Paula DAVID

A murder suspect who had been on the run since February has been arrested after a dawn raid was conducted by Madag Police officers. The murder suspect was alleged to have murdered a man from Jiwaka province in February. Madang Provincial Police Commander Superintendent David Seine Jr said police officers were quick to respond to information provided by some good community leaders that led to the apprehension of the alleged murder suspect and four others at the Public Tank outside Madang town. He said the suspect was on the run after he was allegedly involved in the murder of the late Jayson Poli of Roku village in the Anglimp South Waghi District in Jiwaka province on February 25, 2023. He said the suspect was murdered during a fight between Tari and Sepiks at the Metro Bridge in Jiwaka. “The suspect was at the Line Saksak House Boy when the composite team of Task Force and CID officers apprehended him and the others between 3 to 5 am in the morning on Thursday, March 16. He is now detained in the cell while the others were cautioned and discharged. "According to police records the murder suspect was also one of those involved in the murder of a Malaysian National at the Public Tank in 2020. He was arrested, charged and convicted by the National Court on December 18, 2022,” PPC Seine said. He said police will have to confirm why he is out after being convicted and has now allegedly murdered again. PPC Seine thanked his officers who did the dawn raid and successfully apprehended the suspect. He said such people are a threat to the community and they should be caught and put in prison where they belong.

The NCD Schools Rugby League Association will kick of its 2023 season a week after its initial starting date in the month of April. President Arnold Gende said, before the season kicks off, they will have a tour of the participating 4 schools and all interested must attend the meeting because important agendas will be discussed. “Schools from the Moresby North East side are to meet with his team and the PNGRFL Officials at Gordons Secondary, Moresby North-West will meet at POM National High School, Motu Koita schools to meet at Hagara Primary school and all Moresby South schools taking part are to meet at Kilakila Sec School.” One of the major requirements for schools who wish to take part is for each student to submit either their NID or Birth Certificate along with registration forms. “Every student must submit their NID or birth certificates along with their first term school report cards that should be attached with their registration forms and handed in to their teachers to be submitted to the NCD Schools Rugby League team at NFS during the first term break.” He added that, all teachers must correctly put their students in the correct age groups which is why they request these important documents to make sure fair play at all levels is empahzised . These also includes a grade of 60% or above for each student to get in their Term 1 report in order to participate in the 2023 season. Mr. Gende said, these is to ensure that every child who wants to take part must be do well in class as well as on the field. “That’s why, every student must submit their registration forms along with their term 1 report card and NID or Birth certificate.” He is also calling for all schools taking part in the NCD Schools rugby League competition to at least submit a girls’ team. “Last year’s completion saw a good number of girl’s teams and is now urging other schools who did not submit a girls’ team last year to submit at least one team and field them in so that girls can have a feel of rugby league as it is a great game & also can create a pathway for them if they wish to pursue it.”

An epic 22-22 draw between the SP PNG Hunters and Souths Logan Magpies saw both teams treating the locals at the Logan Metro Football Fields to an intense and competitive 80mins of football on Saturday night. Relying on a power game through the middle, the Hunters hit either side of the ruck as Wesser Tenza directed traffic smartly from dummy-half. Souths-Logan compressed their defensive line to combat the Hunters momentum but couldn’t clean up a clever fifth tackle kick from five-eighth Sakias Komati which forced an error. The Magpies threatened to ride their momentum into the ensuing kick-off set when PNG conceded another brace of penalties. Just as they did last week against the Clydesdales however, the Hunters defended their errors and held firm on their try line. With good line speed and plenty of numbers in the tackle, the Hunters eventually forced an error when the Magpies shifted late in the count. With the scores tied up at 12-12, tempers began to flare as both sides fought for ascendency. Eventually the referee had to intervene when the Magpies Tristan Sailor and the Hunters Sherwin Tanabi were sent to the sinbin midway through the second half. A frantic final 10 minutes followed as both sides desperately searched for the winning play. PNG had the final shot when Souths-Logan conceded a penalty right on the buzzer, but the 45-metre kick proved a stretch too far for the Hunters who had to settled for a 22 all draw despite arguably being the better side throughout. SP PNG Hunters Head Coach Stanley Tepend was optimistic about the result. “It’s a little disappointing not to get the win as I felt, we were probably the better side for most of the game.” “We just gave it away at the end there. We probably could’ve closed the game out a little better when we were in front, but that comes with experience. We’ll learn a lot from that.” Tepend said he was happy to focus on the positives and didn’t want to put the blame on the Hunters missed conversions. “We did have an opportunity at the end there to win it, but we don’t want to complain or focus on those missed conversions. We could’ve done a few other things in the game a bit better – six-agains, cheap turnovers, our discipline - to help control the result.” “There’s still a lot more improvement in us,” the Hunters Head Coach admitted.

After crushing Hostplus Cup new-comers the Western Clydesdales in Round 1 last week, the SP PNG Hunters will take on the Souths-Logan Magpies this afternoon at 6:30pm in the hopes of securing a bac-to-back win. Despite a host of changes to the playing squad and staff, as well as the added challenge of travelling to Toowoomba for that clash, the Hunters made a statement in the 20-10 win. Errors and ill-discipline are commonplace at this stage of the season, but it was the Hunters resilience and effort in defence that most impressed against the Clydesdales. Spine players Sakias Komati, Jamie Mavoko and Morea Morea combined smartly in attack to set up four tries last weekend, and all three will need to be at their best again when they take on the Magpies this afternoon. Souths-Logan also comes into Round 2 off a strong win, having made light work of the Ipswich Jets last weekend in a five-tries-to-three rout. Magpie’s backrower Jesse Jennings was the star of the show, scoring two tries on the edge as Souths-Logan ran away with the win. The Magpies will observe their first home game of the season this afternoon when they host the Hunters. The SP PNG Hunters will make minimal changes to the side that beat the Western Clydesdales in Round 1, with Rodrick Tai (centre) profiling as the most notable inclusion. Tai is a powerful runner of the ball in yardage, a sound defender and a target in the air when attacking the try line. If Komati, Mavoko and Morea can position him smartly in attack and give him enough early ball, Tai will trouble the Magpies edge defenders this afternoon. Tai’s combination with rising star Morea will be one to watch out for this week, too. The young fullback was awarded the Hastings Deering Player of the Match in Round 1 with his footwork and ball playing skills a highlight in the Hunters win. As their combination develops, Morea and Tai could form a lethal partnership on the Hunters right edge in attack. SP PNG Hunters Head Coach Stanley Tepend said while last week’s result was promising, the players are remaining focused. “That was our first Cup game as a group last week and we took a lot of positives from that,” said Tepend. “In saying that, there’s still lots to work on and we’re staying focussed on ourselves this week. Most teams in the Hostplus Cup will have NRL affiliated players dropping back to play, and this week is no different. We’re looking forward to the challenge.” With back-to-back away games to start the season, the Hunters stayed in Brisbane throughout the week, which Tepend said has helped their preparation. Team List 1. Morea Morea, 2. Siki Konden, 3. Benji Kot , 4. Rodrick Tai, 5. Solo Wane, 6. Sakias Komati, 7. Jamie Mavoko, 8. Junior Rop, 9. Wesser Tenza, 10. Epel Kapinias, 11. Sherwin Tanabi, 12. Julius Yakopa, 13. Ila Alu (captain), 14. Judah Rimbu, 15. Tom Moide, 16. Joshua Mire, 17. Valentine Richard, 18. Brandon Nima, 19. Henry Noki, 20. Junior Igila

Gulf Provincial Leaders have renewed their oaths to serve the people of Gulf with more emphasis placed on "going rural." The provincial leaders from Kikori District MP Soroi Eoe, Kerema MP Thomas Opa and Governor Chris Haiveta made their oaths during a small but significant event witnessed by the provincial Asembly members recently in Kerema town. With the focus of the leaders themed “going rural”, the leaders swore oath to ensure that there is unity in their term of leadership with the focus been captured in their plans. Member for Kikori and Minister for the Department of Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs (DPLGA) Hon Soroi Eoe affirmed to the members of the assembly that as elected leaders they will work together. “As members of PANGU PATI and elected leaders of the Gulf Provincial Government it has been our mandate to work together to ensure that our communities are properly assisted and developed”. Minister Eoe cautioned members of the assembly that the rule of law must be followed. “In this term we must follow the rule of law, administrators and advisers must be stationed in their respective LLG’s where our people require service delivery”. Supporting the sentiments from his open member, Gulf Governor Chris Haiveta also challenged members of the assembly to collaborate with all three leaders respectively. “We have made the decision to work together, we have our plans, we have our projects and the challenge now is for the members of the assembly to help us achieve these plans and projects we have set for our people”. Governor Haiveta reaffirmed to the members of the assembly that with the current leadership, people’s voices will be heard.

The member for Kikori Soroi Eoe has taken up the role as acting minister for the Department of Commerce and Industry (DCI) while continuing his mandated duties in the Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs Department as Minister responsible. The National Executive Council (NEC) made the announcement in light of a court decision that declared incumbent Minister Henry Amuli's elections as member of parliament null and void. The NEC directive is solely for stability whilst the Amuli continues to contest a National Court decision. Minister Eoe met with divisional heads of DCI over the weekend for a briefing to discuss the departments current work status. Minister Eoe encouraged his new departmental heads to focus on its mandated task in creating a sustainable socio-economic growth for the country. “DCI plays a vital role in the growth of our country’s economy on a global scale and we must maximise on both our natural and human resources to achieve this”. Minister Eoe commended DCI Secretary David Ganai and senior staff for each providing their respective briefs and pledged his support to ensure issues are identified and addressed in his term as Acting Minister.

Divine Word University’s (DWU) President Father (Fr.) Philip Gibbs challenged 837 graduates to contribute to nation building in PNG through thoughtful decision-making and committed service during the universities 41st graduation ceremony last Friday. He stressed the importance of “pasin diwai”- the duty of care shared by the university and its alum within the workforce and community - and referenced a quote from a farmworker Caesar Chavez which ties it into this notion: “The end of all knowledge is service to all.” Fr. Gibbs stated that graduations is a celebration of not only their achievements but also who they are as individuals and what they want to become during their time of study at the University. The DWU Community is now sending its students to positively contribute and be off service throughout the country and beyond. He reassured the Minister for Higher Education Research Science and Technology, Don Polye that DWU is prepared to work with the ministry for integral human development through higher education. He highlighted saying that “DWU’s commitment as a faith based university which gives added value to the university graduates contribution.” However, he asserted that greater stability in partnership with the government would greatly help in contributing to national objectives. Meanwhile, Minister Polye stressed the need for universities in the country to move towards digitalization in order to meet international standards offered by esteemed universities across the globe.

The SP PNG Hunters have opened their 2023 account with a 20-10 victory over the Western Clydesdales in dull conditions at Clive Berghofer Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The SP PNG Hunters opened the score board by putting the first try and a conversion followed it. Two more tries by the Hunters, but with no conversion. This saw the PNG boys lead 14 to 0. However, just before half- time, the Western Clydesdales score one try to make it a 10 points deference. Both teams went into half- time with 14- 4. The second half was toughly fought out, but the SP PNG Hunters boys had the upper hand, closing the their season opener match with a win. SP PNG Hunters Head Coach Stanley Tepend was delighted with his side’s effort in the trying conditions. “The way we defended our line early on was pleasing,” said Tepend. “They had a few chances to attack our line early with back-to-back sets, but we adjusted to the conditions well and managed to withstand their attacking raids early and get off to a good start.” “To go down the other end and score with our first opportunity in attack was big for us. It was our first game with a number of debutants, but a good start helped to settle the nerves. That was an important win.” Meanwhile, SP PNG Hunters debutant Morea Morea took the Hastings Deering Player of the Match.

Member for Moresby South and Minister for Foreign Affairs Justin Tkatchenko has made it clear that health service is among the top priority areas catered for in his electorate’s new 5 Year District Development Plan. Tkatchenko said health is a big issue in the country and for Moresby South as well. He said the electorate was classed as having the highest TB rates in a district, but thanks to a lot of work and coordination the statistics have gone down. “That is why we are just about to open the new Moresby South District Hospital, which will be a good example for all districts.” The new district hospital will have an equipped eight-bed maternity ward, ten-bed in-patient, X-ray unity, pharmacy, housing for two doctors, housing for nurses on site with ambulance service as well on twenty-four-hour call. “We have Moresby South ambulances. We paid for the ambulances and Saint John Ambulance is with us and were making it happen.” This will ease the load on Port Moresby General Hospital and shorten the distance for many, especially villagers coming from the areas near to the PNG LNG plant site in the Central province seeking medical treatment. Tkatchenko is urging all residents living in and around Moresby South to look after the facility and use it with care as it comes at a great cost.

Mr. Houston Nen from the Southern Highlands province, who is one of the eleven students selected as the new generation of the Kokoda Track Foundation (KTF) Archers Leadership Development program, hopes to maximize its benefits and absorb as much as he can on leadership skills. Nen is a final year student studying to get his bachelor’s degree in Building & Construction at the Papua New Guinea (PNG) University of Technology (UoT). He said, he found out about the program from a couple of his friends who were part of the program and was keen to be part of it, but had to wait to be a final year student in order to be eligible to apply. “I’ve seen how life changing it is for them in terms of building their network, being mentored by professionals that are already in the industry, develop leadership skills that could help then someday and build contacts for job opportunities after school. I mean, that’s pretty exciting and I want that too. I’m very happy that I’m part of this year’s 2023 batch.” Nen hopes to create new pathways, build new contacts and learn as much as he can through KTF’s Archer Leadership Development Program. “I want to expand my network and get to know people from different walks of life. Being at UniTech, I only know students studying in the engineering stream and being here, I’m happy to get to know students from UPNG as well.” Nen also said that through KTF’s mentorship programs for young leaders, he hopes to get the much needed leadership skills and learn as much as he can.

The Kokoda Track Foundation (KTF) in partnership with the PNG Sustainable Development Program (SDP) recently graduated 192 talented and motivated Grade 12 students from Western province who completed studies at their respective Flexible Open and Distance Education (FODE) centres in Balimo, Morehead and St Gabriel’s in North Fly district. This exceptional group of students persevered and succeeded despite numerous setbacks and challenges like the COVID pandemic, the 2022 National General Election and a range of other issues. They resumed their studies as a pathway to new opportunities including further studies at tertiary level, which can open exciting career opportunities for students, like becoming health workers and teachers. The FODE centres aimed to train people from Western province for employment in the province and seeks to complement the efforts by the government on delivering education in Western. It all started in 2019 with 105 students enrolled in Balimo. This year, a total of 775 students enrolled in Balimo, Morehead, Kiunga, and Lake Murray. In 2022 KTF in partnership with PNG SDP opened the Balimo College, an initiative of SDP implemented in partnership with KTF, which offered teacher training and in due course, a school of nursing and other disciplines such as agriculture. The FODE program provides a pathway to Balimo College, which enrolled an initial intake of 37 teacher trainees at the beginning of last year, making it Western Province’s first-ever Teachers College. 36 of those students passed their exams and continued as second-year trainee teachers this year, along with a second intake of 40 first-year trainees. “The growth of Balimo Teachers College has been a great motivator for our FODE students who aspire to become primary teachers,” said SDP’s Director of Education Programs, Dr. Brad Shaw. “We are very pleased to be working with KTF and seeing the successful expansion of our FODE program both in terms of student numbers and geographic coverage.” Meanwhile, the students themselves that graduated had a lot of experiences and stories to share about how they came to be in the FODE centres and eventually making it to the next level. Miss Kelesa Gebone, a graduating student from Balimo FODE centre, shared her experiences and excitement. “Initially, I completed my studies in the village; however, I did not get the required GPA (Grade Point Average) needed to pass and so I enrolled in Balimo FODE to upgrade my marks. Now I have reached my goal and finally will be graduating. I had to paddle one day to reach Balimo just to get to school,” said said. “There were lots of struggles and challenges, but I did not give up. I had lots of restless nights because I want to be somebody in the future. I am also happy that I have been selected to attend the Balimo Teachers College. I am very happy and thankful to SDP.” Another student, Kelakiyato Gogo from Wasua village, has a compelling story. She enrolled in the FODE program in 2020 but had to withdraw due to illness. In 2021, she re-enrolled, only to fall sick again and had to leave school the second time. Last year, when she re-enrolled, she told herself that she can do it and with the support from her husband and the FODE teachers who continued to encourage her journey, she completed her studies and was so delighted to receive the ‘Most Improved’ award for Grade 12. She is currently enrolled as a first-year teacher trainee at Balimo College and said when she completes her studies, she hopes to teach at her husband’s village in Waliama. “I want to encourage those who are starting their FODE journey, if you want to achieve something be committed and make the sacrifice. You will get there,” she said. Grade 12 Dux awardee Maxine Dabema added, “Hard work pays off. Work hard and you will achieve your dreams. Education is precious – we don’t realise it but when you are given a second chance, grab it and make the most out of it.”

Our very own SP PNG Hunters will take on the Kaiviti Silktails in the PacificAus Sports Melanesian Bowl challenge this afternoon at 4:30pm (PNG time) at the Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka in Fiji. The game this afternoon forms part of the Hunters' Queensland Hostplus Cup preparations for round 1 which will kick off on March 11th. The Silktails play in the New South Wales (NSW) Rugby League's Ron Massey Cup, which kicks off on March 18. The Hunters Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Scott Barker said the coming together of both teams was extremely important after last year's inaugural game at the Gold Coast was cancelled due to severe weather. “This game will help show the pathway available to Melanesian players to play elite and semi-elite football,” Barker said. "It was a great disappointment to everyone when last year's game got cancelled.” But, Barker said having the teams come together to celebrate their cultures and share their experiences was invaluable. "Both were based in Australia last year and both doing it pretty tough, so it was great to have the players come together in a room to share their experience. For many, they had come from villages to living here to play," Barker said. The SP PNG Hunters squad list for match this afternoon: Morea Morea Solo Wane Ben Kelly Rodrick Tai Brandon Nima Judah Rimbu Jamie Mavako Junior Rop Wesser Tenza Epel Kapinias Sherwin Tanabi Julius Yakopa Sakias Komati Trevor Solu Siki Konden Tom Moide Joshua Mire Matthew Jesse Sanny Wabo.