With only three (3) weeks of matches left in the Eastern Papua Cup (EPC) tournament, week two (2) of the competitions ran smoothly this weekend as the ladies played their best to secure spots on the ladder. In the women’s division pool-1, Bomatu FC beat Kula FC 1-0 in a close contest and FC Mix Tribe closed off another game with a win against Galea on Saturday 23rd November 2024. Bomatu FC came off to a good start and had more ball possessions but were fended off in many goal attempts after strong defence plays from Kula FC blocking their attempts. Both halves of the match saw no promise for the teams to secure any points in the game but after a silly foul was flagged by the referee in the last minutes of the second half, Bomatu took the advantage and secured their first win of the season through a penalty shot. Meanwhile, reigning champions FC Mix Tribe came out victorious again after taking down Galea 2-0. Despite the burning sun, both teams played their best. Galea FC put up a good fight by only allowing FC Mix Tribe to score two goals in each of the halves. After round one of the competitions, the women’s pool-1 progressive ladder is as follows: 1-FC Mix Tribe 2-Galea 3-Kasamadagi 4-Bomatu 5-Kula 6-28 Plus

East Sepik Governor Allan Bird has responded to the Prime Minister’s concerns about his prudent management of K100 million in his provincial budget. ESPG Bird stated, “Unfortunately, I don't read the PMs public statements anymore because they are mass produced and quite frankly, not worth reading. So, I missed this one until someone pointed out that I should respond. Apparently, I hit a raw nerve somewhere to attract the ire of the PM.” “Unlike PM JM, I believe in transparency and good governance. So when project funds come to the province we ensure they are spent in the right places.” He said, the Provincial Government does not have the luxury to misappropriate funds and pass a supplementary budget to legalize the misappropriation at the end of the year. Thus, they also hardly receive any PIP funds, but when they do, Bird stated that he insists on Public Servants using the funds for the benefit of the people following the Public Finance Management rules, so funds are not stolen or misappropriated. ICAC made a statement earlier this year that up to K5 billion a year of public funds is misappropriated in PNG annually (The National, September 26, 2024). “Thankfully that misappropriation did not occur in ESP”, said ESPG Bird. “Just this week, the Ombudsman Commission directed an investigation into a payment listing that looks a lot like ‘thank you’ for political support costing the country over K250 million.” “I wonder how often this practice has occurred under the management of our good PM?” “PM JM knows very well that the work of MPs is oversight, not micromanagement. Implementation is the work of the Public Service. It's not my job to award contracts, supervise work or raise cheques.” “Perhaps because he is micromanaging the country, he expects all MPs to do the same. Some of us are trained in management, we know where the boundaries are, I have never once interfered with the operations of any public servants in ESP” “I let them do their job. They can be slow, and I don't like it, but I won't give them a list of people to pay.” Meanwhile, Governor Bird said, in terms of service delivery in ESP, the following services need significant improvement. They are: 1. Law Enforcement, 2. Electricity supplies, 3. Water supplies in town, 4. Lack of Foreign exchange, 5. Lack of fuel supplies, 6. Maintenance of National highways He said, “last time I checked, these are all National Government responsibilities: not Provincial.” “On that note, let me say how pleased I am that NEC will be awarding the tenders for our Sepik Roads soon. I hope the tender amounts will be paid into a trust account to ensure the contractors get paid and not have them waiting at DOW for many months to be paid as is the current practice.” “So can the PM kindly spell out which Provincial Government responsibilities we have failed to deliver on?”, said Governor Bird. He further stated that instead of worrying about K100m that they have been carefully ensuring does not get stolen or squandered because of lack of Implementation, perhaps PM Marape should be more concerned about the billions of kina that are going missing every year under his watch. “I also fail to understand how PM JM tries to equate leadership with how much money you can spend. Is he saying that if I blindly spent all K100m I would’ve done a good job? Perhaps this is the practice in Hela province.” "Since it is common knowledge, our good PM is selectively managing all warrants in Treasury and the cash in Finance, I am sure he knows precisely who is getting paid and when," said Governor Bird. “He can start by coming clean on the K250m that is now under investigation by the OC. And perhaps he might care to shed light on how hundreds of millions were paid to Paraka Lawyers under his watch and direction without clearance from the Attorney General, without tender and without contract.” He said, worrying about a province being careful not to waste limited funding without due process should be the least of his concerns. “If anything, he should be pleased that ESPG under my watch respects the rule of law, protects public funds and ensures they are spent as intended, for the public good. Not paying out cronies and political supporters using questionable invoices and documents. Let me repeat, implementation is the responsibility of the line department, in this case the ESPA.” All funds have been committed for expenditure and now that the PM is interested in these funds, I am certain the ESP public servants will make haste in spending the money according to the proper rules and processes. Governor Bird said, his responsibility remains governance and oversight. Not implementation. If the Sepik people had issues with his management of the province, they would not have elected him with an absolute majority in 2022. “I didn't need warlords with guns, intimidation or stuffing of ballot boxes to achieve that outcome.” International donors prefer to work with an honest and transparent government, and therefore, ESPG continues to enjoy the confidence of international donors and partners. “I am proud that even while PNG is regarded as one the most corrupt nations in the world, the ESPG does not share that distinction.

Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) Chief Executive Officer Dr. Paki Molumi stressed that PMGH will assist the National Capital District Provincial Health Authority (NCDPHA) where necessary to ensure that the newly established Metoreia Health Centre is fully functioning to relieve PMGH. This after clinical coordinators from PMGH, in collaboration with staff from the NCDPHA, conducted a tour of the Metoreia Health Centre, a Level 3 hospital located in Hanuabada, recently. The tour was led by NCDPHA CEO Dr. Robin Oge and PMGH Director of Medical Services Dr. Kone Sobi, who inspected each room, focusing on equipment and facilities dedicated to maternal and child health services. Dr. Sobi commended all contributors to the development of the health centre. “I acknowledge everyone who contributed to making this facility a reality. It is a small step in the right direction for health care delivery in the city and the country as a whole.” “In particular, we are most grateful to the Australian government for funding this project and all leaders who contributed to this development,” stated Dr. Sobi. Meanwhile, Dr. Molumi added that this initiative was to strengthen the patient referral pathway to reduce the load at PMGH. Dr. Robin Oge thanked PMGH for their support and said he looked forward to working closely with the clinicians to improve health services. Once the health centre is operational, it will significantly improve access to health services for the residents of Hanuabada and nearby communities. The tour concluded with a visit to the 6-Mile Clinic to inspect the newly constructed tuberculosis (TB) clinic and ward.

The Indonesian Navy Hospital Ship KRI, Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo-911, provided free medical examinations and treatment to many citizens of the nation's capital. The event began on Monday, November 18, and lasted today, Tuesday, November 19, at the old Container Wharf. According to Yohana Alesia Kadakolo, a student working on the ship, the hospital ship visited the Solomon Islands first then went to Fiji, Vanuatu and then to Papua New Guinea. “All Papua New Guinea citizens are welcomed to come here for free general medical checkup or want dental checkup. We visited four countries.” “PNG is the last. So we went to Solomon, second is Fiji, Vanuatu and the last one is PNG.” “So, from here we are going back to Indonesia.” The services include general exams, dental care, CT scan, X-Ray and many more. The navy medical stuff on board attended to the people quickly and effectively while also checking that their needs are met. For the last two days, more than 500 individuals from various backgrounds came to the ship for quick and effective examinations and care. Two mortuaries, separate wards for men and women, more than five surgical rooms, a CT scan, an X-ray, a dental room, and many other facilities are all included in the hospital ship. The hospital ship will depart tomorrow Wednesday, 19 November for Indonesia.

Reigning champions, the FC Mix Tribe women’s team remained undefeated over the weekend after securing two (2) straight wins in the Eastern Papua Cup (EPC) tournament with the outcome of both matches 6-0 respectively. Their first match on Saturday 16th November at the UPNG oval saw the ladies take on 28 Plus FC, much to the likes of Mix Tribe’s hat-trick goal scorer Emma Kila and Daphne Ambrose, Ruth Obaoba and Valisandra Aipi scoring one (1) goal each for their team. The ladies played a solid defence, making it difficult for the girls from 28 Plus FC to score a goal despite the intense heat. Returning for another clash against the gentle Kasamadagi FC girls, FC Mix Tribe got away with another win 6-0 at fulltime. The start of the match, Emma Kila couldn’t resist to score another hat-trick for her side while Lisi Robert, Valisandra Aipi and Lilly Haro scored one goal each. Though the young Kasamadagi’s fought hard, Mix Tribe were persistent to keep their scoring spree on a high with a submission of six (6) goals. Under the leadership Camillina Mwadeda, the team compromises mostly youths and a few mothers. Creating a pathway for the young people to come and showcase their talents and skills, Camillina hopes that with this year’s theme: “Embracing Change, Moving Forward,” helps to execute her goals for the team to stay on top of their game and to enjoy the sport of football as well.

Leader of the Opposition Douglas Tomuriesa has acknowledged and accepted the decision by Our United Revolution (OUR) Party MPs, led by party leader Rainbo Paita, to return to the Government and support Prime Minister James Marape’s leadership. Tomuriesa said that while it was unfortunate to see MPs return to the Government after vigorously demanding for a change in leadership, it remained a party decision on what they believe their principles and policies are to contribute to national development. Tomuriesa said: “The Opposition appreciates the contributions OUR Party brought to the Alternative Government, and that appreciation was ultimately demonstrated in September when we supported Mr. Paita as the Alternative Prime Minister.” “We also thank the 14 MPs who are led by Mr. Paita and their provisional support of our goal to #SavePNG from incompetent leadership ruining this country.” “The Opposition maintains a good working relationship with all MPs, and we wish them well in their next endeavours.” “Although the Opposition has fewer MPs as a result of this decision, it by no means decreases our voice, our commitment, or our values toward holding the Government accountable.” “But it must be said how the continuous weaponisation of DSIP and development funds by Mr. Marape is a significant factor forcing MPs to retreat to Government.” “Any MP who has spent time with us in the Opposition will attest to the vindictive treatment by Mr. Marape and his close allies.” “Nonetheless, we still remain steadfast in our goal to make PNG better than it has been over these five disastrous years.” Tomuriesa also called on the Prime Minister to make changes to his cabinet now that he has greater choices to improve his executive management. “The MPs going back to Government know very well what needs to be done to fix this country.” “Through our many caucus meetings and policy deliberations, these MPs know what it takes to turn this country around.” “There is a wealth of experience and expertise within OUR Party, and now being the second largest party in Parliament, surpassing United Resources Party and other coalition partners, we expect the Prime Minister to recognise this through a revamped NEC.” “Examples include Paita’s long service as Finance and Planning, Sir John Pundari also as former Finance Minister and capabilities to serve in any capacity, WNB Governor Sasindran Muthuvel’s experience as former State Enterprises Minister bringing many reforms, Lohia Boe Samuel’s extensive business experience may prove beneficial to commerce and industry – in the same vein Theo Pelgen, Marsh Narewec’s communication and technology experience, Isi Henry Leonard’s potential to serve in the fisheries and tourism sector, and many more informed appointments Mr. Marape could potentially make,” said Tomuriesa. In closing, Tomuriesa also informed the public that the Opposition is preparing its budget response for the final sitting of Parliament and will be disputing several controversial decisions made by the Government since the last sitting.

In a fiercely contested encounter at the UPNG oval, the Solgen FC men's team defeated Ocean Blue FC 2-0 in their first match on the second day of the Eastern Papua Cup tournament. Both teams had a thrilling first half, with the Solgen FC players battling hard for goal attempts but only managing to score their first goal through captain Martin Tokwakwasi. Their opponents, Ocean Blue FC put up a strong defence and tried their best to equalize but could not, due to tight defense from both backlines. Coming back after a much-needed break, both teams came back with the same display and attitude in the first half, but two silly mistakes from Ocean Blue FC earned the Solgen FC players two (2) penalty shots but were unsuccessful due to the strong defense from the Ocean boys. Despite the burning heat in the afternoon hours, Solgen FC came back after two unsuccessful penalty shots and scored their second goal through Nagi Kaniyoisi in the last dying minutes of the match. Meanwhile, despite Ocean Blue FC remaining scoreless in both halves, they put up a good fight and strong defence in the match, taking the fulltime score 2-0.

Youth in North Fly District of Western Province participated in a four-day volleyball tournament. This year's second North Fly MP volleyball tournament took place from October 31 to November 3 with the goal of encouraging young people in the North Fly District to show off their undeveloped skills and develop as athletes. Twenty-two (22) teams which included 11 female teams, and 11 male teams challenged each other both in men and women’s division. This volleyball tournament was held at the Drimdamesuk village situated at East Awin village along the Fly River outskirts of Kiunga town. In men’s division, Team Fly River 1 and Team Gii both played tough, winning two sets each, leading to thrilling fifth set where Fly River 1 won in men’s division. In Women’s division, Fly River 1 played hard and remain victorious over Team Tionams, winning three sets to one. After all the grand finals, Fly River 1 won the volleyball cup topping other participating teams. The grand finals ended on a high note and cash prizes were awarded to all participating teams in appreciation for their participation in this year’s district tournament. North Fly District Administrator Greg Isau officiated the event and appreciated all youths saying such sporting event demonstrated strong community support, youth engagement, fostering community pride and healthy activities for better change in the community. He added that North Fly youth can participate in bigger sporting event in the country if more support and opportunity is given to them. He clarified that this initiative by local MP James Donald which started with first tournament held in Kiunga last year 2023, will continue to ensure youth are better equipped in different sporting codes. North Fly District Development Authority is committed to supporting district tournament in next year’s games going forward. The venue and date for 2025 tournament is yet to be made known pending financial support for hosting the third district tournament. This volleyball tournament has improved youth in North Fly to master their skills and techniques not only in volleyball but other sporting codes.

The much-anticipated soccer tournament for the Milne Bay people, the Eastern Papua Cup (EPC) tournament, kicked off yesterday at the University of Papua New Guinea Oval in Port Moresby much to the excitement of soccer fans. The EPC President, who is also the Assistant Commissioner of Police Human Resources, Samson Siguyaru told PNG HAUSBUNG that the tournament will run for five (5) weeks with a total of 24 clubs and 59 teams. Twelve (12) women’s teams, thirty-five (35) men’s teams and twelve (12) children’s teams. Meanwhile, a sponsorship of K10, 000 was presented to the EPC committee from a representative from the member for Esa’ala and Minister for Petrolum’s office Jimmy Maladina. Siguyaru said, the other elected members have pledged their support but due to other pressing issues, they were not able to attend the opening. He said, since EPC’s inception in 1978 by the likes of the late Noel Bukoya, Hudson Arek from Wanigela, late Sigamate, late Napolean Leosi and a few others, EPC has been seen as an offseason tournament where the people of Milne Bay come together at the end of the year to play soccer and showcase their skills and talents, but as the current president, Siguyaru intends to change the idea of people waiting till the end of the year to take part in a soccer tournament. “I have good intentions, and I want things to change. I want us to take Milne Bay to the next level. Our theme for this year is ‘Embracing Change, Moving Forward.’ For us to move forward, the executive has plans to look at the constitution so that EPC becomes an entity of Milne Bay that does not include the whole Eastern Papua as a whole which includes Central-Amazon Bay, Northern Province and, to Wanigela.” He said once the constitution is looked at, there are plans to change the EPC name, turn EPC into a proper sporting body like PMSA & NSL and not an offseason tournament. Siguyaru said that from this pathway they want to scout and groom players from different clubs to make the NSL team for Milne Bay. Siguyaru also mentioned that they are planning to kick start an academy and appealed to all parents and guardians to support these initiatives. He also appealed to all team managers to support the EPC team to run a smooth soccer tournament for everyone taking part and wished them the best in their tournament. He further stated that anyone caught breaching the tournament rules will be dealt with accordingly.

With the largest maritime space of 80% in the province, the people of Samarai- Murua District in the Milne Bay Province will soon benefit from the recent launching of the fishing vessel Kekeisi-1, that’s set to sail the waters of the province in the coming weeks. With the aim to turn local fishermen to business owners, the member for Samarai Murua, Isi Henry Leonard wants to activity involve unemployed people, especially the mothers and youths to get into the fishing SME space in the district. He said, the four (4) LLG’s in the district are very remote and with the fishing vessel ‘Kekeisi-1’ set to sail the waters in the coming weeks, local fishermen will be able to sell their catch to Kekeisi-1, which will then be exported to Thailand to sell. “Our plan is to produce and export seafood and fishery products out of Samarai Murua and Milne Bay to international markets. I believe this is possible and we are confident with the level of support that we are receiving from the National Fisheries Authority.” He said, NFA is supporting and assisting this project, and their fishing license has been granted to operate commercial fishery in the district. “My DDA has established a partnership arrangement between a Samarai Murua District local private company and Thailand investor to undertake commercial fishing program to support our local fishermen and women,” said Leonard. Leonard stated that the ‘Kekeisi-1’ fishing vessel is a factory vessel that has everything from freezers, ice-making machine, sorting section to packaging and frozen to be exported to Thailand. “I want my people to be businessmen and women. And by the end of the day, I believe my people will be millionaires.” He added that they will set up buying points in the four LLG’s for local fishermen to go and sell their catch to Kekeisi-1.

The men in red, Hekari United FC have delivered once again by defeating Gulf Komara FC 2-1 in the 2024 Premier Soccer League epic grand final showdown at PNGFA Football Stadium on Saturday. The two goals in each of the halves scored by Hekaris Ati Kepo and substitute Joseph Joe were enough to defend their title. Hekari United FC coach Jerry Allan thanked Komara for putting up a good fight stating, “I thank Komora for a good fight. It was a good game.” He said, coming off from second half, he encouraged his side to push their opponents lightly but tightly contend for the ball, resulting in the full-time score. He said, his team fought well in both halves and is proud to have stayed with the team for 15 years and return to finish the campaign on a high note. “I'm very happy because I finished it on a high note. Maybe next season will be the Pro-League, and the system is going to change." "But for now, I am really happy and proud of my boys,” stated Allan. Meanwhile, Lae City FC finished third after defeating Port Moresby Strikers 3-2 after extra time in the 3rd/4th playoff. Hekari's goalkeeper Dave Tomare claimed the golden glove award while Logan Biwa of United Highlands was awarded the golden booth honours for scoring 11 goals throughout the season.

Kangaroos forward Cameron Murray has been ruled out of the Pacific Cup final after sustaining a wrist injury while in camp with the Australian team. Murray, who played a starring role in Australia's 22-10 defeat of the Kiwis in Christchurch last Sunday, sustained a scapholunate injury. The Rabbitohs captain will see a surgeon next week upon his return to Sydney. A South Sydney statement said the injury may require Murray to undergo a scapholunate reconstruction, which would see him undertake an extensive period of rehabilitation. The loss of Murray is a blow to the Kangaroos as they prepare to face the winner of Saturday's New Zealand-Tonga match on November 10 at CommBank Stadium. Clive Churchill Medallist Liam Martin has been ruled out of the upcoming Pacific Championships after succumbing to injuries picked up throughout the NRL season. The Penrith forward has carried shoulder and rib injuries in recent weeks. While he was initially named in the Kangaroos squad, he will now be replaced by Raiders star Hudson Young. The change has triggered a reshuffle to the Prime Minister's XIII squad, with Tyran Wishart coming into the side to take on the Papua New Guinea PM's XIII in Port Moresby on Sunday afternoon. Nat Butcher has also been ruled out of the match due to illness. Meanwhile, the Kiwis have been dealt a major blow with Dally M Medallist Jahrome Hughes withdrawing from New Zealand's Pacific Championships campaign due to a neck injury. “Jahrome is understandably shattered and we really feel for him,” Kiwi coach Stacey Jones said. “He has had an outstanding year and he was going to play a key role for the Kiwis again. “He was desperate to play and we thought, with some time on our side, he would come right with treatment but he has since received medical advice that he won’t be ready to play.” Across the league, there have been a number of payers not considered for selection for the Pacific Championships due to injury. The Kiwis are also missing Jeremy Marshall-King, who has undergone minor knee surgery but is expected to be right to start the pre-season when the club's senior players return. Marshall-King's Dolphins teammate Connelly Lemuel has undergone a shoulder reconstruction and is looking at a five-month rehabilitation period. That will have him back for the pre-season trials and give him a good shot of starting the season in round one for the Dolphins. Panthers skipper Nathan Cleary is set for shoulder surgery while Melbourne five-eighth Cameron Munster will likely go under the knife for a groin injury. New Zealand did not select Ronaldo Mulitalo (knee), Dylan Brown (knee), Kieran Foran (ankle), Moses Leota (shoulder), Brandon Smith (knee), Jeremy Marshall-King (knee), Briton Nikora (ankle), Kayal Iro (hamstring), Te Maire Martin (neck). Panthers winger Brian To'o will also miss Samoa's tour of England after he picked up a knee injury in Sunday's grand final. To'o, who has played in Penrith's four consecutive premiership wins, came from the field in the 59th minute after a knee clash and went up the tunnel to the dressing rooms. He later returned to the sideline and spent time on an exercise bike before practicing passing and tackling with a trainer but did not return to the field. To'o had already clocked up 213 metres from 22 runs when he was forced from the field in the decider. Panthers back-rower Scott Sorensen made it back from a hamstring injury to play his part in the grand final victory. Sorensen had missed both of the Panthers' finals wins but was thrown straight back into the starting side by Ivan Cleary, getting through 70 minutes of game time and running for 124 metres.