President of the Allies Football Club has called for an appropriate chain of command after a series of unethical events took place last week that had them removed from PNG Football Association’s sanctioned tournament, the Southern Region Club Championships where the top two women’s and men’s teams will take part in the National Club Championships. Allies FC President, Joy Mataenge said, last week Thursday’s (September 19th) game was called off by the referee after getting consent from both captains from Allies FC and Hekari FC to end the game some minutes before full-time. Mataenge said, they had some issues to sort out with Hekari but were going to raise those issues afterwards. A few minutes before fulltime, the referee called the game after getting consent from both captains on field after a player from Hekari collided with their goalkeeper. “After their player collided with our goalkeeper, she couldn’t get up so eight people had to carry her off the field and then the players walked to the technical area to then take the field. The referee called for the two captains and asked to call off the game. The two captains gave their consent and said ‘OKAY’ for the game to be called off.” “After the referee blew the whistle, to us that means game over, so we walked off to go and see our player who was laying on the side of the field after the referee blew the whistle.” Mataenge stated that, while the team walked off after the whistle was blown confirming that the game was over, their opponent saw it as the Allies team walking out of the match, stating it as a ‘Match Abandonment’. “They were leading, and we accepted the defeat from Hekari. But it was reported in one of the papers that we protested. But we did not protest.” While trying to smug off Thursday’s incident and continue into the competition on Friday 20th September, Allies FC were told by the officials that they were not supposed to take the field and play and their officials were not supposed to go to the bench. “When our girls started taking over and leading, they told our coach that he was not supposed to sit at the bench because he instigated the ‘Walk Off’ on Thursday.” She said after the ladies played and won the game; the games officials sent one of their representatives to inform them that they were disqualified from the competition after taking second place on the ladder as per the games officials email. Allies FC Captain Calista Maneo expressed disappointment at the match officials at the way they relied on the message to inform the club that they are officially out of the competition. Maneo voiced her displeasure with the match officials for not going through the right process to notify the team that they are now officially eliminated from the competition. “As a captain, we are not happy at the way they carried this out. They should come and tell our management and coaches and sort out the issue in a right way. But no, they just sent one person to-go-come and tell us players and management that we are out of the competition, and we are not happy about this.” Mataenge further stated, “I saw that the MA president was with them (match officials) which was not supposed to be the way. She is the owner of a club playing in this competition. So, she should have stayed away and let PNGFA make the decision.” Mataenge said decisions were made prematurely and attempts to appeal were not entertained therefore proper investigations and negotiations need to take place before such decisions are made.

The Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) has launched one of the latest high tech Cannon Cardiac Catheterization machines to do invasive treatments and reducing the need for patients to travel overseas to seek treatment. According to PMGH Invasive Cardiology-Intervention Cardiologist Dr. Wesong Boko, with the advanced Cannon Cardiac Catheterization machine, they were able to do 1, 327 procedures. He said, they carried out coronary angiogram procedures (heart), cerebral angiograms (brain), peripheral blockage in the legs and in certain cases, they were able to detect the tumor and cut off the cancer cell's blood supply. "Through Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited (KPHL), the machine was acquired at the cost of K5million, and Papua New Guineans don’t need to travel overseas to seek cardiac treatment," Dr. Boko announced. PMGH CEO, Dr. Paki Molumi, mentioned that lifestyle or non-communicable diseases (NCD) in the country are increasing exponentially as Papua New Guineans adopt to a Western lifestyle diet and moving away from the traditional food to modern processed foods, compounded by the lack of exercise, smoking and alcohol intake. “The country is faced with a risk of losing our educated elites to non-communicable diseases (NCD) which will be detrimental to our development aspirations as a country.” “The top five leading NCD in hospital admissions, both death inpatient and on arrival to the emergency department of PMGH and around the country, are stroke and heart disease, cancer and chronic kidney diseases,” said Dr. Molumi. Dr. Molumi stated that some of the expected outcomes from KPHL's investment of K5million for the new Cannon Cath Lab machine will improve efficiency, meaning more patients will be served, and they will be able to perform Neuro intervention procedures including stroke reversals, interventional procedures reducing hospital stay, and with it, cutting cost for hospital and the patient. This will then lead to a reduction in the need to travel overseas seeking interventional cardiology and other organ angiography procedures. Meantime, Prime Minister Marape who commissioned the new machine, thanked the hospital and KPHL’s Managing Director Wapu Sonk for this great collaboration that’s saved thousands of lives. He said, instead of losing millions of kina elsewhere, they were able to save 1, 327 lives. KPHL Managing Director Wapu Sonk thanked the government and the hospital for working collaboratively with KPHL and mentioned that they will continue to support the cancer and cardiac services in both the Angau and PMGH hospitals for the people. “We should be at a level where our people should not spend thousands of kina overseas like in the past. So, thank you for the government direction and thank you to the people who have been working here supporting the program, and this shows the cooperation that we have to provide essential services for our people.” Mr. Sonk further stated, “We are just here to help and follow government directions and if it means that we have to continue to support, then we will do so.”

The new Waigani National Court Complex (WNCC) in Port Moresby city will be officially opened in 2025 as part of events to celebrate the country’s 50th Independence Anniversary. Prime Minister (PM) James Marape revealed this on Monday 23rd September when stating that the K440million state funded state- of- the- art facility, promises to be a cornerstone for justice in Papua New Guinea (PNG) as it symbolizes not only the country’s progress over the past 50 years, but also its commitment to strengthening its legal infrastructure for the future, and the government’s commitment to law-and-order. “In 2025, as we celebrate 50 years of independence, we will also open the new Waigani National Court Complex. This will be a momentous occasion in the history of Papua New Guinea and will be a huge boost towards addressing our law-and-order problem,” Marape announced. The Prime Minister made this announcement following a high-level meeting with Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika and Chief Magistrate Mr. Mark Pupaka, where he received their 2025 National Budget estimates. Chief Justice Salika provided a comprehensive update on the progress of the WNCC, underscoring the significant advancements made on the project. Stage one of the project, which includes arrivals, registry, and administration buildings, was successfully completed in June 2023. Stage Two, which focuses on the completion of the court buildings, holding cells, and Judge’s chambers, wrapped up in May 2024, with minor works continuing through the end of this year. Sir Gibbs outlined the transition phase in 2025, saying, “The Judiciary will then enter the transition phase into the new building, comprising the final fit out of the Data Centre and commissioning of all ICT networks and infrastructure. This will be followed by organisational training and systems operations familiarisations, and a phased decanting process into the new building.” He added that 2025 would also see several key operational milestones, including the set-up of an Interim Facility Management team, the fit-out of the café and catering facilities, the establishment of a temporary library, and the purchase of critical equipment, furniture, and fittings to ensure the complex is fully operational. “With the main construction contract generally completed by the end of this year, 2025 will see the Judiciary begin the transition into the new building for operation later next year,” Sir Gibbs said.

Students in the Western Province, who will sit for their exams next month, have been urged not to get involved in illegal activities that may interrupt them during their preparations for the national examination week. Following the resumption of term four academic period this week, Western students are reminded to prioritize their studies for better future. Western Provincial Education Advisor, Mr. Charlie Buia said all schools have prepared their students well and they are looking forward to sit the exams next month. “Grade 10, Grade 12 and Grade 8 students you have only one week left so focus on your exam. Teachers have done their part so it is up to you individual to do your best.” he said. He encourages students, saying that the future of the province and country as a whole lies on their hands, therefore should refrain from much social activities and roaming with peers at this time. “What you do today will determine your future. Doorway into tertiary institutions, Upper Secondary and high schools, lies on you.” said Mr. Buia. Grade 10 students attending Olsobip, Ningerum, Aiambak, Balimo Day, and Morehead high schools and Grade 12 students attending Tabubil, Kiunga, St. Gabriel Technical, Mougulu, Awaba and Daru secondary schools have been urged to maintain good behaviours and do best in their exams. Mr. Buia has also encouraged parents and guardians to support their children during the exam period so that students can sit and do their exams well.

The SP PNG Hunters are tremendously proud to announce that their very own Hunter #92, Judah Rimbu, has been crowned the 2024 QRL Hostplus Cup Player of the Year. Rimbu’s received the Petero Civoniceva Medal on Friday 20th September at the Queensland Rugby League Awards in Brisbane’s Town Hall, besting a host of NRL talent including the likes of Trai Fuller, Jake Clifford and Tom Chester. Rimbu’s journey with the Hunters began in 2021 when the club was forced to relocate to the Gold Coast due to the COVID pandemic. Since then, he has amassed 69 appearances in the QRL Hostplus Cup to quickly establish himself as a senior member of the SP PNG Hunters playing group. Rimbu has displayed wonderful utility value since making his debut four years ago, proving himself an eager learner, a keen student of the game and a wonderful clubman during a challenging growth period for the club. Closing out the 2024 QRL Hostplus Cup regular season as the club’s first-choice hooker and a key contributor in their finals campaign, Rimbu’s scintillating form this year has come as no surprise to those who have followed his journey. From a total 23 games this season, Rimbu posted 16 tries (fourth most in the QRL) and assisted another five to comfortably rank as one of the most productive attacking players in the competition. An average 82 running metres (and 91 tackle busts; fourth most in the QRL) per game is testament to Rimbu’s contributions in yardage, while his 726 total tackles (also fourth most) at a 94% efficiency speaks to Rimbu’s tireless efforts on both sides of the ball. SP PNG Hunters CEO Scott Barker was pleased to see Rimbu recognized by his peers. “On behalf of the SP PNG Hunters, I’d like to congratulate Judah on his outstanding 2024 campaign,” said Barker. “While the Hunters' success this year has absolutely been a whole-club effort, Judah has been pivotal to that success and we’re pleased to see him recognized today.”

The Wamp Nga Mt Hagen Eagles came from behind and ended a twenty-six-year drought after defeating the Kroton Hela Wigmen 28-20 this afternoon at the Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby city. Before both rival teams kicked off, a wonderful entrance from the Mt Hagen Eagles let loose a collection of the eagle birds soaring into the sky. As both teams displayed an effortless game of rugby league in front of an electric crowd, supporters cheered their hearts out as the teams battled it out on the field. The Mt Hagen Eagles battled the first half tirelessly with a number of try attempts but were only successful with a try at the very last minute. As the Wigmen displayed what could have been another four-year title, the boys played off their hearts and strength and showed good sportsmanship on the field. With just four minutes into the first half, the Wigmen put their first try with a power defence break from Woodie Kawagie followed by another try just ten minutes after, from Terence Wenim with both unsuccessful conversions, resulting in the scores 8-0. Still with the thriving spirit, Wigmen's captain Solomon Okari side stepped with a great dummy run and with assistance from Kaupa Sipa, the team got another touchdown followed by successfull conversion. In the last dying ten seconds of the first half Wingti Raima put the Eagles first try with a successful conversion. Leaving the score at first half, 14-6. Only putting one try in the first half, the Hagen Eagles came in the second half with more strength and power and put their first try of the second half through Siki Kondon. The Mt Hagen Eagles break gave them the much-needed momentum for the team which saw Eagles Sakias Komati with another great comeback try followed by his on-point conversions, taking the score to 16-20. While the Wigmen tried their very best in the last minutes, the Eagles sored too high for the Wigmen with another try from Wingti Raima followed by another try just five-minutes after from Bengi Ben with all successful conversions. The Mt Hagen Eagles claimed the victory after 26 years with an eight-point difference 28-20 at full time. Mt Hagen Eagles Sakias Komati ran away with the man of match award.

The inaugural women's rugby league competition the 'Santos Cup' saw the Bitangor Goroko Lahanis crowned as champions after defeating the minor premiers, the Central Dabaris 8 to 6 in an epic footy grand final showdown today. The first 30 minutes of the match saw both teams hustle it out under the raging heat at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby to a half filled stadium. Both the Dabaris and Lahanis tried the hard yards to see only two tries from the Lahanis and one try from the Dabaris side. A nice step from Dabaris number four, Joan Kuman resulted in the first try for her team, followed by a successful conversion from Solima Philip. With four minutes left on the clock, Lahanis did their best but were unsuccessful with a couple of try attempts. Coming back from the halftime break, the Lahanis went into victory mode with a come back and secured their first try in just twenty-five minutes with a solo effort from the captain herself Delilah Ahisa, and followed through with an unsuccessful conversion, leaving the Dabaris still in the lead with 6 to 4. Securing their spot as the champions for the Santos Cup, Lahanis Egi John showed off a great step and run to put her team in the lead. Even though they missed another conversion, the ladies were hailed winners of the Santos Cup with a final score of 8 to 6 at full time.

Northern Governor Garry Juffa unequivocally condemns the brutal attack on the Popondetta General Hospital staffer, Marina Kambakle, a nursing sister who has served Oro tirelessly since 2016. On the same afternoon another key worker pharmacist Presley Aku and Heo Rose Kona were also held at gun point by faceless cowards on the outskirts of Popondetta town. Governor Guffa said such animalistic acts of terror toward our health worker are not only an affront to the principles of humanity but also undermine the essential services that these professionals provide to Oro and Papua New Guinea. Health workers, teachers and public servants who work in Peri urban and rural must be protected and respected with the highest regard as it is incumbent on all of us in the community against egregious violation of their basic human rights. “I will also be making a special case to the Commissioner of Police, the Office of the Attorney General and Line Agencies to make stern provisions in law to deliver the harshest punishment for those who challenge our unsung heroes in the health, education and public service delivery space,” said Governor Juffa. “I have made a call direct to our Provincial Police Commander Ewai Segi and head of the provincial Security Council Trevor Magei to give every priority to apprehending the culprits who carried out these inhumane faceless aggressions on our health workers. I will not rest until I see these culprits behind bars and justice is carried out on behalf of the silent majority of health workers, especially in Oro.” Juffa reassure all the health workers in Oro and particularly those at the Popondetta general Hospital, that his government is committed to ensuring the health workers' safety is reviewed and necessary actions will be taken immediately to address some of administrative greys coming out of this nasty experience. “My call to the Police commissioner is clear and precise and want decisive remedial action taken against those responsible for yesterday’s attack on our health workers.” He added, it is imperative that the police act swiftly with their investigations and are thorough to delivering a finality to those who caused this grief. “Additionally, I have directed my office to immediately review the current security measures at the Popondetta general Hospital and all health facilities throughout the province and report back on remedial action to prevent future reoccurrences.” “Finally, my heart and prayers are with the families of those staff attacked and to all our unsung heroes of the Northern Provincial Health Authority, your cry will not go unheard, and I assure you all, together we will fight to bring justice to their doorsteps,” said Juffa.

The Opposition may have been unsuccessful in their Vote of No Confidence (VoNC) motion against Prime Minister (PM) James Marape on Thursday 12th September, but that does not mean it’s over for them. In fact, the Opposition is eyeing November 26th, when Parliament resumes, to bring about another VoNC against the PM. Leader of the Opposition, Douglas Tomuriesa, declared that they will continue to pursue the Vote of No Confidence until it is done correctly, even though they lost fair and square yesterday. “I thank the people of Papua New Guinea (PNG), our family members, friends and supporters," said the Opposition leaders when appreciating their support. "We will push through with the VoNC until we get it correct. And so, we got that corrected and the much-anticipated progress as come through and we have successfully brought a vote of NO Confidence on the floor of parliament.” “The result maybe disappointing for a lot of us but we can say that we are encouraged to see that whole Opposition was intact and voted for the VoNC.” He said that despite their defeat, they are still encouraged and ask the people of PNG to hold onto hope because there is still hope for them. For the following round, they will reorganize and fortify their positions. “Today (Thursday 12th September) as demonstrated that when the PM came in after the elections, he was voted in by 104 members of parliament, and today he has lost one-third of that number. He only mastered 75 votes and that gives us the encouragement that we are doing the right thing.” He stated that the rationale behind the introduction of the Vote of No Confidence (VoNC) is the multitude of challenges the country is currently facing. He underscored this point through the parliamentary speaker, urging the Prime Minister to cease the dissemination of falsehoods. The head of the Opposition then went on to ask why the Prime Minister called off the Parliament until November when there are so many crucial issues that need to be addressed for the country. Despite adjourning parliament, he stated that they have accepted their defeat and will reorganize to return stronger. He also declared that the Opposition stands strong with a total number of 34 members, two of whom were ill and unable to vote, bringing the deference to 32 votes in parliament yesterday for the VoNC. Meantime PM Marape, following him surviving the VoNC on Thursday, and supported by his coalition, said political disruptions hinder national progress. He said his government will continue its efforts in economic recovery, boosting police manpower, and infrastructure development. He also expressed gratitude for coalition partners and the democratic process, affirming his administration's commitment to national security and unity ahead of the country's 49th Independence Anniversary.

With the Vote of No Confidence to resume at 10am this morning, people have started gathering in front of the Parliament house entrance waiting for Parliament to resume. In the meantime, the Parliament floor of chambers is empty with only two parliament staff members distributing the agenda papers on the members desks.

Police personnel are already stationed along the routes towards Parliament. At the roundabout at Port Moresby Arts Theatre, National Library, National Archives, towards the back and front routes to Parliament Police are monitoring. Members of Parliament just arrived now to Parliament, in several coaster buses and in private cars. A tough combined police team, deployed from the Highlands, along with Court Sheriffs and Parliament security are manning the back route to Parliament along the roundabout near the Port Moresby Arts theatre. Other vehicles with no passes or employees from either the National Judiciary or Parliament are being stopped at the road check and traffic is being diverted as traffic started getting congested soon after the MPs started arriving. Court Sherif James Mike told PNGHAUSBUNG that once Court judges and staff or Parliament staff are identified, they are let through. Parliament is expected to resume at 10am this morning with the anticipated Vote of No Confidence.

The PNG Emergency Medical Team (PNGEMT) and the National St John Ambulance Service successfully provided medical support during Youth Festival on Monday 9th September, at Sir John Guise Stadium attended by over 20, 000 Catholic youths. Over 150 health and ambulance personnel were deployed during the Sunday Holy Mass and on Monday to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all participants. Dr Gary Nou, PNGEMT Lead for the Department of Health and health commander for the Papal Visit, stated that the health response went smoothly. As a joint deployment, members of the PNGEMT and the National St John Ambulance Service provided emergency medical services at the events. The agencies operated an Advanced Casualty Management Centre (ACMC) and nine first aid posts around the stadium to respond to medical needs. Over the two days, more than 100 pilgrims attending these significant events were assisted by the health team at the first aid stations and the ACMC. A total of 57 people referred to the ACMC where they were treated at the centre and four were then referred to the Port Moresby General Hospital. Dr Nou said it was a great partnership between the Health Department, NStJA, National Capital District Provincial Health Authority and Port Moresby General Hospital. "The collaboration between our teams was essential in ensuring prompt and effective care for pilgrims attending this significant event. We extend our gratitude to all staff and volunteers for their professionalism and dedication in safeguarding the health of the community." PNGEMT and NStJA thanks all attendees for their cooperation in making this a safe and successful event.