After the successful completion of the Grade 10 and 12 National Examinations, 125, 000 Grade 8 students from 3, 433 Primary Schools nationwide will commence their exams come Monday 23rd October, including the Kido Primary School in Central province. Kido Primary School Headmaster, Mr. Douglas Bonani said preparations for the exams have gone well without any hiccups experienced. He said, the external invigilator from Manumanu Primary School will arrive on the island before tomorrow. “As a representative of the Division Education to the examinations, a teacher from Manumanu Primary School is coming to be the external invigilator.” Mr. Bonani said for his school, they have a total of 25 students who will sit for the Grade 8 National Examinations. He said that the initial number was 26 but due to one student withdrawing from the 2023 academic year, they only have 25 students for the remainder of the year. “All examination booklets were intact upon delivery at Lealea village and were then transported by dingy to the school,” said Mr. Bonani. “All examination booklets arrived on Thursday afternoon and were delivered by Superintendent professional Mr. Bill Baws.” The timetable for the exams is as follows: · Monday- Written Expression Exam · Tuesday- Mathematics- Numeracy Skills · Wednesday- Combined Subjects · Thursday- Language paper 2 As Headmaster for Kido Primary School, Mr. Benoni also extended his best wishes to all the Grade 8 students nationwide who will sit for this week’s exams.

Like many health facilities around the country facing drug shortage, the Alotau Urban Clinic in the Milne Bay province is facing the same problem. Alotau Urban Clinic Health Extension Officer, Mr. Adam Sause said they often send their patients to the pharmacies to buy their drugs because basic drugs always run out fast. “We currently have very short supplies of basic drugs like Panadol and Amoxicillin because many of the people who come in need these basic drugs." Mr. Sause said, the drugs don’t last a month due to the number of patients they get on a daily basis. “We receive up to 60 to 70 patients a day and the supply of drugs they get is not enough.” He further stated that due to the wet weather, they are treating many of their patients with weather related illnesses with the basic drugs. “We have plenty of people who come in and we treat them with Panadol and amoxicillin because of the flu and headaches. Malaria is also a common case that we get to treat every day.” However, the good news Mr. Sause said is that they should expect the next shipment of medial drugs by the end of this month, which is just a couple of weeks away.

Making his debut in front of his mother, big brother, relatives and PNG rugby league fanatics at the Santos National Football Stadium on Sunday, Judah Rimbu said it is a great blessing to wear the Kumul jersey and represent his home land. Rimbu said, with instructions from Coach Holbrook to not stress and just do his job on the field, the young bloke did what he did and displayed a tremendous set of footy in in front of a cheerful crowd. “It’s an honor for me to debut in front of my family." "I’m just so grateful that I made my debut and we got a win as well.” He said, before he even put the jersey on, he got chills running through his skin and already had the extra energy from just hearing the news. “Running out in front of my home crowd gave me that extra energy and boost to help my boys and work as team to get that win.” Rimbu added that if he gets a call up for their next match, he will need to work hard and improve on somethings before their clash against Fiji, especially to attempt to put a try. “I wanted to score a try but was disallowed for the 2 tries." "But hopefully next time when coach gives me an opening to play with Fiji.” [caption id="attachment_46384" align="aligncenter" width="2546"] Leading the Defense - PC: Nigel-Francis Mado[/caption] Rambu is also calling out to all young talented boys and girls to work hard kif they want to see their dreams come through. “If you have to sacrifice, you have to." "If you have to let go of your friends to get to where you want to be, you have to make that move." "Just keep your head down and work hard." "Dreams are free!”

Ms Wavie Kendino Leki has been appointed as the Head of Office for Dentons Papua New Guinea as of the 8th of January 2024. Wavie started at Dentons as an Associate in 2013, moving up the ranks before spending the last 12 months as Head of Legal and Company Secretary for ANZ in Papua New Guinea. Wavie specialises in Banking and Finance law, with particular experience in conveyancing and property law, probate, energy, and resources, corporate, government and state-owned enterprises, employment law and general commercial law matters. Wavie will simultaneously continue her practice as a Partner in Dentons’ PNG Commercial team. Current Head of Office, Stephen Massa, will continue as the Senior Partner for Dentons’ PNG office. Dentons Chief Operating Officer, Maureen Migliazzo said, “I am delighted we have been able to welcome Wavie back to Dentons as Head of Office.” “Dentons has had a presence in PNG for over 50 years and is the leading law firm in that country.” “Wavie is a local Port Moresby woman who is passionate about the Dentons brand.” “Her unique experience and perspectives will be extremely valuable for the team and I’m excited to see where she takes the PNG office next.” “I would like to thank Stephen Massa for his dedication during his time as Head of Office.” “Stephen is a highly experienced lawyer with significant PNG expertise, so it’s wonderful to have him continue as Senior Partner for the team.” Commenting on her appointment, Ms. Kendino Leki said, “It is an incredible honour and privilege for me to be given the opportunity as a young PNG woman to take on the baton from my remarkable mentor Stephan Massa and lead Dentons PNG into this exciting new growth phase for PNG and the firm.” She further stated that she is thrilled and grateful to be joining the Dentons partnership and she is looking forward to working with Stephen as Senior Partner.

The Papua New Guinea Kumuls outclassed the Cook Islands Aitu in a smashing 46-10 triumph with Nene Macdonald setting a new record for the Kumuls with a 4-try assist here in the Nation’s capital at the Santos National Football Stadium on Sunday. With the first 40 minutesa ticking away, the Kumuls seemed to enjoy ball possession with center Zac Laybutt scoring their first try followed by wing Robert Derby adding more points with only 12 minutes into the game. The Cooks pushed for attempts but were unsuccessful at all in the first half of the match. [caption id="attachment_46349" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Cook Island Skipper Brad Takairangi & Team mates - PC: Nigel-Francis Mado[/caption] But the Kumuls did not stop and saw doubles by Epel Kapinias and Valentine Richard take the home boys further infornt and impossible for the Cooks to catch up. With seconds left on the clock, a runaway by Alex Johnston got the crowd of their feet’s with Zac Laybutt assisting at the end to secure the Kumuls 30-0 at first half. Coming into the second half of the match, Nene Macdonald secured 2 tries for his side within a tiem frame of just 2 minutes. Though the Cooks lost halfback Tevin Arona to a neck injury during the first minute of the game, the Cooks broke off the first half rhythm and pout their first try by Esom Loka. Given that restoration of pride, Cooks wing Steven Masters scored their second taking them to 46-10 at full time. [caption id="attachment_46350" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Kumuls skipper Laybutt getting running repairs - PC: Nigel-Francis Mado[/caption] Cook Islands Coach Karmichael Hunt said, though the result was not what they were after, they still had the determination to pull through. “Though we lost, we had a lot of positives come out off that because we had 6 debutants who were really good for us.” He further stated that, they will have to get boys from New Zealand or Australia to replace the ones with injuries. Meanwhile, PNG Kumuls Coach Justin Holbroke said, though the boys got away with the win, they still need to work on being more consistent as they prepare to go up against Fiji in their next match.

A great comeback from the women in blue as Fetu Samoa ran away with a thrilling 26-12 victory over Fiji Bulikula at the Santos National Football Stadium on Sunday. As temperatures rose to great heat, the ladies from Fiji went with their first opportunity to score their first try by cowboys NRLW player Vatalina Naikore. Fiji tried to push forward to score more tries, ball handling was not so good for the Fiji side despite having much less experience in their squad than Samoa, that soon saw the ball return to Samoa which ended in the hands of Eels wing Lindsay Tui settling both teams at 4-4. Soon after a tireless defense with 13 minutes left on the clock, Samoa took the chance to take the lead with Taylor Mapusua running from the corner to put a clear try followed by a successful conversion by five-eight Pauline-Piliae Rasabale. Annetta-Claudia Nu’uausala secured her another pointer for her just before the end of the first half. Coming back with more energy and power, Lindsay Tui scored herself a double and not just far, Fiji broke the ice with a tremendous catch by Naikore herself to secure a double for her side followed by a back-back try by Aliti Namoce. Despite Samoa ending the final minutes with a sin bin for center Petesa Lio, try scoring machine Mapusua [caption id="attachment_46341" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Fetu Samoa Player Being Tackled By Fiji Bulikula Defenders - PC: Nigel-Francis Mado[/caption] got away with a double to end the game on a high note in front of a cheerful crowd. Fetu Samoa Coach Jamie Soward said, the Fiji side started well despite loosing Destiny Mino-Sinapati and one sin bin, the girls still stuck at it and won. “It was a great game. Great experience to be over here in a rugby league nation." "Great to see that Fetu Samoa is back on the map and I got a special bunch of group of girls and staff that worked hard and tirelessly for it.” Fetu Samoa captain Niall Williams-Guthrie said, despite the late come back, they still made it through. “Though we had a little surge in the back of the game, the girls still stuck tight and we got away with the win.” Meanwhile, Fiji Bulikulas Assistant Coach and former Fiji Bati mentor Shane Morris said, they had a game plan and this was the first time the girls played together as team. Overall, Shane said he is proud of his side’s performance. “It was a bit conky at stages but overall, I am very proud of the girls and what we’ve done." "Samoa is a very good team and going up against most NRLW players and I think we controlled what we came here to do and we did it.” He further stated that, they will continue to do better going forward as they work towards the 2024 games.

The Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) has finalised the Team PNG contingent for the 2023 Solomon Islands Pacific Games through its Justification Committee. Team PNG will compete in 20 sports, involving a team of 520, including athletes, officials, management, and medical staff. From an initial roster of 24 sports, Rugby 9s, Judo, Sailing, have been excluded, and most recently, Karate, also has been excluded. The decision on Karate is being appealed by the sport to the PNG Sports Dispute Tribunal. Sports endorsed as part of Team PNG to participate at the Pacific Games include: Athletics, Basketball (5x5 and 3x3), Beach Volleyball, Bodybuilding, Boxing, Golf, Hockey, Indoor Volleyball, Football, Netball, Powerlifting, Rugby 7s, Rugby Touch, Swimming, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Tennis, Triathlon, Va’a and Weightlifting. The PNGOC through its fundraising events and sponsorship program, is making every effort to fundraise and secure funds, including government grant to meet Team PNG’s participation budget of K5.3million based on a Team size of 520. The cost per participant to the 2023 Pacific Games stands at approximately K10,000 covering airfares, uniforms, perdiems, insurance, and medicals. National Federations have been levied K2,000 per athlete and official based on their team size, while PNGOC handles the remaining K8,000. All National Federations were given one year notice on the levy fee in November 2022 in order to plan and fundraise on behalf of their athletes and officials. In collaboration with the Minister for Sports and PNG Sports Foundation, the PNGOC aims to secure the Government Grant to meet its participation budget and reduce the levy burden on National Federations. Team PNG’s preparation is supported by Kumul Consolidated Holdings (KCH) through its contribution of K2million, where K1million was received in 2021 and K1million in 2023. The PNGOC extends its gratitude to KCH for its contribution and hopes to secure additional funds to support the final preparations of 32 squads (men, women and mixed teams) across 20 sports that make up Team PNG.

Tickets are on sale now at the J-Mart Supermarket Erima, Santos NFS Ticket sales office and you can purchase your ticket online at www.tiketmastas.com.pg for the first week of the 2023 Pacific Rugby League Championships here at the Santos National Football Stadium. The first match will see the Samoa women’s take on Fiji at 12:45pm and the main event will see the home boys “PNG Kumuls” take on Cook Islands at 3:00pm. The Kumuls side will see Jack de Belin make his Test debut at lock for Justin Holbrook's side and joins Dragons teammate Dan Russell and Titans prospect Jacob Alick in the forward pack. Storm centre Justin Olam is the major omission from the 17 msn team and is under an injury cloud, but has been included in the wider squad, with Zac Laybutt and Rodrick Tai named in the centres. Alex Johnston moves from his usual spot on the wing to line up at fullback. Edwin Ipape is serving a one-game suspension from the RFL and has not been named.

Air Niugini is pleased to announce that the Fokker jet operations to Madang airport has resumed as of this morning, Tuesday 10th October. The National Airports Corporation resumed jet services after the NAC repaired a small portion of the airport runway that was damaged by the earthquake. On the 9th October, Air Niugini downgraded its flights to Madang by using only Dash 8s before resuming jet operations today. Safety is always of paramount importance in Air Niugini’s operations.

A delegation from Papua New Guinea (PNG), including senior officers from central government agencies, and a model vanilla farmer, recently visited Madagascar on an 11-day exposure visit, to learn from Madagascar's vanilla industry sector. The exposure visit was arranged and supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), as part of the European Union-funded STREIT PNG Programme, aimed at promoting the development of vanilla value chain in Papua New Guinea. The visit included meetings with senior officials in Madagascar from the Department of Agriculture and Department of Trade and Industry, private enterprises, and vanilla farmers, as well as visits to various sites, such as vanilla gardens, processing facilities, testing and certification laboratories, and export facilities. They also learned about the challenges and opportunities faced by the vanilla industry in Madagascar, such as climate change, threat of pests and diseases, price volatility, quality standards, traceability, certification, and market access. The delegation expressed their interest in considering the application of some of the best practices and lessons learned, especially on the policy and legislation required for strengthening the vanilla sector from Madagascar to their own context in Papua New Guinea. Mr. Floyd Lala, Director of the National Authorizing Officer Support Unit at DNPM, reflected on the enlightening visit, stating, "After visiting Madagascar, I've gained valuable insights into their success as the world's leading vanilla producer.” “PNG, contributing just 3-4% of global vanilla production, holds immense untapped potential." "From a government perspective, we have a lot to improve upon, particularly in terms of the policies and regulations governing the vanilla sector." "We need to establish necessary standards to significantly boost production.” Mr. Nicodemus Mainga, a model farmer from East Sepik Province, was amazed by the valuable skills and knowledge he acquired during the visit to Madagascar. “I learned a lot about how Madagascar grows its top-quality vanilla, making them the best in the world." "This visit was super helpful for me as a farmer." "Now, I can share these techniques with my fellow farmers in PNG, so we can also make vanilla as good as Madagascar's." "It's a win-win for us, and I'm really happy I came to visit Madagascar.” FAO Senior Agricultural Officer, Mr. Rabi Rasaily, said that the exposure visit was a valuable learning experience for the delegation and that it would help them improve their knowledge and skills in vanilla production and processing, but most importantly, to formulate good governing policies, regulations and standards that protect producers and traders.

The Head Coach of the SP PNG Hunters, Stanley Tepend, has regretfully advised the club that he is leaving for personal reasons because he no longer feels that he can give the role the attention it deserves. The SP PNG Hunters Board and Management have reluctantly accepted the resignation of the Head Coach. Though the SP PNG Hunters Board and Management are disappointed to see Coach Tepend go, the team and players have passed on their thanks to him for his services over the past few years with the Hunters and for his long-term involvement in Papua New Guinea (PNG) Rugby League as a whole. Tepend served as an Assistant Coach of the SP PNG Hunters during the 2022 QRL Hostplus Cup season before taking over as Head Coach for the 2023 competition. The SP PNG Hunters Chief Executive Officer and Football Committee have already begun the process of securing a new Head Coach for the upcoming season and are confident all processes will be in place before preparations begin for their 2024 QRL Hostplus Cup campaign.

Tui Kamikamica will take on a leading role after the Melbourne Storm forward was named to Captain the Fiji Bati side at the upcoming Pacific Rugby League Championship. Kamikamica has gone on to become a mainstay in his homeland’s squad since his representative debut in 2016, recording 16 appearances in the blue jersey in both International Test and World Cup formats, but this will mark the first time the 29-year-old will lead his country on-field. Fiji's will open their Pacific Championships campaign on October 22 when they take on Cook Islands in Port Moresby before facing hosts Papua New Guinea the following week on October 29. 2023 Pacific Championships Schedule Week One – October 14-15 Australia v Samoa (men) at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville Australia v New Zealand (women) at Queensland Country Bank Stadium Townsville PNG v Cook Islands (men) at Santos Stadium, Port Moresby Samoa v Fiji (women) at Santos Stadium, Port Moresby Week Two – October 21-22 New Zealand v Samoa (men) at Eden Park, Auckland New Zealand v Tonga (women) at Eden Park, Auckland Fiji v Cook Islands (men) at Santos Stadium, Port Moresby PNG v Cook Islands (women) at Santos Stadium, Port Moresby Week Three – October 28-29 Australia v New Zealand (men) at AAMI Park, Melbourne Australia v New Zealand (women) at AAMI Park, Melbourne PNG v Fiji (men) at Santos Stadium, Port Moresby Week Four – November 4-5 The Final of the men’s Pacific Cup tournament on November 4 in Hamilton, New Zealand The Final of the men’s Pacific Bowl tournament on November 5 at Santos Stadium, Port Moresby Source: melbournestorm.com.au