The Koki community in the Moresby South electorate of Port Moresby city, now has a new police station to help them clamp down crime in the area that is notorious for ethnic clashes and riots. National Capital District (NCD) Metropolitan Superintendent, Silva Sika said that the opening of the new police station can now deal with law and order in the community. “You do not need to go to the town police station or the Badili police station to place reports on crimes in the area.” “You now have a police station at your doorstep.” Sika said that Port Moresby is the face of the country and right now, Koki and Badili are the worst with law and order issues and he is looking for ways on how to address this issue. Met. Supt. Sika said a lot of the youths just hang around at the bus stop and snatch bags and this has to stop. This is the picture that is painted for Koki. “Parents and guardians need to be responsible and take care of children and youths in their care. People need to change their mindsets; enough is enough.” “The number of deaths in Koki has increased a lot in the last few months and this is not good.” He said that with the new police station, he will be beefing up police presence in the area. He also wants the youths to get behind the effort and do something positive, so Koki can be a safe community once again. The new police station will have 6 officers per shift rotation and the cell can hold up to 20 people. It also has a proper changing room for the police officers to use when coming on for their shift. The police station will be under the command of Sergeant Vitus Karakuan. Meanwhile, during the opening, the Moresby South MP, Justin Tkatchenko presented a Laptop to the station commander for him to do his work and for keeping updated reports for Moresby south. Tkatchenko said that he was really happy with the station building and he hopes that this new facility will encourage the community to work together with the police to maintain peace in the community. He thanked the NCD Met. Supt. and the Internal Security Minister for their continuous support and hopes that they can continue to work together for a safe Koki.

The SP PNG Hunters couldn’t claim a win over premiership leaders Burleigh Bears in Round 17 of the QRL Hostplus Cup, falling short 30-22. Despite the end result though, the Hunters impressed going toe-to-toe with one of the competition heavyweights. The Bears played with an attacking mindset right from the get go, kicking short off the tee to regather and immediately apply some early pressure to the Hunters line. The Hunters defended the opening sets strongly but as fatigue set in Burleigh quickly took their advantage. After 15 minutes play time, the Bears led the Hunters 12-0. Despite being on the wrong end of the possession and field position stats, the Hunters threatened with their limited opportunities. They made half breaks in consecutive exit sets only for some desperate scramble defence from the Bears to force an error on three occasions, stifling PNG’s momentum. It looked like the Bears would extend their lead when a late offload was knocked forwards by a Hunters defender, but the home side muscled up on their own line to turn the visitors away. A huge shot from Rodrick Tai –who flew in from his center position to shut a Bears backline movement down –saved the day for the Hunters on this occasion. Having absorbed a mountain of pressure inside the opening 20 minutes, the Hunters impressed to keep the Bears to just 12 points and they finally got reward for effort in the 26th minute. Some astute rotations from Head Coach Stanley Tepend saw Casey Dickson and Sanny Wabo enter the fray and immediately make an impact on the game. With all the momentum and possession heading into the break, the visitors cracked under the pressure in the seconds before halftime to gift the Hunters a shot at goal after the siren. Morea nailed his assignment to level things up at 12-all after 40 minutes played. With 17 minutes left to go in the second half, the bears led 22-12. Down on the scoreboard and with time against them, the Hunters flexed their muscles and showed their class to claw themselves back into the contest. The SP PNG Hunters showed incredible resilience and patience under pressure to withstand the Bears attack for extended periods in both halves. They refused to make it easy for the visitors and brought the crowd to life in the dying stages with an inspired comeback. Although the end result is disappointing, this performance highlights the Hunters considerable improvements this season. While it’s easy to just look at the wins and losses column when gauging performance, Hunters fans must stay patient and trust the process. There are genuine signs this season that the Hunters are trending in the right direction and this narrow loss to the Bears is the latest evidence. With Junior Rop and Sherwin Tanabai due to return after the bye, the Hunters now look towards a final block of four games leading into the finals series. The Tigers, Dolphins, Blackhawks and Devils await the PNG based club as they aim to finish their 2023 campaign on a high. Burleigh Bears 30 def. SP PNG Hunters 22

SP PNG Hunters Head Coach Stanley Tepend was delighted with last week’s performance and is eager to host the Burleigh Bears on Saturday. “We’re all really looking forward to the challenge,” said Tepend. “We’ve been good the last few weeks and it’s a great test for us to go up against one of the competition heavyweights.” “They got the best of us earlier in the season and we’re excited for the chance to get some payback on home soil this weekend.” Tepend paid tribute to his team’s improvements over the last few weeks and is excited for what lies ahead. “I think the boys have done well to embrace the grind over the last few weeks.” “We’re playing with more resilience and are keeping calm and composed under pressure.” “It’s been good to see the players working together on and off the field, sticking to our systems and maintaining our discipline.” “We’re not training or playing any harder, we’re just doing everything with more smarts and awareness.” “The boys are starting to get a better understanding of what works for us and what’s required at this level.” Coach Tepend added, “The Bears will be a great challenge for us this weekend.”

BSP Financial Group Limited is continuing its support for the PNG Cancer Foundation Trupla Man Outreach Prevention & Education Program this year with another K20, 000. The Trupla Man Outreach Prevention & Education Program is focused on encouraging the conversation of health and lifestyle choices among menfolk with the aim of raising awareness on men’s cancer and cancer presentations. BSP Corporate Sponsorship Manager Amelia Minnopu when handing over the cheque said that the bank recognises the health issues faced by men in PNG and are grateful for the work that the PNG Cancer Foundation does in the communities. “The awareness is crucial, as we know that early detection can save lives.” “We believe our support not only will help people gain information and support they need to adopt healthy lifestyles but make important choices that help reduces cancer risk in communities and the country.” PNG Cancer Foundation Executive Manager Ms Priscillar Napoleon acknowledged BSP for the continued support saying that PNGCF is grateful that BSP continues to support and show good faith since 2019 for the foundation's core activities under cancer awareness, particularly the Trupela Man Outreach Program and the annual Pinktober Women's Health Awareness campaign in October. “We recognize BSP as a champion-advocate in helping us to build a bolder cancer prevention campaign in PNG.” “This year, BSP’s support will assist the foundation to conduct its schedule of the Trupela Man program which will include two public events and one school-based program within the next 12 months.” “The TMOPEP promotes our Mausgras campaign, usually observed throughout November each year, with the aim of normalizing the conversation of men's health and cancer awareness guided by the important message of making healthy lifestyle choices including the commitment to regular health checkups.” “Our awareness campaigns are backed by the WHO's finding that up to one-third of cancer cases can be prevented through healthier lifestyle choices.” BSP’s support to the PNGCF’s Trupla Man Outreach Prevention & Education Program is not only limited to the program but nonetheless, BSP staff annually supported PNGCF’s annual programs like the Women’s Health Awareness Campaign - “Pinktober” that runs yearly in the month of October and through fundraising breakfasts and wearing pink in the month of October to raise awareness on Cancer. The other support includes the Movember - Men’s Cancer Awareness Campaign.

"More and more women are coming forward to report sexual crimes at the Family and Sexual Violence Unit at the Waigani Police Station." 2nd In charge of the Waigani FSVU, Mary Louise Avu said that they receive about 20 new cases each day. “We usually get women coming in to report cases however we get about 2-3 men coming in to report their partners.” “More men are coming forward due to awareness we carry out where we inform the community that men too suffer abuse at the hands of their partners, and it is ok to come forward and report it to the police.” The work of the Family and Sexual Violence Unit is to prosecute those who commit crimes of FSV such as assaults, wounding, attempted murder, incest rapes, and sexual assaults should be recorded and investigated. Avu told PNG HAUSBUNG 5yrs ago, they were only getting 5 cases a day as people were scared to come forward and there was not much information available on reporting FSV and Gender based violence cases. “At the Waigani FSVU, people can go in and report new cases on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays while Tuesdays and Thursdays are for following up on the progress of the cases.” Avu said that once a report is done on a case, the officers then work on getting the interim protection order organised for the survivors. “FSVU facilities ensure that survivors of FSV have access justice and protection services in a secure and more comfortable environment.” She highlighted that the unit is a small unit however they try to assist everyone that comes in to put in their reports. “There is a lot more work to be done in combating FSV and GBV in the communities however, logistics is a big issue and manpower as well.” “If you or someone you know is experiencing family and sexual violence or child abuse, FSVU can help you through centres in Port Moresby, Lae and other provinces as well.”

A total of 25 male and 12 female national squad members from Athletics PNG are at training camp at the National Sports Institute this week as part of the team’s preparations for the Pacific Games. Head Coach Brett Green has taken charge of the programme, assisted by Luke Donatini (hurdles and jumps) , Subul Babo and Allan Akia (sprints) ; Philip Kamane and Malcolm Limbai (middle/long distance). Cairns based Team PNG Head Physiotherapist Matthew Natusch is also attending the camp to screen all the athletes and identify any issues that need addressing. The team has been deeply saddened by the loss of Head Sprints coach Samu Sasama on Monday but after consulting with senior staff the camp is continuing. All of the male sprinters based in the United States of America have returned to the country and will participate in the PNG Air National Championships from August 11 to 13.   The training camp is an opportunity to get everyone together and plan their final preparations and to consider which athletes can fill gaps in the team such as the sprint hurdles and some of the jumping events. President Tony Green said that the final travelling team will be announced after the national championships even though they have been through process of selection with the Justification Committee of the PNG OC. “Whilst most places in the team have been determined in accordance with our selection policy, we know that the mens sprints will be very competitive and it would not be fair to the PNG based athletes to pre select overseas based athletes.” “So we are looking forward to a high standard and very competitive National Championships.” Green thanked sponsors, PNG Air and Prima Smallgoods for their ongoing support for the athletes preparation for the Games. Green further added thanks to the management of NSI for their support for the teams preparations, especially Director Janet Gimots and Kylie Martins. Cairns based Team PNG physio Matthew Natusch was very impressed with the set up at NSI and has seen all the athletes over the past few days. He has been able to spend time with each individual and use his expertise to identify actual and potential issues that they have. The importance of recovery from training sessions and how to keep themselves in shape and avoid injuries has been emphasised by the coaches as well as Mr Natusch, as a number of athletes have poor stability and tight muscles. Head Coach Green is pleased with the Camp so far and with the athletes overall preparation for the Games. He said Matthew’s help is invaluable at this stage because getting athletes into peak physical condition will certainly improve their performance and he is looking forward to seeing some good results at the National Championships. Green and Luke Donatini are also mentoring the local coaches and assisting them with the athlete training programmes towards the Games. Coach Green also said it was great to see the younger athletes in the NSI Development Programme joining the camp because they are the national reps of the future.

BSP Financial Group Limited continues to support sports in Papua New Guinea when they presented a cheque of K73,425 to the PNG Paralympic Committee for the 2023 World Para Athletics Championships in July, in Paris, France. A team of 3 will be representing PNG which includes a coach and para–Athletes Dorna Longbutt who will be competing in Javelin and Shot Put and Regina Edward to compete in Discus and Shot Put as well. Both athletes have qualified through the World Para Athletics Minimal Standard Process, with neither of the two PNG Athletes requiring wildcard entries. Dorna Longbutt, winner in the SP Sports Awards category, has very bright prospects to perform at an International elite level and make World Top 8 for Javelin and Shot Put, with the potential to compete for medals in the future. Experienced athlete, Regina Edward who has recorded her personal best results this year, also an athlete that has strong prospects for her Shot Put event at an international level. BSP Deputy Retail General Manager Peter Komon when presenting the cheque said that BSP is proud of its continued association with Sports in the country. “We believe that sport has the power to change our community and through our continued support, we can change lives, mindsets and communities.” “Our continued support to sports at all levels gives everyone including athletes with special categories an equal opportunity to achieve their sporting aspirations.” “Our core values of community, people and teamwork also encourages us to not just value but celebrate them and partnerships like this are part of how we practice our values.” “Congratulations and good luck to the athletes in representing our country.” PNG Paralympic Sports President Peter Curtain thanked BSP for the timely support saying that they are pleased that BSP was able to come onboard as a sponsor. “Our athletes will do their best in their respective fields, representing not just PNG but our bank.” The team will depart PNG 3rd July 2023, for the Paris World Para Athletics Championships which is scheduled from 8th to 17th July, 2023.

The Minister of Higher Education Research Science and Technology, Don Pomb Polye has come out to air his views concerning the post on social media titled, “Cash for Grades” at the University of Papua New Guinea. Minister Polye said that as the Minister responsible for the Higher Education Sector, he is concerned that the post circulating on social media and later printed in the newspaper is based on actual evidence. He said that the Chancellor of UPNG is working with the Acting Secretary of DHERST to make inquiry to verify those claims. “I want to assure the public that proper investigation to those allegations is made.” “I also wish to assure the public that cash for grades in PNG’s higher education institutions is not a practice as many universities and higher education institutions in our country uphold its integrity and they do not compromise its core values.” “I would like to take this opportunity to share with the public my views concerning corruption and the steps which I undertook as a Minister responsible for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology.” “Corruption is a global, cross-cutting issue that the public and private sector must face together to guarantee a sustainable future and progress on the long-term challenges we are facing.” “The Zero Corruption in all Higher Education Institutions in Papua New Guinea is my manifesto when I launched the program to digitalize the Higher Education Sector.” Polye further stated that Higher Education and digital technologies are powerful and mutually reinforcing tools. Polye also said that in August this year, there will be a Higher Education seminar with roundtable discussions related to transparency, accountability, and efficiency of all Higher Education Institutions. This event will bring together representatives of the PNG’s Universities and Colleges to discuss innovative ways of tackling corruption, looking specifically at the role that education and digital technologies can play. At the same time, ICT anti-corruption tools can be successful in creating awareness, mobilizing citizens, and reforming Higher Education Institutions. “In line with key principles of anti-corruption, ICT tools can play a great role in supporting transparency, participation, and integrity.” “However, to be truly effective, they need a functioning accountability framework that includes an independent judicial system, press freedom and an active civil society.” This also includes a more transparent and decentralized governance system of our Higher Education Institutions. At the beginning of May 2023, there was a workshop with PCG Academia to finalize the development of one integrated ICT learning, teaching, and research digitized system. New technologies and open data now allow anti-corruption people to detect, prevent and even predict corrupt practices that in the past could have been hidden behind a curtain of paper document opacity. “Technology is becoming a reliable friend of our Government and the Higher Education Ministry is seeking to combat corruption, because combined with their political will, technology can change the policy-making process of public service delivery and the higher education space.” “Digitalization will allow the Government and the Ministry to establish effective anti-corruption bodies and adapt to the requirements of the digital society and achieve the goals of sustainable development.” Thus, during the seminar one of the agenda items will be introduction of the digital means of combating corruption in the higher Education Sector: 1) Creation of an e-Higher Education Minister’s system. 2) Provision of digital higher education services with the use of information and communication technologies. 3) Creation of tools to detect manifestations of corruption, including e-declaration, electronic selection of students, recruitment of staff and electronic reporting. 4) Use of social networks to detect cases of corruption in the Higher Education Institutions link to the e-Higher Education Minister’s system. 5) Use of the DHERST’s website to access public information and the opportunity to obtain the necessary information on the activities of Higher Education Institutions, through open access, e-mail, etc. “One of the main goals of digital Higher Education Sector is to decrease corruption.” Minister Polye further stated that in the digital age, people must use the information to reduce misconduct and increase institutional transparency, accountability, efficiency, and citizen involvement. “The strategic plan for the Digital Higher Education Sector in PNG aims the use of the Internet and other digital devices to deliver quality of education, other services to staff and students and information.” “And to develop process of connecting citizens digitally to their Higher Educating Institutions and the Ministry so that they can access information and services offered by the Ministry and Higher Education Institutions.” “Additionally, the mechanisms through which digital Higher Education works to reduce corruption are straightforward and that is for the Higher Education Minister’s system to reduce contact between corrupt officials and citizens and increases accountability and transparency across the whole Higher Education Sector.” Minister Polye further added that all other information distributed through social or traditional media which is contrary to the facts stated above should be dismissed and disregarded.

"Crime rates in the city are rising at an alarming rate and here in Gerehu, it is also the same issue." Gerehu Police Station Commander, Inspector Hanson Tokally said that the main reason why crime rates are high in the suburb is because there is not enough manpower and resources available. “We currently have one vehicle that we use for attending to complaints in the community.” “In the last month, we had 3 carjacking that we attended to.” “I only have 20men and where we a supposed to have atleast 10 men to a shift, we only have 3-4 men for each shift.” PSC Tokally said that most times, carjacking happens in the residential streets in the early hours of the morning or late in the night when criminals know that police response will be slow. He added that community policing is important in all communities however they are struggling to engage with the community and carry out awareness as there is only one officer in that section. Police try to carry out awareness programs in the main areas such as the 24hr market, Waikele and the main bus stop area on the different types of crimes such as sexual crimes and murder and the penalties for those type of crimes. Tokally further stated that they also carry out awareness on alcohol abuse and drug abuse for youths as this is one of the main contributing factors that lead to the rise in crimes in the suburb.

It was the Best of times for Newcastle and the worst of times for the Bulldogs at Accor Stadium on Sunday as the Knights routed the blue and whites to the tune of 66-0. The Knights had stars across the park but it was rampaging centre Bradman Best who stole the show with his first career hat-trick as Newcastle racked up the biggest win in the club's 35-year history. Skipper Kalyn Ponga was also outstanding for Newcastle with 154 running metres, three try assists and 11 goals from 11 attempts to equal Immortal Andrew Johns' club record for most goals in a match. After errors punctuated the game early it was the Knights who struck first in the 13th minute when Jackson Hastings took the ball two passes off a scrum and raced 25 metres to score untouched. The Knights struck again in the 17th minute when Ponga went left and put Best into a hole for his sixth try of the season. Ponga converted for a 12-0 lead. With 14 minutes remaining in the half Newcastle went further ahead when back-rower Lachlan Fitzgibbon proved far too strong for Khaled Rajab from close range and the score blew out to 18-0. The Bulldogs then put the kick-off out on the full to invite the Knights straight back on the attack but the Bulldogs' defence held firm. Come the 35th minute and the Bulldogs cracked again when Ponga delivered the final pass for Phoenix Crossland to scoot over for the Knights' fourth try. The Knights needed just three minutes to strike in the second half when Kurt Mann crossed before Greg Marzhew finished off a left side raid to make it 42-0. When Hastings crossed for his double in the 52nd minute after slick lead-up by Ponga and Best the Knights were out to 48-0 and the Bulldogs' missed tackle count had hit 45. A dropped ball by Bulldogs centre Paul Alamoti in the 57th minute was scooped up by Best who ran 60 metres to score to complete the first hat-trick of his career. Enari Tuala was next to cross for Newcastle with 14 minutes to play and Ponga's 10th conversion of the day made it 60-0. The Bulldogs' pain continued in the 70th minute when Crossland made it a double and the Knights had 11 tries for the day. The Bulldogs have now conceded 173 points in their past four games and their points differential of -220 is the worst in the competition. Source: NRL.Com  

Penrith weathered an early storm from Melbourne's big names to come from behind and record a 34-16 win at Marvel Stadium on Friday night. The Storm dominated for 32 minutes to set up a 14-0 lead before the defending premiers made a statement of their own with three tries in eight minutes to take a two-point advantage into half-time. It was a remarkable turnaround from the competition leaders during the match, who were without Nathan Cleary but had the likes of Origin stars Jarome Luai and Liam Martin stand up in his absence while Izack Tago was enormous in the win. Melbourne took a penalty goal early and then went up by eight when Harry Grant charged down a Jack Cogger kick to race to the line. Storm prop Nelson Asofa-Solomona then laid on a huge hit on Isaah Yeo before crossing in the 24th minute. Penrith appeared to have an almighty challenge ahead of them in the second half but a penalty try in their favour through Stephen Crichton - who was ruled to have been impeded by Nick Meaney - sparked a remarkable passage of play. The visitors went the length of the field the following set to strike again through Tago before Martin dived over courtesy of some skill in the air by Scott Sorensen and Lindsay Smith to get the ball back to the representative forward. An early penalty goal to Melbourne after half-time levelled the scores but the Panthers regained the lead four minutes later when Tago steamrolled over Will Warbrick to split the Storm defenders to the line. Tago's collision with Warbrick saw the Storm winger ruled out for the remainder of the contest after failing a head injury assessment before the Panthers centre was again in the thick of the action to send Zac Hosking over through a grubber kick. An error to Nick Meaney on tackle one just as the Storm needed a chance to create some momentum summed up the evening for the home side as Craig Bellamy's looked off the pace late. Some light-foot stepping from Jarome Luai, who looked dangerous throughout the contest, set up Penrith's sixth of the evening when he laid on a kick for Brian To'o to go over next to the posts and ice a rare away victory in Victoria. Source:NRL.Com

The Sharks unleashed their full array of attacking weapons in a 52-16 win over arch-rivals the Dragons at PointsBet Stadium on Thursday night. Cronulla have now won their past seven clashes with the Dragons but they found themselves behind early after a mistake by Briton Nikora invited the Red V into the red zone and Mikaele Ravalawa scored. Zac Lomax converted from the sideline for a 6-0 lead. The Sharks steadied the ship and hit back in the eighth minute when Nicho Hynes ran a great angle off a Matt Moylan pass and the scores were locked 6-6. Four minutes later the Sharks got across the line again through Ronaldo Mulitalo but desperation defence from Tyrell Sloan and Lomax denied the winger. A penalty against Sharks lock Dale Finucane for a dangerous tackle handed the Dragons another opportunity and they sent the ball wide to the left for Tautau Moga to score and the visitors led 10-6. Sharks edge forward Briton Nikora powered onto a Hynes pass in the 25th minute to grab his sixth try of the season and Cronulla had the lead for the first time. Come the 32nd minute and it was Jesse Ramien getting his name on the scoresheet for the Sharks when he flew high to pull down a Moylan bomb and the home side led 18-10. Another air raid in the next set drew a mistake from Moga and the Sharks had four sets on the Dragons' line before Thomas Hazelton took an inside ball from Hynes and crashed over for his second try in as many weeks. Trailing by 14 at half-time the Dragons struck first after the break when Sloan produced a spectacular 90-metre solo try before Mulitalo answered for the Sharks with a trademark dive into the corner. When Siosifa Talakai powered his way to the line in the 68th minute the Sharks were well and truly home at 40-16 and the Dragons were consigned to a 12th loss of the season. Talakai then turned provider with a deft grubber kick for Mulitalo to grab his second and the margin was out to 30 points for Sharks. With three minutes to play the Sharks brought up their half century when Nikora poured into a hole to complete his double. Hynes' conversion made it 52-16 to Craig Fitzgibbon's men. Source: NRL.Com