The newly established Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Youth and Children represents a pivotal step in advancing the untapped human potential and shedding light on child rights with 43% of the population under the age of 18 years old in the country. Dr Najat Maalla M’jid, the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children said, her visit to the country is not to do a report but to find ways on how to advocate and action the rights of children and youths in the political agenda. “It is a testimony for me to see that there is strong commitment to that. Today you establish this Permanent Parliamentary Committee that it's really important to promote, monitor and to remind all the policy makers who have made a commitment to deliver and held accountable.” Dr. Najat said, the statistics presented show an alarming view of where the country is at and urged the committee to be careful when differentiating child protection and child wellbeing to not only address but take action and invest. “Child protection and wellbeing is not a check list. You have to ACT! It’s really how we can make sure that access to health and education is accessible.” She stated that, to ensure that the child is in a safe environment and has access to essential and vital services, parents need to be educated and empowered to be sure they have a good and safe living condition to provide for the kids. She added that PNG’s unique diversity is an advantage for the committee to bring together the community, religious leaders and all the people to them as part of the solution while empowering the target audience, the youth and children. “I saw that you have many programs, you are doing a lot. But just connect the dot. This is very important. You are over lapping. You have to see what services are needed and how people will have access to it.” She further stressed to the committee to see child protection and wellbeing as an investment and not additional expenses.

As the SP PNG Hunters prepare to battle it out on home soil this weekend, Hunters coach Paul Auton said, the team is working hard on their defense to secure a win at home after going down to Blackhawks in Round 1o (R10) last weekend. “We have been focusing a lot more on our defense. Taking it from that game (R10), we had a few losses, but I feel as though they just out played us. We didn’t have the ball in the first 20 minutes of the game, so leading to this weekend’s game, we are working hard on our defense and making our tackles.” The Hunters will go up against the Northern Pride's this Sunday at the Santos National Football Stadium at 3pm. Coach Aiton further added that, as the team gears up for this weekend’s match up, a couple of changes have been made going into the Round 11 clash. “Unfortunately, Elijah Roltinga has been ruled out due to a suspension and Clent Lama comes into his side. His been working hard on his fitness levels to get back in and Emmanuel Anis makes his debut.” Aiton acknowledged the supporters and fans who turn up to cheer on and support the Hunters boys during every home game. “As usual, the ones that come every week. We are happy and thank you very much coming and supporting us as always. And for those that are thinking to come, please come and support us. I know the boys really appreciate it. I always hear it from the sidelines when the crowd gets behind us, you can you how the players play, they increase in speed and play, and I know the boys really appreciate playing at home.” Aiton confirmed that prop Koso Bandi and Benji Kot have undergone successful surgeries down in Australia after suffering ACL’s and are now back in the country and have started on their rehabilitation.

A public health expert is urging anyone travelling to places with a current dengue fever outbreak to be vigilant and take sensible precautions - but stresses the chances of contracting the disease are low. On Friday the Cook Islands declared an outbreak of the viral infection, which is spread by mosquitoes, in Rarotonga. Outbreaks have also been declared in Samoa, Fiji and Tonga. Across the Tasman, this year has seen a cluster of cases in Townsville and Cairns in Queensland. Last month a 12-year-old boy died in Auckland after being medically evacuated from Samoa, with severe dengue fever. Dr Marc Shaw, a medical director at Worldwise Travellers Health Care and a professor in public health and tropical diseases at James Cook University in Townsville, said New Zealanders travelling to places with dengue fever outbreaks should take precautions to protect themselves against mosquito bites but it was important to be pragmatic. "Yes, people are getting dengue fever but considering the number of people that are travelling to these regions, we have to be pragmatic and think about our own circumstances. "[Just] because you're travelling to the region, it does not mean that you're going to get the disease. "We should just maintain vigilance and look to protect ourselves in the best ways we can, and having a holiday in these regions should not be avoided." Shaw said light-coloured clothes were best as mosquitoes were attracted to dark colours. "They also tend to be more attracted to perfumes and scents. "Two hours on either side of dusk and dawn is the time most mosquito bites occur. Mosquitoes also tend to be attracted a lot more to ankles and wrists." But the best form of protection was a high-strength mosquito repellent containing the active ingredient Diethyl-meta-toluamide or DEET, he said. "The dengue fever mosquito is quite a vicious mosquito and tends to be around at this particular time of the year. It's good to apply a repellent of around about 40 percent [strength] and that will give about eight to 10 hours of protection." Dengue fever was "probably the worst fever anyone could get", he added. "Unfortunately, it tends to cause a temperature, sweats, fevers, rashes, and it has a condition which is called breakbone fever, where you get the most painful and credibly painful joints around the elbows. In its most sinister form, it can cause bleeding." Most people recovered from dengue fever, but those who caught the disease again were much more vulnerable to it, he added. "Under those circumstances, it is worthwhile discussing with a travel health physician as it is perhaps appropriate that they have a dengue fever vaccine, which is just out." Shaw said the virus would start to wane in the affected regions from now on as the Pacific region and Queensland head into the drier winter months. Source: rnz.co.nz

Isaah Yeo will captain the Westpac NSW Blues in Origin I, while Mitchell Moses has won the five-eighth spot and prop Max King was named for his representative debut. Laurie Daley has named his first Blues side since returning to the coaching role this season and has stuck closely to the team which won last year's series for the Origin opener at Suncorp Stadium on May 28. Yeo takes over the captaincy from Jake Trbojevic, who was unavailable after suffering a head knock in Townsville on Saturday night and will start at lock in place of the injured Cameron Murray after being on the bench last season. Moses edged out his 2024 Origin II and III halves partner Jarome Luai to play alongside superstar playmaker Nathan Cleary. However, the biggest selection surprise was King, 28, on the bench for his Origin debut - joining his grandfather Johnny King, an NRL Hall of Fame inductee, as an NSW representative. Dylan Edwards retains the fullback jersey ahead of James Tedesco, while Daley has shown faith in wingers Brian To'o and Zac Lomax, who have both played one match since returning from injury. As a result, there was no room for Sea Eagles star Tom Trbojevic. Latrell Mitchell and Stephen Crichton are the centres, as they were in last year's emphatic Origin II win at the MCG, while Cleary returns after missing the second and third match of the 2024 series through injury. Moses was his replacement, and he will now play alongside the superstar playmaker at five-eighth. [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Nathan Cleary will be partnered by Mitchell Moses in the halves for NSW in Origin I ©Grant Trouville/NRL Photos[/caption] The forward pack of Yeo at lock, second-rowers Liam Martin and Angus Crichton, props Payne Haas and Mitchell Barnett, and hooker Reece Robson all played in Origin III as NSW regained the Shield. Interchange prop Spencer Leniu and utility Connor Watson were also members of the winning Blues side, while second-rower Hudson Young returns after being dropped for the series decider. Murray, Trbojevic and Bradman Best were all unavailable from the team that played in Origin III at Suncorp Stadium, while Luai was overlooked. With injury concerns over Haas (quad) and Stephen Crichton (groin), Daley has named forwards Stefano Utoikamanu and Haumole Olakau’atu and centre Campbell Graham in an extended 20-man squad. The Maroons team will be announced on Monday morning, but Canterbury officials have confirmed that veteran utility Kurt Mann, who plays as a middle forward for the Bulldogs, would be the club's second Origin debutant. The Maroons have lost secondrower Tom Gilbert (pec muscle) and winger Murray Taulagi (calf), while fellow outside back Selwyn Cobbo is in doubt with a wrist injury. WESTPAC NSW BLUES SQUAD 1. Dylan Edwards (Penrith Panthers) 2. Brian To’o (Penrith Panthers) 3. Stephen Crichton (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs) 4. Latrell Mitchell (South Sydney Rabbitohs) 5. Zac Lomax (Parramatta Eels) 6. Mitchell Moses (Parramatta Eels) 7. Nathan Cleary (Penrith Panthers) 8. Mitchell Barnett (Warriors) 9. Reece Robson (North Queensland Cowboys) 10. Payne Haas (Brisbane Broncos) 11. Liam Martin (Penrith Panthers) 12. Angus Crichton (Sydney Roosters) 13. Isaah Yeo (c) (Penrith Panthers) 14. Connor Watson (Sydney Roosters) 15. Spencer Leniu (Sydney Roosters) 16. Hudson Young (Canberra Raiders) 17. Max King (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs) 18. Campbell Graham (South Sydney Rabbitohs) 19. Stefano Utoikamanu (Melbourne Storm) 20. Haumole Olakau’atu (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles) Source: NRL.com

Subsistence taro farmers from remote Rebafu village in Sialum Local Level Government (LLG), Tewae Siassi District, are showing strong interest in moving toward commercial production through potential partnerships with the National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI). Susan Emunare Geoba, from Rebafu village in Sialum LLG, Tewae Siassi District paid a visit to the National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI) on Wednesday (22/05/25) after hearing about NARI’s interests in Taro. Hailing from a very remote part of Morobe Province, she managed to bring with her three samples, including a Yam. From her village in Rebafu, it took her a day of walking, to reach the coast before boarding a ship to Lae City. “For the villagers, it takes about 5 to 6 hours to walk to the coast. I reside in Lae, so I don’t have the same stamina to walk that fast,” giggled Susan, but added she enjoys going to the village for free and an abundance of fresh produce. Susan proudly boasts of the size of Taro in her village, making reference to the height of a 50cm cooking pot and about 20cm wide. Coming from one of the most isolated areas of Morobe Province, Susan’s journey to Lae was a testament to her determination. She carried with her three large root crop samples, including taro and a yam, all grown in the rich soils of her village. “The Taro is so heavy I managed to bring only three samples,” proudly exclaimed Susan, despite the burden of weight. “Taro is significant in our culture. It signifies wealth and earns respect among villagers. Taro has great value in customary obligations such as Pride Price. “Every household has a taro garden, so we have a surplus. We are willing to work with NARI to see how we can expand on the production and find a cost-effective means to transport the taro out.” Susan highlighted a major barrier, which are poor infrastructure and high freight costs that makes it difficult for rural farmers to participate in formal markets. Her visit included a meeting with NARI’s Director General, Dr. Nelson Simbiken, who welcomed the dialogue and acknowledged the immense potential in Morobe’s taro sector. Dr Simbiken acknowledged that Morobe grows some of the best taro species in the country including NARI’s Taro, NT1 through NT7. He echoed similar concerns of road infrastructure, transport, and freight as major hindrance for commercialization in rural areas. “People are excited now and they want to supply taro but an issue for us is freight excess. We want to come up with a freight subsidy scheme for Morobe Province so that we can bring taro from the outskirts of Morobe. “We are expecting some funding assistance from the government, for freight. Once that happens, we can be able to assist farmers like Susan who will help to meet the supply demand,” said Simbiken.

Over 4,000 nurses across Papua New Guinea (PNG) will soon receive increased salaries and allowances following the signing of a new three-year Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between the State and the PNG Nurses Association (PNGNA) today for the determination of salaries & allowances for nursing officers. Department of Personnel Management (DPM) Secretary Ms. Taies Sansan said that this new agreement is more than just a document, it is a testament to the enduring partnership between the government and the nursing profession, a symbol of progress, and a beacon of hope for the future of healthcare in our nation. “The last MoA for the nurses was from 2021 to 2023. As you all may know when an agreement expires and is not renewed immediately, the terms of the current agreement continue until a new agreement is settled and agreed upon by parties, then the signing takes place.” She thanked all the 4, 294 nurses nationwide for giving their life in the profession they chose, which is to serve the people in the health facilities around the country. [caption id="attachment_65892" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Department of Personnel Management (DPM) Secretary Ms. Taies Sansan.[/caption] In a landscape where healthcare accessibility and quality are paramount, this agreement is a critical step towards strengthening the very backbone of the healthcare system in the country. “Let us not forget the fundamental truth: nurses are the heart and soul of healthcare in Papua New Guinea. You are the frontline warriors, the compassionate caregivers, the silent advocates, and the unwavering pillars of strength for our communities. From bustling urban hospitals to remote rural clinics, you tirelessly dedicate yourselves to providing crucial medical services, often under challenging circumstances,” stated Ms. Sansan. "You are the first point of contact for patients seeking care, offering comfort, administering treatments, and educating families on preventative health care measures. Your dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment are the driving forces behind improving health outcomes and building a healthier Papua New Guinea. Every life you touch, every patient you care for, contributes to the overall progress and prosperity of our nation." Sansan said that to complement the growing population, there is a need for growth in the health sector in terms of medical professionals including the Nurses and called to all nursing colleges and higher education institutions to produce more nursing graduates to complement the growing population. She stated that going into the future, the government will look at establishing a national health commission that will deal with all matters of employment, terms and conditions, and awards of all medical professionals. Also, it is in time to complement the Government's decision on establishing a University of Medicine and Health Sciences. “These are the reforms in the health sector and together as Union members and the State, we all must ensure that these reforms come to fruition.” Key Highlights of the 2025-2027 MoA: · There is an increase in the Domestic Market Allowances awarded to all the positions performing clinical duties, core, and mandated functions of clinicians/nurses. · Uniform allowances: Increase from the current K1,300 per annum to K1,500 per annum. · Rural Nursing Attraction Allowance: Increase from current K3,000 per annum. · An increase from current K3, 000 per annum to K5,000 per annum. This increase is a crucial incentive for attracting and retaining qualified nurses in rural and remote areas, where access to healthcare is often limited. A notable variation includes consolidating the K75 radiation and potential risk allowance with the existing subsidies of K75 Life and Medical Insurance totaling to K150 per fortnight. These provisions are critical for protecting the health and well-being of nurses working in potentially hazardous environments. [caption id="attachment_65891" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] PNG Nurses Association Mr. Fredrick Kwalimu[/caption] Meanwhile, President of the PNG Nurses Association Mr. Fredrick Kwalimu said the signing of the Nurses Industrial Award is not just a formal process but a powerful affirmation of the values they hold dear for workers, recognition of their contributions, and the protection of their rights. This agreement signifies the government's acknowledgment of the sacrifices and dedication of nurses, who form the backbone of the healthcare system. “On behalf of the Papua New Guinea Nurses Association (PNGNA), I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Papua New Guinea, particularly the Department of Health, Department of Personnel Management, Department of Labour, and Department of Finance & Treasury. Your leadership, collaboration, and willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue have been instrumental in bringing this agreement to fruition,” said Kebai. This award sets new standards for the nursing workforce, ensuring improved working conditions, fair remuneration, and greater job security. “It provides a clear framework that not only benefits our nurses but also strengthens our institutions and enhances the quality of healthcare services delivered to our communities.” “As we move forward, let this signing serve as a reminder that when we work together in good faith with transparency, respect, and mutual understanding, great outcomes are possible. We look forward to continuing this spirit of collaboration during the implementation phase and in future engagements to build an even stronger and more resilient healthcare workforce.”

West New Britain (WNB) province has become the third province to submit its 2024 Annual Provincial Performance Report (APPR) to the Department of Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs (DPLGA), handing in both the 2023 and 2024 reports yesterday, Thursday 22nd May. Deputy Secretary for the Provincial and Local Level Services Monitoring Authority (PLLSMA), Mr. James Agigo, received the reports from Provincial Administrator Mr. Leo Mapmani on behalf of Secretary Philip Leo. Mr. Agigo emphasized the importance of timely and accurate reporting, noting that it is a legal requirement under the Organic Law on Provincial and Local Level Governments (OLPLLG) and a key measure of accountability. “Provincial Governments have to be compliant to mandatory requirements under the Organic Law on Provincial and Local Level Governments (OLPLLG),” Mr. Agigo highlighted. Mr. Mapmani acknowledged Secretary Leo for his leadership and assured DPLGA that WNB will improve on its reporting by submitting future reports before the annual deadline (June 30th). Mr. Mapmani also emphasized the need to review and expand the current reporting framework to better capture population growth and shifting service delivery priorities. Secretary Leo noted that, according to DPLGA records, 12 provinces submitted their reports in 2023, while eight are still outstanding. For 2024, only three provinces have submitted their reports so far, with 17 yet to comply. With the deadline for the 2024 APPR approaching, Minister for Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs Soroi Marepo Eoe earlier had warned provincial governments to submit their APPRs. Minister Eoe strongly emphasized that lack of compliance not only undermines the principles of transparency and accountability that are fundamental to our governance but also hampers our ability to effectively monitor and enhance service delivery across the nation. The Annual Provincial Performance Reports are in compliance with Section 119 of OLPLLG, which mandates annual reporting on provincial performance. The report details the six key priority areas, which are Health, Education, Transport and Works, Primary Industry, Law and Justice and Governance. The first province to submit its 2024 report was Simbu followed by Oro and West New Britain provinces.

Connor Watson has turned to a pair of former Origin greats to model his game as he looks to develop into the Westpac NSW Blues' match-winner in next week's series opener. The versatile talent has made the bench utility role his own since making his State of Origin debut last year, following in the footsteps of Blues legends Craig Wing and Kurt Gidley as an impact player. Watson has come to appreciate the importance of his position in the side and revealed the duo have played a key role in his development into a representative player. "When I started playing Craig was in and around the Roosters and then when I went up to Newcastle, I would chat to Kurt a fair bit," Watson told NRL.com. "Those two are the guys who made this utility role a thing. Before that, it wasn't as much a thing and you didn't get picked in rep sides as a guy who can do that but those guys really laid the platform. "I've always talked to those guys through my career, definitely in the early days and lent into getting as much advice off them as I could." The bench utility role has developed into one of the most important positions in an Origin team in recent years, with injuries and Head Injury Assessments an ever-present threat. The frenetic pace of State of Origin matches has also contributed to their value in a multi-faceted way. [caption id="attachment_65835" align="aligncenter" width="1224"] Gidley crosses for the Blues[/caption] A utility with speed and agility can pick apart tiring defenders and break a game open in the final 20 minutes. The ability to fill in through the middle also provides a chance for fatigued forwards to take a breather and recharge their batteries. The Maroons have utilised the position to great advantage in the past, with Ben Hunt and Harry Grant forming a powerful 1-2 punch, while Kalyn Ponga nearly swung the match in Queensland's favour on debut in 2018. A utility with speed and agility can pick apart tiring defenders and break a game open in the final 20 minutes. The ability to fill in through the middle also provides a chance for fatigued forwards to take a breather and recharge their batteries. The Maroons have utilised the position to great advantage in the past, with Ben Hunt and Harry Grant forming a powerful 1-2 punch, while Kalyn Ponga nearly swung the match in Queensland's favour on debut in 2018. While Wing and Gidley played a crucial role as bench utilities throughout their careers, the Blues have also been caught out in the years since. Damien Cook was forced to defend in the centres for 73 minutes in 2023 while Michael Maguire's decision to select four forwards on the bench backfired in Game One last year when Joseph Joseph-Aukuso Sua'ali'i was sent off just seven minutes into the clash. It came as no surprise when Watson was quickly called into the side for the final two matches of the series. The utility typically plays hooker or lock for the Roosters but has also spent extended periods of time in the halves, centres and even fullback throughout his career. It's this ability to plug gaps across the park that Wing said makes Watson such an important player in the Blues squad. "It's all about understanding what the role is," Wing told NRL.com. "You don't have much direction going into it, you don't really know what position you're coming on to the field but you just have to be ready for everything. "Connor has the skillset and he's so tough. You've got to be tough to be able to play in the forwards but then you have to have the skill, ability and agility to play in the backs. "If you're trying to cover both positions, you need all of those qualities and that's what he's got." While Watson's selection provides continuity for the Blues, Queensland have a new face in Tom Dearden as their bench utility. The Cowboys playmaker has started as five-eighth in all four of his previous Origin matches but Cam Munster's return and Ben Hunt's injury has seen the youngster shift to the interchange. With Harry Grant only returning from a hamstring injury last weekend, Dearden could be called to step in at hooker throughout the contest. [caption id="attachment_65838" align="aligncenter" width="1224"] Tom Dearden's player of the match performance[/caption] The 24-year-old has come off the bench just three times in his NRL career and has spent the rest of his 114 first-grade matches in the halves, but Maroons coach Billy Slater is confident the playmaker can cover multiple positions if needed next week. "Tommy Dearden's taken his game to another level and he can fill a number of positions," Slater told reporters in Brisbane. "We all know the competitiveness that Tom plays with and we all know the toughness that Tommy plays with. Whatever position you put him out on the field, you know he's going to do a great job. "You always think about all different scenarios. You don't know what you're going to be dealt with when it comes to selection but I'm really happy with those three guys, Munster, Tommy and our captain in Daly [Cherry-Evans]." Source: NRL.com

The re- emergence of the poliovirus in Papua New Guinea (PNG) has prompted the National Department of Health to declare a public health emergency and urging parents and guardians to ensure little children are fully immunized against it. For the Central Province, the Provincial Health Authority (PHA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. James Amini is urging parents and guardians to ensure their children—including those who are already fully immunized—receive additional doses of the polio vaccine to boost and prolong their immunity to the poliovirus. Dr. Amini confirmed that to date, no cases have been detected in the province. However, proactive measures are being taken, with vaccine outreach programs already underway in the Kairuku district. These will soon extend to other districts in Central Province. “We haven’t received any reports from Central Province yet,” he said. “But we are acting quickly to prevent any spread.” The virus identified is a circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2). This rare form of the virus can emerge in under-immunized communities, but it is well understood and can be effectively controlled through vaccination. Poliovirus spreads primarily through contact with the feces of an infected person or through droplets from coughing or sneezing. Even trace amounts of the virus can contaminate hands, food, or drinking water. If ingested by an unvaccinated individual, the virus may infect the gut and spread to the bloodstream or nervous system, potentially causing severe illness. Early symptoms can include fever, fatigue, headache, sore throat, stomach pain, nausea or vomiting, neck stiffness, and muscle pain in the arms and legs. These symptoms typically last two to five days but can lead to more serious complications in some cases. Dr. Amini stressed the importance of prevention. “That’s why we strongly encourage everyone to get their children vaccinated. It’s far better to be protected. The strain we’re dealing with is vaccine-derived, which means it originated from the oral polio vaccine but mutated in communities with low immunity.” He explained that vaccine-derived polioviruses (VDPVs) are linked to the weakened live virus used in the oral polio vaccine (OPV). However, both OPV (oral drops) and IPV (injections) are safe, and receiving an extra dose poses no harm—even for fully immunized children. “Getting an additional dose is completely safe. It only strengthens immunity and helps protect our communities,” Dr. Amini emphasized. “We will cover each district to ensure that all kids less that 5-years -old are immunized.”

Sporting icon Veitu Apana Diro, CBE, MBE, will take centre stage as the guest speaker at this year’s SP Sports Awards, to be held on Saturday, 14th June 2025, at the Crown Hotel. A legendary figure in Papua New Guinea’s sporting history, Diro has represented the nation with distinction across netball, basketball, and softball, securing gold at the South Pacific Games and competing in six South Pacific Games and three Pacific Mini Games throughout her career. She also played a key leadership role as part of the Commonwealth Games General Management team, further cementing her legacy both on and off the field. “Veitu is a South Pacific Games gold-medalist and a proud ambassador of PNG sport. We are honoured to welcome her as our guest speaker for the 2025 SP Sports Awards,” said John Nilkare, SP Brewery’s Corporate Affairs Manager. "We have arranged a coaching clinic at the Taurama Aquatic Centre where with the Team PNG Basketball and Beach Volleyball athletes to inspire our young players before they depart to Palau in June for the 2025 Pacific Mini Games." Veitu was a dominant force on the court as an athlete and coach, and she is honored to engage with our athletes." Nilkare added. She represented Papua New Guinea in: ·         The inaugural PNG National Basketball 1967 in Townsville, Australia ·         South Pacific Games in Port Moresby in 1969 ·         South Pacific Games in Tahiti in 1971 where she won her first gold medal in basketball ·         World Netball Series in 1975 New Zealand ·         South Pacific Games 1979 in Fiji ·         Pacific Mini Games in 1981 in Guam Veitu Diro’s coaching leadership has been instrumental in Papua New Guinea’s sporting success over the years. Under her guidance, the PNG Netball Team (Pepes) secured silver medals at the 1991 South Pacific Games in Guam and the 2001 Pacific Mini Games in Norfolk Island. She also led the PNG Women’s Basketball Team to a silver medal at the 2005 Mini Pacific Games in Palau, and a bronze medal at the 2007 Pacific Games in Samoa. Veitu Diro has made a lasting impact on the development of sports in Papua New Guinea. Her journey in sports administration began in 1972, and she went on to serve as President of the PNG Netball Federation for 11 years, leading the organisation with dedication and vision. She was also elected as the First Female Vice President on the Papua New Guinea Sports Federation Board in 1974 (now the PNG Olympic Committee), serving an impressive 32 years. Her tenure marks her as one of the longest-serving executives in the organization's history. From 2000 to 2008, Veitu also served as the Chairperson of the PNG Women in Sports Committee. Her involvement in national netball selections spanned over 30 years. Off the court, the 78-year-old remains a passionate advocate for women in sports, dedicating her time to mentoring aspiring athletes and championing equality in sports.

A total of 36 finalists have been officially announced for the highly anticipated 2025 SP Sports Awards (SPSA), celebrating excellence across Papua New Guinea’s sporting landscape. The announcement was made today in Port Moresby by Mr. Warwick Vele, Chairman of the SP Sports Awards Selection Panel, praising the depth of talent and commitment shown by nominees from across the country. "This year, we were pleased to see a strong level of interest and participation in the nomination process. A total of 210 nominations were received across all categories 135 submitted online and 60 submitted in hard copy, with 15 of those hard copy nominations received without supporting documents. Please note that those 15 were included in the overall total," said Vele. "While this is slightly fewer than what we received last year, it nonetheless reflects continued public trust in the SP Sports Awards as a meaningful platform to acknowledge excellence in sport. It also reminds us that quality always matters just as much as quantity, and the pride Papua New Guineans take in celebrating their sporting heroes remains as strong as ever." "One notable highlight this year was the Male Athlete of the Year category, which received the highest number of nominations across all categories. We recorded a total of 49 nominations, 44 submitted online and 5 in hard copy, reflecting the vast talent and competition among our male athletes in 2024," he added. He emphasized that the vetting and selection process is a serious task where each nomination is carefully reviewed and discussed at length. "We followed a fair and transparent process, guided by the strict criteria set out for each award category. It gives me great pleasure to officially announce the finalists for the 2025 SP Sports Awards." CATEGORY FINALIST SPORT Male Athlete of the Year Morea Baru Weightlifting   Josh Tarere Swimming   Alivin Komolong Soccer Female Athlete of the Year Leonie Beu Athletics   Thelma mea Toua Weightlifting   Adrine Monagi Athletics Carbine Club: Team of the Year PNG Mosquitoes AFL   PNG Kurakums AFL   PNG Lewas Cricket Brands Pacific: National Performance of the Year Valley Hunters Rugby Union (7s)     Alotau Womens 3x3 Basketball Basketball   Iraqi Pirates Rugby Union (7s) Community Sports Initiative Roland Muluyaru - Soccer Kick Out Home Brew Soccer     Jason Lahui - Chess in the Hood Chess   Special Olympics PNG Multi-Sport Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PNG: Junior Male Athlete of the Year Gaba Frank Cricket   River Jordan Hakena Tennis   Allan Sevara AFL Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PNG: Junior Female Athlete of the Year Timonaliz Alarcos Kriebisch Squash   Colita Hakena Tennis   Ani Geua Gavera Weightlifting       CPL: Para-Athlete of the Year Manega Tapari Badminton   Haoda Agari Table Tennis   Regina Edwards Athletics Trukai Industries Ltd: Sports Official of the Year Edward Kassman Taekwondo     Victor Sarwom Rugby   Nelson Stone Athletics Trukai Industries Ltd: Sports Media of the Year Jamie Haro Sunday Chronicle     Michael Philip The National   EMTV Sports Scene EMTV Sports Scene Sports Photo of the Year Lone Child - Tony Haro     Crossfit Rope - Sibona Kala     Denied Allyoop Basket - Brenda M Kariko   Stan Joyce Awards 1. Pacific Industries Ltd     2. ExxonMobil PNG     3. Moni Plus Ltd    The announcement of the finalists also signals the official opening of public voting for the People’s Choice Award, the 13th category in this year’s SP Sports Awards.  The winner of the People's Choice Award is selected through a public vote, using the SP Sports Awards SMS and WhatsApp voting platform. The more votes a finalist gets, the more chances of them winning. Candidates for this category come from four finalists of the following: Male Athlete of the Year Female Athlete of the Year Team of the Year National Performance of the Year Voting for the People's Choice Award category will close on 30th May 2025. The Presentation Night will be held at the home of the SP Sports Awards, Crown Hotel on Saturday 14th June. The awards night will be live streamed on the SP Sports Awards Facebook page and broadcasted live on FM100.

In a major move to promote peace and justice, the Autonomous Region of Bougainville recently held its first-ever Sorcery Accusation Related Violence (SARV) Forum in Arawa, Central Bougainville. Held in April, the forum brought together community leaders, law and justice agencies, churches, and civil society organizations, all dedicated to finding sustainable, locally driven solutions to combat SARV. The forum created a platform for participants to probe into the root causes of SARV, listen to stories from survivors and law enforcers, and explore ways to strengthen legislation and policies to combat this pervasive issue. Recognizing the cultural sensitivity surrounding SARV, the forum was locally led to ensure discussions aligned with Bougainville’s traditions and community values. This approach ensured the discussions were culturally appropriate and respected local customs. Acting Secretary for the Department of Justice and Legal Services, Ms. Julianne Sapaka, underscored the urgency of addressing SARV. "Sorcery related violence has affected lives and torn apart communities in Bougainville. This forum is an important step for all of us to work together to maintain peace and order in Bougainville. We must work together—our leaders, our people, churches, and our partners—to make our communities safe," Ms. Sapaka said. Justin Borgia, Autonomous Bougainville Government Member for North Nasioi, attended the forum's first day and emphasized the critical need to address SARV before it escalates further. “SARV is affecting our communities in ways that threatens peace and security. For our communities to truly prosper, we need a serious shift in mindset and attitudes. It’s not the vast resources that will bring peace, but how we live together peacefully. Without peace, those resources can become a curse,” Mr. Borgia said. The forum, supported by the Australian Government, underscores the value of international partnerships in tackling local challenges and building resilient communities.