PNG won the Trukai VPL Final at Amini Park on Sunday May 15 by 274 runs over Koita Warriors. Panamex PNG after struggling in week 1, turned into knockout cricket experts, first beating Northern Alexanders in their Quarterfinal, before defeating the favoured and previously unbeaten Gamoga Lawyers Spirit of Rigo off the last ball in their Semifinal. In the final, Koita Warriors Captain Hiri Hiri Patana won the toss and sent Panamex PNG into bat, hoping to restrict them to a low total for their powerful batting line up to chase down. Tanti Heni opened the innings strongly, scoring 35 runs off 17 balls, with support from John Boge Reva with 13 runs off 10 balls. Penny Loa with 2 wickets for 15 runs off 2 overs and Michael Hairai with 2 wickets for 18 runs off 2 overs were the pick of the Warriors bowlers. The total of 92 runs for six wickets was above the target of 80 that Panamex Captain John Boge Reva felt they needed to take control of the match. In response the Koita Warriors lost regular wickets and were never able to take on the total. The star top four batters, Assad Vala, Uditha Sameera, Tony Ura and Hiri Hiri Patana all failed to reach double figures, with a rear-guard innings by Jeremiah Nigani with 14 runs off 8 balls only offering a slight glimmer of hope. For Panamex PNG Raymond Haoda took 3 wickets for 21 runs from his 2 overs, and Sakavai Gebai took 2 wickets for only 7 runs from his 2 overs. Panamex PNG, suppliers of Sudso Laundry Powder, Max and Flora, Three Cooks Instant Noodles and Cooking Oil, Zap Mosquito Coils, Five Star Canned Mackerel, Blue Sea Canned Tuna and Paradise Matches, to name just a few, become the first Trukai VPL winners, setting a standard for teams to try to catch in the next Trukai VPL in October. Vani Vagi Morea from Zara Wanderers won the tournament MVP for Batting, scoring 143 runs at an average of 71.5 and strike rate of 130. This is a repeat win for Morea, who has starred in the Trukai VPL in 2021 and 2022. Robert Naime from Gamoga Lawyers Spirit of Rigo won the tournament MVP for Bowling, with 7 wickets for 31 runs from only 3 matches. Both MVP’s won an executive stay package at the Hilton Port Moresby. The Trukai VPL was a true festival of cricket, with fans young and old able to enjoy high quality fast paced cricket, in a safe environment. Thanks to our partners Trukai Industries, this edition of the Trukai VPL was bigger and better than the 2021 version, with all the team owners, players, and fans looking forward to the next Trukai VPL in October 2022. The next Trukai VPL promises to be even bigger and better again.

It was an emotional and proud moment for the late Josaia Usumaki’s family, as they attended his graduation during The University of the South Pacific’s graduation ceremony. Josaia passed away a month before his graduation unexpectedly after suffering from a heart condition for some time. Josaia’s brother, an emotional Leone Tawake received his certificate while his proud parents watched on. The late Josaia graduated with a Bachelor’s in Geography and History from the School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean, and Natural Sciences (SAGEONS). Leone remarked that Josaia had made his entire family proud and that, "We can confidently say he has done it and achieved his dream on earth". Whilst collecting Josaia’s certificate, Leone broke into tears. “Just last month he (Josaia) was asking everyone in his family to attend his graduation”. Leone added Josaia was the family’s baby and everyone adored him unconditionally. Leone said that God's plan was different, and he would now fulfil his brother's dream of providing for the entire family. "I know he is happy today because he always wanted to graduate and always told us to come to his graduation," Leone said. He added his brother was always eager to learn and achieve success in life. Leone stated that they were not from a wealthy family and as brothers they wanted to change that. “There were times when we did not have enough money to buy food or to travel. "Despite the difficulties, my brother and I knew that a brighter future awaited us. Now I'll be living my brother's dream."

Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Kiunga Technical Vocational Training Centre (KTVTC) to train and develop trades men and women. Signed between OTML’s Major Projects Business Unit and the KTVTC in March, the MoU defines the application and selection processes for the students attending the college. Under the MoU six students, three male and three female, studying different trades will be selected annually to join the Major Projects Business Unit over the next three years. The intention of the program is to build local capacity and human resource, and provide a career pathway for the successful applicants. KTVTC Manager, Mrs. Helen Dupnai, thanked OTML for providing students an avenue to attain on-the-job training. “We are grateful for this partnership that will add significant value to what the students are learning here and this will provide the selected students the opportunity to gain valuable experience and increase their chances of employment not only at Ok Tedi but elsewhere,” she said. OTML General Manager for Major Projects, Mark Thompson, said although this is a small initiative, he hopes the arrangement will have a great impact in the future. “OTML’s mandate or requirement is for us to leave behind a positive legacy. The implementation of a formal training, development and upskilling program is included as part of the Major Projects execution scope over the next 2 years, which is a very important initiative to realise this mandate” he said. OTML’s Major Projects team are responsible for implementing key strategic projects such as the Nurumi Crusher which was successfully delivered in December 2020 at a cost of K800 million. Currently the Major Projects team are implementing the Process Asset Renewal (PAR) project worth K750 million which involves the safe and timely refurbishment of the aging plant facilities in Kiunga, Kilometre-59 and Folomian. The project also includes the replacement of the current flotation and regrind circuit. OTML is undertaking this, and other key strategic projects, to assure life of mine to 2032.

Braun Lutheran Community Health Workers College will be made into a fully pledged Nursing College for Morobe Province. This announcement was made by Morobe Governor Hon Ginson Goheyuc Saonu at the institution during his Provincial District Visit to Finschhafen. The declaration was binded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understading with Braun Lutheran CHW College, Morobe Provincial Government, Morobe Provincial Health Authority, Lutheran Health Services and Morobe Provincial Administration. The agreement will now see that Braun Lutheran CHW College will receive direct annual funding from the Morobe Provincial Government and will produce more nurses to serve Morobe Province and the FISIKA region. Governor Saonu said the decision will see the transfer for CHW Courses to Etep and the technical proper documentation& physical planning with execution for the establishment of the nursing college will take effect overtime. The announcement was made in the presence of two Deputy Administrators of Morobe Provincial Administration (Mr Robin Bazzinuc & Mr Miring Sigoling), Principal of Braun Lutheran CHW College, Morobe Provincial Health Authority CEO Dr Kepas Binga and Morobe Provincial Planning Executives. A further K200,000 was presented to the school for a new Administration Building to be constructed in parallel with the transition of the status of the institution as well. Governor Saonu said his Government is keen to empower health services in Morobe Province along with services such as Education & Infrastructure support amongst others. “Dispela yumi mekim lo kirapim helt sector lo Morobe Provins so pipol can gat gutpela helt care.” (We are doing this so that we can revive the health sector in Morobe Province and for the people to receive better health care) This is the first time the Morobe Provincial Government has ever taken a step to partner with the institution since its establishment many years ago.

A Public Holiday is planned to be held on Thursday May 19, 2022 in Morobe Province to show respect on the passing of late Deputy Prime Minister and Bulolo MP Sam Basil. Minister for National Events Justin Tkatchenko made this known today, saying a submission has been made on that and is now before the National Executive Council to endorse. Late Basil’s casket will be arriving in Port Moresby this afternoon for the State Funeral program in the coming days before it departs for Lae on Wednesday May 18, 2022. Tkatchenko said the late Deputy Prime Minister will be accorded all the respect and dignity that he deserves throughout the days of his funeral program. “It is a tragic time for all of us, especially his family and his people of Wau Bulolo and the country as a whole,” Mr Tkatchenko said. “Even though our timings are critical with the upcoming National Elections in the way, late Honorable Basil’s life will be celebrated in the highest accord in the coming days of the funeral program.”

The timings on the arrival of the caskets of late Deputy Prime Minister Sam Basil and his Close Protection Officer late Neil Maino were slightly changed due to the delay caused by disagreements by the public at Nadzab Airport in Morobe Province earlier this afternoon. Late Deputy Prime Minister Basil’s casket is now expected to arrive at 6pm and late Maino’s casket will arrive at 5:30pm. Minister for National Events Justin Tkatchenko announced the changes to the officials and public in waiting at the Jackson’s International Airport ceremonial carpark who waited the whole afternoon for the arrival. Lae MP John Rosso advised that the delay at Nadzab was caused of public disagreement on the uplift of late Basil’s casket onto the aircraft’s cargo bay. He said they do not want late Basil’s casket to be in the cargo bay and protested for it to be uplifted on a helicopter hence changes were made. Meanwhile the public at Jacksons Airport also made a scene this afternoon after learning of the delay to which the caskets will arrive late in the afternoon.

The casket of late Deputy Prime Minister and Bulolo MP Sam Basil and his Close Protection Officer late Niell Maino will be arriving shortly this afternoon from Lae into Port Moresby for the State Funeral in the coming days. A guard of honor has been set up with officials, dignitaries and the public gathering at the Jacksons International Airport Ceremonial Carpark to receive the late Deputy Prime Minister and his CPO. Minister for Housing, Urban Development and National Events MP Justin Tkatchenko addressed the media earlier this afternoon informing on the details of the program that will take place in the coming days. "The casket of our late Deputy Prime Minister will be received this afternoon with the respect and dignity he deserves by the State and will overnight at Funeral Home," Mr Tkatchenko said. "Tomorrow will see the casket being brought to the Sir John Guise Stadium where the public can go and pay their respects." "On Tuesday, the casket of late Honorable Basil will Lie In State at the Grand Hall at Parliament House for Members of Parliament to pay their respects before it is brought back to Sir John Guise Stadium for the funeral service." Late Deputy Prime Minister's casket will depart on Wednesday back to Lae, Morobe Province for burial.

Forty-three Citizenship Applications were deliberated on by the Citizenship Advisory Committee (CAC) in late April 2022, Minister for Immigration and Border Security, Bryan Kramer said. “The recommencing of the CAC hearings is encouraging after the last one was held in September 2019. The Committee was unable to meet since then due to legislative and political factors affecting the status of the CAC members. This issue has been resolved and the permanent members of the Committee were sworn in by the Head of State at the Government House on 7th and 21st April 2022,” he said. The role of the CAC is to deliberate on citizenship matters through files compiled by the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Authority (PNGICA), and provide recommendations to the Minister responsible to make decisions in accordance with the recommendations of the Committee and the Ministerial powers in deciding on citizenship matters. “The total number of applications received up to 6th May 2022 by ICA is two hundred and eight-ysix. One hundred and forty-nine of these applications have been assessed and met all mandatory requirements and received positive clearance from relevant security and regulatory agencies,” Minister Kramer said. “Of the forty-three applications deliberated by the CAC on 29th and 30th April 2022, five applicants applied for citizenship through the naturalization pathway while thirty-eight applied for dual citizenship under other pathways. There are eight different citizenship pathways.” “Most of those applicants have lived in PNG for more than eight years and some were born in Papua New Guinea.”

The Catholic Church Health Services officially launched its Strategic Health Plan for the next ten years (2021-2030). The plan is aligned with the new National Health Plan 2021-2030 and other relevant national documents such as Vision 2050. As a major partner in health service delivery, CCHS has been a strong implementing partner of the previous National Health Plan, working very closely with the National Department of Health and Provincial Health Authorities. The CCHS Strategic Plan was developed to reflect the commitment of the Church to the new National Health Plan for 2021-2030. It uses similar Key Result Areas, intentions, and commitments to improve health for all the people of PNG. CCHS National Secretary, Sr Jadwiga Faliszek says, “We aim to progress towards achieving Universal Health Coverage and health care provision, focusing on quality health care, stakeholder engagement, partnership, and strengthening the health system. This will enable us to progress towards our vision of good health and well-being shared by all”. Catholic Church Health Services (CCHS) separated from Christian Health Services (CHS) 6 years ago and established its own National Office in Boroko, as a separate entity. In October of 2016, CCHS signed a National Level Health Sector Partnership Agreement with the National Department of Health (NDoH). Since then, CCHS has established good communications and a productive working relationship with NDoH for the benefit of the people we both serve through healthcare delivery. Sr Jadwiga Faliszek stated that CCHS has in the last 6 years managed to achieve milestones that signify the organization’s ability to manage the health service as the largest faith-based organization providing up to 50% of all faith base agencies combined. “The focus of the strategy will be supporting the dioceses, health facilities, communities, and the disadvantaged populations that are more vulnerable than others”, said Sr Jadwiga. The National CCHS Board Chairman, Bishop Francis Meli, commended CCHS Secretariat and staff for the high ideals captured in the Strategic Plan and assured the team and those they serve, of his continuing prayers for a positive outcome. This Strategic Plan will provide the reference framework for operational planning and implementation for the Catholic Church Health Service National Office, Provincial Dioceses, Provincial Health Authorities, National Department of Health, and other stakeholders. The implementation of this strategy will include clear monitoring, evaluation, and learning plan with an implementational plan and, key performance indicators to enable timely concrete reporting.

Twenty-six participants from Ok Tedi Mining Ltd’s (OTML) Asset Protection Department, Employee Assistance Program, and local security companies together with officers from the Tabubil Police recently underwent a workshop on juvenile justice and human rights. The two-week training that ended on May 05th was organised by OTML in partnership with the Bomana Police College and United Nations Human Rights Office. The workshop was aimed at equipping security officers, counsellors, and police officers to deal with offenders, mainly juveniles. Senior Sergeant Henry Aimano and Senior Sergeant Theresa Jacobs from the Bomana Police Training College and Human Rights Analyst Josephine Mann conducted the training. The training covered various topics on policing, gender, right to freedom from violence, ethical and legal conduct of police, juvenile justice, and United Nations Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials. Mr Aimano commended OTML for being the first organisation to have its security personnel undergo juvenile justice training since the Juvenile Justice Act was passed in 2014. “OTML is the first organisation in the country to invite us to conduct the training on Juvenile Justice and I am encouraging other organisations to partner with us to run this training,” said Mr Aimano. OTML Security Training Officer Ben Levi who organised the workshop said the training will now assist law enforcement officers and counsellors to properly deal with juveniles and other offenders. “We have been seeing a lot of juvenile-related cases, and most are repetitive offenders. Because they are juveniles, officers tend to release them without properly processing them and most times they are arrested again for the same offence or a different one,” Mr Levi said. “Organising both the human rights and juvenile justice training was important for our officers to learn and understand the process of effectively dealing with offenders, especially juveniles,” he added. OTML General Manager People and Capability Mark Stone, while congratulating the participants said such training is vital for a safe and secure environment. “Training in human rights and juvenile justice is an important part of letting the world know that we do things well here in Tabubil and that it is a safe and ethical town for our employees, business partners and families to live and work,” he said.

Several candidates contesting the National Capital District Regional seat in the 2022 National General Elections have called on the Electoral Commission to immediately remove the appointment of NCD assistant Election Manager and the Chairman and deputy Chairman of NCD Election Steering Committee. In a press conference yesterday candidates Michael Kandiu, Steven Kilage and Sylvia Pascoe raised concerns, saying there is no impartiality and fairness in these appointments. Mr Kandiu said these issues happened in the 2017 National General Elections and they do not want this to repeat. “Me and the other candidates here wrote to the Electoral Commissioner Simon Sinai last month to rectify these issues and not to make the same appointments however in the gazettal notice, this guys are being appointed just last week. “The 2017 Assistant Election Manager was found to carry 2017 ballot papers in her car and police apprehended her and kept her in the police station and was sidelined.” She is now again engaged as the election assistant manager, we do not want someone with a questionable character to conduct elections.” “Also the NCD Election Steering Committee is comprised of NCD City Manager Ravu Frank as the Chairman and his deputy is Moresby South District Development Authority Chief Executive Officer who are both working under the current city MPs in Powes Parkop and Justin Tkatchenko.” “So why? This is not impartial, we should have neutral people conducting the election.” The candidates further said their letter were not addressed and they had received no feedback on this from Mr Sinai even though they had consulted his office. They called on the Electoral Commission to immediately remove these appointments and will front up at the Electoral Commission office with their supporters next Monday if that is not done so. Meanwhile Mr Sinai earlier in the week said the appointments were done in consideration of the experience of these officers and people must respect the Electoral Commission as the constitutional office to make such appointments.

Finschhafen Local Level Government will now be ready to construct a New LLG Administrative Complex for its administrative affairs to the tune of K1 Million. This was made evident with the ground breaking at Gagidu Town, witnessed by two Deputy Provincial Administrators (Miring Sigoling & Robin Bazzinuc), Gagidu Town Mayor Jerry Habilo, and Provincial Government Team on Saturday. The funding allocation from Morobe Provincial Government through the Leadership of Morobe Governor Hon Ginson Gohyuec Saonu, signifies the provincial governments support for Urban Areas Development. The funding allocation is the first of its kind for Finschhafen Urban LLG after successive district and provincial governments have overlooked a proper office for the town mayor to operate from. Governor Saonu said the first K500,000 is to be released soon to a local contractor to kick off construction and a further K500,000 will be made available to deliver this timely project. The event at Gagidu Town, concluded the Provincial Team visit to Finschhafen District from Thursday 5th May 2022- Saturday 7th May 2022, beginning at Makini (Mape LLG), Satneng (Kuat LLG), Pindiu Station ( Hube LLG), Yunzaing ( Kate LLG), Nanduo ( Kate LLG), Siki ( Kate LLG), Braun Health Centre ( Finschhafen Urban LLG), and Gagidu Town. Gagidu Town Mayor Hon Jerry Habilo stated that in 2019, he had presented the submission for the office to Finschhafen District Development Authority and until now had not received any favorable response. “There is another K2 million from the Provincial Physical Infrastructure & Growth Centre to be earmarked as well to complete the LLG chamber office.” Hon Habilo thanked the swift response of Governor Saonu towards the beginning of mobilization of the project to go ahead. Finschhafen Urban LLG has six ward councils and is Finschhafen District main administrative centre.