As people of Mulitaka area of Porgera-Paiela District in Enga Province were still in a state of despair and sorrow from the natural disaster, Dr. Sam Yockopua, one of their own sons returned back home as a beacon of hope and source of strength as he donated medical supplies and spent time with them from 12th-14th June 2024. Dr. Yockopua donated 23 cartons of medical supplies weighing 260kg, estimated nearly K60,000 consisting of antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, pain killers, ointments and povidone-iodine, bandages and plasters, and other supplies. The donation was presented at Mulitaka Health Centre (MHC) witnessed by representatives of Enga Provincial Health Authority (PHA) and was received by HEO OIC Andrew Noho. While receiving the donation, OIC Noho said, "We have been struggling with medical supplies for some time, and when the disaster struck us, we were also faced a medical supplies disaster.” “Your generous help will go a long way, not only here but all those surrounding communities as far as Nete, Lyaim, Yalyaim, and even Porgera area because the roadblock has also affected them.” While handing over the much-needed supplies, Dr Yockopua requested the Enga PHA to distribute supplies to all the health facilities in the affected communities including those in Tumundan, Porgera and Paiela. He also requested for reopening of Porgera District Hospital and upgrading and revitalizing of MHC given this opportunity. Dr. Yockopua acknowledged those who assisted in making this humanitarian work possible, which included Borneo Pacific Pharmaceuticals (22 cartons), CS Pharmacy Limited (1 carton), Air Niugini for free air freight POM-Hagen, Enga Provincial Government and Enga PHA for logistics support. "Even with my willing heart and mindset to help those in need, without their support, it would not have been possible", Dr. Yockopua said. Dr. Yockopua also spent some time teaching health workers on some basic Disaster Management in Health and how to recognize secondary waves of health problems. He has also planned to return a few days later to run specific training in collaboration with the National Department of Health and other stakeholders in Health. During the time, as their own educated elite, Dr. Yockopua spent some time with the local leaders who were heading the disaster relief coordination to resolve matters amicably to find common grounds. The Chairman of the local affected community, former Council President Jaman Yandam thanked Dr. Yockopua not only for the much-needed medical supplies, but also mediating the process between his committee and Enga Provincial Government. "Many of these things, we did not know how to do it. As a result, we were hitting brick walls and frustrating ourselves.” “Now that our leader and doctor has intervened, the Provincial Government understands us, and we too understand them.” “We will find common grounds to meet the customary obligations as our number one priority before we allow the road to be re-opened and normalcy to resume", said Mr. Yandam. Dr. Yockopua is now preparing to return with second wave of medical supplies, health training, and attend the customary obligation of "haus-krai" removal, and mitigate solutions for the way forward.

In commemoration of World Blood Donor Day on the 14th June, the Sir Brian Bell Centre for Transfusion Medicine marked 20 years of blood donations as well as honour and appreciate donors who make blood transfusion possible. The event saw the presentation of certificates and merchandises to individual donors, to the Don Bosco Technical School and Port Moresby National School of Excellence and partners like Goodman Fielder and many more. Port Moresby General Hospital Director Medical Services Dr Kone Sobi, highlighted the importance of blood donation, the statistics overview in terms of blood donors over the years, the aims and objectives of blood bank and a call out to donors. “It is very encouraging to see our blood bank team who have been collecting blood in the various institutions." "We have a huge challenge, both the health institutions in the country, the public and the corporate organizations to drive the message." "We need more awareness given to the general public,” he stated. Dr Sobi made a call out to the general public encouraging more people to come forward to donate blood. Speaking on behalf of WHO was Mr. Asaeli Raikabakaba, the Technical Officer for Essential Medicines & Health Technologies who expressed appreciation to the organisers of World Blood Donor day. “Each year on 14th June, you celebrate this important day, using it as an opportunity to thank voluntary unpaid blood donors for the life-saving gift of blood and raise awareness of the need for regular blood donations to ensure that all individuals and communities have timely access to safe and quality-assured blood and blood products." "Voluntary donors are part of our community and considered to be the source of the safest blood and blood products for patients.” “Transfusions of blood and blood products saves lives." "This places donors in a unique position, demanding special respect and care." "Their commitment to regular donations depends on our efforts to ensure their safety and well-being.” He said that WHO has been at the forefront of the movement to improve global blood safety since 1975, as mandated by the World Health Assembly. Mr. Raikabakaba extended his deepest gratitude to the thousands of voluntary blood donors in PNG, who have positively impacted the health and well-being of countless individuals in the nation. PMGH Blood Transfusion Committee Chairman Dr Carl Kingston acknowledged and thanked the donors who have made time to donate blood. “On behalf of the committee and the Port Moresby General Hospital we want to say thank you to the donors who throughout the years have stood with us in providing the specialist services that this hospital envisions.” “We reflect over 20 years and applaud those amazing individuals, corporate entities, schools, churches, embassies, foreign missions, societies and even staff of Port Moresby General Hospital who have made time to donate blood,” he stated. He said that the committee is committed towards achieving its vision of creating a safe and sustainable blood supply to support the management and bringing better health closer to our people. Under the theme "20 Years of Celebrating Giving," the Sir Brian Bell Centre for Transfusion Medicine with the key deliver partner being the Sir Brian Bell Foundation, collaborated with several business houses to establish a mobile blood collection site at Vision City from June 10th to 14th collecting 100 bags of blood.

An official PNG delegation responsible for combating corruption has updated the United Nations in Vienna, Austria on the country’s progress along with exchanging best practices with international partners. With support from UNODC and UNDP under the PNG Anti-Corruption Project, a major project funded by the European Union, PNG made strong contributions to the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) Implementation Review Group (IRG), Working Group on Asset Recovery and Expert meeting to enhance international cooperation, at the United Nations in Vienna last week. Secretary of the Department for Justice and Attorney General and PNG delegation leader to the IRG Dr. Erick Kwa said, “PNG aims through UNCAC to prioritize its strategic interventions and mobilize resources in addressing gaps within our preventative measures, legislative and policy framework, asset recovery, international cooperation and foster strategic partnership arrangements with key institutions and development partners domestically, regionally in the Asia Pacific region and beyond.” Dr Kwa informed delegates from the 190 member States to UNCAC that PNG has established a fully functioning Independent Commission against Corruption (ICAC) with preventative, investigative and prosecution powers and has recently endorsed the ratification of the United Nations Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC). Addressing corruption and building an integrity system within the country is a strategic priority of the current Papua New Guinea Government. PNG continues to be an active contributor and participant to advancing regional anti-corruption initiatives such as the implementation of Teieniwa Vision under the 21 member states Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS), Dr Kwa said. The delegation also received briefings on the Stolen Assets Recovery Initiative, the Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities, from the coordinator of PNG’s MOU with Open Ownership, investigators and prosecutors from other national integrity agencies, the Delegation of the European Union to the International Organisations in Vienna and bilateral meetings with delegations and the UNCAC Secretraiat involved in PNG’s own UNCAC Country Review and its engagement in current Reviews of Samoa and Japan. Meanwhile, Mrs. Josephine A. Pitmur, Deputy Secretary, Department of Justice & Attorney General, presented to delegates on a panel on Technical Assistance on International Cooperation and Asset Recovery. Papua New Guinea also included a civil society representative in its official delegation - Mr. Peter Aitsi, Transparency International Papua New Guinea Chairman, who will report to local civil society groups upon his return. Mr. Daniel Baulch, Deputy Commissioner, PNG Independent Commission Against Corruption, was also a member of the official delegation along with Mrs. Roselyn Melua and Mr. Jeffery Murley from the Department of Prime Minister & NEC. The delegation was supported by the PNG Anti-Corruption Project, funded by the European Union, and identified a clear pathway forward to apply significant learnings from the conference and study visits to strengthen integrity mechanisms in PNG.

Maroons coach Billy Slater said the decision to leave Game One 'super sub' Selwyn Cobbo out of the side for Game Two came down to the fact the Broncos flyer is 'not quite 100 per cent at the moment.' Cobbo played 73 minutes in the backline after coming off the bench in Sydney but will miss the clash in Melbourne with Kurt Capewell returning to the side instead as a bench utility. "Selwyn has been playing with injections and I thought it was best thing for him personally and best for the team for him to have a rest," Slater said on Monday. "The Broncos have a bye this weekend and I’m pretty sure if the Broncos were playing this weekend he wouldn’t be playing for them." "He has just turned 22 and sometimes we forget these guys are still young men developing physically, they are still developing their game and building that consistency in their game." "I felt this was the right thing for Selwyn to have a break and he’ll be playing in a Maroons jersey before we know it again." Capewell will make his first Origin appearance since Game 3, 2022, and brings a wealth of experience to the Maroons bench. "Kurt has great versatility in his game, he has never let Queensland down," Slater said. "He was playing extremely well before he hurt his calf a month ago and I love the actions and the habits he has in his game. He's had two games back [from injury] and he's nice and healthy and looking forward to Kurt getting back out there in a Maroons jersey." In a huge positive for the Maroons. superstar fullback Reece Walsh will return for Game Two, with Slater having no concerns about the 21-year-old having no game time since he was knocked out in the series opener. "Reece has got clearance, he’s good. There was no thought to staying with Hamiso at fullback," Slater said. "Reece is Queensland fullback right now, Hammer is Queensland centre right now." "I saw a fair bit of form in Reece’s preparation [for Game One] and I'm looking forward to helping him go after that preparation again." "There is plenty to come in Hammer's game and I’m excited about helping him get there. His teammates have a responsibility to bring him into the game and we’ve got 10 days to work out how we do that." Eels forward J'maine Hopgood is out with a back injury that kept him out of Parramatta's clash against the Roosters on Saturday, with veteran forward Felise Kaufusi set for his 16th Origin appearance after being named on the bench. "Felise is a wonderful player. I played in a premiership winning team with Felise, I played for Queensland alongside him, he makes his footy team better," Slater said. "He did a great job in Game One to come on the field and perform the way he did as 18th man. "He has been a big part of this Queensland team over a number of years and now he gets his opportunity to prepare knowing he is going to be playing and he has really earned that," Another Maroons stalwart Dane Gagai – who played 22 Origins between 2015 and 2022 – has earned a return to the representative arena as 18th man, while Heilum Luki and Trent Loiero have been named in the extended squad as reserves.

The newly elected Member for Maprik Open Electorate, Liberth Kapris and re- elected Member for Sohe Open Electorate Henry Amuli, were officially sworn into the National Parliament this morning by the Speaker of Parliament, Job Pomat. The new Maprik MP contested under the People’s First Party led by Member for Yangoru-Saussia Richard Maru, while Amuli was re-elected after a by- election where he contested under the PANGU Pati banner. Amuli thanked all who have been supporting him since he got elected in 2017, up to 2022 and in this by-election. “This is important for me and the people of Sohe. The people of Sohe have been missing out on services in the last few years and I’ve been going in and out of court, knowing I will still return for my people of Sohe.” Amuli also appealed to those candidates who were in the race to stand with him and serve the people of Sohe together. “After this swearing-in, we will go into swearing-in DDA members next, and we will go into full swing to continue to serve our people of Sohe.” Meanwhile, Kapris assumes the Open seat following the sudden death of his father, the late Gabriel Kapris last year. Kapris said that to be elected as the new member for Maprik open is a real honor. “I would like to express my heart felt gratitude to the people of Maprik who have entrusted me with this great responsibility.” “I am aware of the challenges and expectations that comes with this role, but I am committed to serve the interest of the people with integrity, diligence and dedication.” “With collaboration and innovation, and effective governance, we can unlock the full potential of our district and create a brighter future for our people and the future generation to come.” Kapris also pledged to uphold the trust and confidence that’s placed in him to serve his people and build a prosperous future for the people of Maprik. The swearing in ceremony was witnessed by Prime Minister James Marape and other Government MPs. The two MPs joined the Government side and now increase the number of MPs in the Government to 77.

The Opposition has expressed grave concerns regarding serious criminal allegations levelled against Police Commissioner David Manning, who has been accused by the alleged rape victim in a video that has been widely circulated. In light of the victim coming forward, the Opposition feels it is necessary for Commissioner Manning to voluntarily step aside while allowing an independent and competent organ of law to clear him. The Opposition noted that now is not the time to express skepticism toward the victim, but sympathy, that a heinous crime has allegedly been committed by the head of Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) – an institution that is supposed to prosecute crime and protect victims in such instances. There is no statute of limitations on the crime of rape, hence the Justice system must ensure the matter is properly processed. The alleged victim in the video, claims she has been intimidated and is understandably fearful of the head of the police force. As it is widely known and understood, victims of sexual abuse often conceal their abuse for years and sometimes never expose the trauma they face due to fear of intimidation and to avoid further suffering or fear of retaliation from the perpetrator. These allegations reflect on the Office of the Police Commissioner has the potential of demeaning the Office. The Opposition also denounced the termination of the investigating officer in which the public can see as “an attempt to undermine the rule of law and pervert the course of justice”. It is hardly coincidental that the police officer who was assisting the alleged victim is somehow found guilty of malpractice and has been terminated from the force. These actions suggest that every effort is being made to suppress justice by elements within the Police Force itself. The Opposition calls on the Prime Minister to initiate an independent investigation into both the claims of the victim and the termination of Detective Pokiapon to determine if there is a case or not. Commissioner Manning must be stood down pending the outcome of the inquiry. Now that the matter is widely known in the country and potential outside the country, considerable harm has been brought on the office of the Commissioner and the RPNGC. The Opposition also calls on Prime Minister James Marape to act swiftly on this matter.

Highlighting their commitment to bolstering sports and communities nationwide, Vodafone PNG officially announced yesterday, Tuesday 11th June, its naming rights platinum sponsorship of K250, 000 of the Capital Rugby Union (CRU) 2024 season- as the Vodafone Champion Match between the traditional rival competition in Lae and Port Moresby respectively. Vodafone PNG Head of Marketing Ben George said the sponsorship encompasses both the male and female rep teams, live rep game broadcast, comprehensive analysis, player insights and behind the scenes content directly accessible from Vodafone’s social platforms. George said, “This partnership signifies Vodafone’s pivotal role in advancing the sport, from grassroots levels to premier competitions. By leveraging the power of global brand with cutting-edge technology, Vodafone pledges to elevate fan engagement through exclusive mobile content, ensuring enthusiast remain abreast of the game’s excitement in real-time.” Capital Rugby Union President, Mr. Kori Chan said this partnership not only represents Vodafone’s commitment to supporting grassroots game in Papua New Guinea, but also from a CRU perspective, it’s the importance about honouring and respecting the traditional pathway to earn the right to wear a certain jersey whether you’re a male or female. Mr. Chan said this pathway is very critical, particularly if they want to improve the national games or the national teams. “We are incredibly honoured to welcome Vodafone PNG as a naming rights sponsor for our CRU representative teams. Their support will significantly impact the development of rugby union in the nation’s capital and in PNG by helping us to rebuild and strengthen our traditional pathways toward national representation." This sponsorship by Vodafone PNG is vital for the growth and development of rugby in PNG. As the Naming Rights Sponsor, Vodafone PNG’s support is designed to help rebuild the traditional pathway toward becoming a PNG Pukpuk, Palai or Cassowary. Pepsi Moni Plus CRU carries on the tradition of the Boromas and Gaigais, historic representative teams of Port Moresby Rugby, now joined by NiuPower CRUW competition and the Hanenamos and Magias. "We look forward to the Vodafone PNG Challenge Cup as it will be a significant event for our teams," stated Chan. "It's an excellent opportunity to showcase the talent and hard work of our players." This sponsorship aims to restore the traditional pathway to becoming a PNG Pukpuk or Cassowary/Palai, which has been lost under previous and current administrations. The sponsorship will ensure fairer selection processes and stronger national teams, benefiting the entire rugby community. “This partnership will bring significant benefits to our players, coaches, sponsors and the broader rugby community, strengthening our efforts to develop future national representatives,” said Chan.

The Flexible, Open and Distance Education (FODE) will host a total of 8, 300 students nationwide to sit for the grade 12 mid-semester exams in the first week of July. FODE Principal Mr. Anthony Rayappan said, the idea for the students to take up the mid-semester exams is for students to apply through the DHERST online portal to the tertiary intuitions. “This is a very good thing because, the FODE grade 12 students were considered as Non-School Leavers and now this time, they are considered as School Leavers, and they will be considered in the online DHERST selection system.” Mr. Rayapan added that, all these students are from the 22 FODE centers across the country. Meanwhile, the Flexible, Open and Distance Education is the dedicated entity that offers open and distance learning pathway as an integral part of the National Education System. It comes under the FODE and Inclusive Education Division of the Department of Education. It is a School at home, where students study the same secondary education curriculum in their own time, in their own homes, and at their own pace. The main objectives of FODE are: - To improve access to higher education - To increase gross enrolments (GER) - To provide opportunities for lifelong learning

The Bintangor Goroka Lahanis winger Amos Kafare has been suspended by the Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition (PNGNRLC) Judiciary for 3 years after pleading guilty to detrimental conduct. The Match Review Committee referred the player directly to the Judiciary to determine the appropriate penalty. The incident occurred in the match against WNBPG Kimbe Cutters earlier this season. The player was sent off from the field. He was charged with detrimental conduct which involved him making a deliberate and unnecessary contact with a match official. He is suspended for three years and is not eligible to play in any sanctioned competition until after 28 April 2027. General Manager of Pathways and Performance Tony Archer explained, “This type of behaviour towards our match officials is an extremely serious matter.” “They should never be treated in this manner, as a game and organization we will never tolerate it.” "The independent judiciary process reinforced this position. We have worked closely with the club since the incident. I would like to commend the club for how they have dealt with this matter.” “Amos immediately pleaded guilty and sought time, which was granted to prepare a submission knowing the large penalty he was facing. That is the reason for the delay and Amos has not played since the incident,” Archer said. A focus of the 2024 season has seen an increase vigilance on foul play in the competition. In the first 8 rounds over 60 players have been charged and suspended with various on-field offences. “We will continue to work hard on identifying foul play incidents in matches. We have seen the referees correctly sin bin and send off several players for foul play incidents,” said Archer. He added that many of these incidents occur because of the tackling technique they are using. Archer said, “Dave Westley from our team is working closely with clubs and players to improve this. We will continue to develop the skills of our coaches and players through education whilst still holding players responsible for their on-field action.”

A 10-member team of volunteer medical professionals from Australia, the PNG Angels, on their 7th mission to Papua New Guinea (PNG), were at the Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) recently from the 3rd to the 7th of June performing 18 life-saving surgeries. This team consisting of neurosurgeons, nurses and anesthetists, operated on 4 children and 14 adults, addressing spine and brain tumor cases. Also joining the team was PMGH’s very own neurosurgeon, Dr. Benjamin Thomas, who travelled into the country from Sydney where he is doing a 6-month course. Neurosurgeon, Founder and Director of PNG Angels, Dr Marc Coughlan, said he was keen to work in collaboration with the local neurosurgical team and that his emphasis was helping with surgeries as well as training and upskilling the staff in areas such as intensive care, the ward, and in theater. “So, we've sort of expanded it to try and do all facets and not just come and operate, but to also help with the post-op care. So, I'd really like to just thank the local theatre team in particular for accommodating us. A lot of other theatres were moved so that we could accommodate up to about 18 surgeries this week and the logistics were phenomenal,” he stated. Acknowledging the support of the PNG Angels on behalf of the neurosurgical unit, Dr Benjamin Thomas said he was grateful to the team for the one week spent at PMGH. “I am so grateful for the team from Sydney, they sacrificed one week of their time to work in PMGH. It's a lot. It's a big charity that they've given back to PNG people and to the hospital. We are so appreciative of their efforts to come over,” he stated. On behalf of the management, Dr Henao Asa, Clinical Governance Chairman, acknowledged the support and commitment of the PNG Angels as well as highlighted the importance of collaboration with the increase in patients at the hospital. “From PMGH, from the management, we are committed to maintaining a safe, pleasant, and healthy environment for our staff, our patients, and our visitors, including healthcare, generally, at PNG. From our side, from the management side, we are showing that we are here to support. But on behalf of our management, your presence here is a testament to the spirit of collaboration. We are honored to have you with us,” he stated. He also emphasized on PMGH’s strategy being centered on providing quality healthcare for the population of PNG as well as its vision’s alignment to National Health Plan 2021-2030 in achieving the Government’s Vision 2050. The #PNGAngels, an Australian-registered charity dedicated to providing volunteer medical services to PNG, not only carried out these crucial surgeries but also supplied essential medical equipment and training to the local healthcare professionals. This mission underscores their commitment to enhancing the medical capabilities and improving the future of healthcare in our region.

A lot of comments by teachers and the public on the issue of teachers’ 3% have been noted. Minister for Education Lucas Dekena assured the teachers that it is a real deal signed as a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) by the Papua New Guinea Teachers’ Association on behalf of the Teachers, Teaching Service Commission on behalf of the Government and witnessed by the Department of Personal Management Secretary on behalf of the State. “That MOA is legally binding." "It has not been politicized nor is it neither a lie, nor a myth as quoted in the National and circulated even on social media.” The truths of the matter are these: · That the MOA was signed after the 2024 budget was handed down. This meant Treasury had to look for and secure money to effect the MOA · That has been done and Finance Department started work on getting the teachers paid through the ALESCO pay system. · However, in view of the January 10th, 2024, unrest due to a glitch at Alesco Teaching Service Commission and Pay Roll Division of the Department of Education requested for a Test Run to Verify all teachers’ salaries before the final run. · The Test run was done and verified but there was a glitch. Finance Department was informed and is working on verifying the anomalies to avoid a glitch for the teachers to be paid. “Let me assure the teachers that the MOA is binding, and you will be paid your 3% CPI increment and allowances as the verification is completed. Finance Department is working to input all information into the ALESCO Payroll for payments to be made.” “As Minster for Education I wish to take this time to thank you the forever hard-working teachers for your patience, tolerance, and understanding in respecting the processes involved in implementing the MOA on the Determination of Salaries and Allowances for teachers in the Teaching Service from 2023 to 2025.” He also acknowledged the undivided support given by Departments of Personnel Management, Finance, and Treasury to Teaching Service Commission and the Department of Education in ensuring the Implementation of the MOA is effected. “In conclusion I wish to reiterate that the 3% pay rise and the payment of allowances to teachers from 2023 to 2025 is neither a pack of lies nor a myth, nor is it politicized as speculated. It is legally binding through the signed MOA and the teachers will be paid.”

With much disagreement thrown on the floor of Parliament this afternoon, from both the Government and the Opposition sides respectively, the Speaker of Parliament and Chairman of the Private Business Committee, Job Pomat said, out of the 5 technical requirements for a motion of a Vote of No Confidence, another error was found on the notice number 4 of the Alternate Government's VoNC. He said, the defect in number 5 of the technical requirements was due to submission of names which was written with the last names of the candidate put first instead of the candidate's first names. The Opposition disagreed with the ruling made by the Speaker and when the speaker asked for a motion to be made in regard to the Notice of the VONC to not be placed on the Notice Paper in what would have been Thursday's sitting, the Opposition walked out of Parliament. The Motion for the notice of VONC not to be on the notice paper tomorrow was voted for with members of Government voting 69 to 0. There will be no Vote of No Confidence tomorrow and Parliament has been adjourned to September 3rd , 2024 at 2pm in the afternoon.