Tasminnie ISIMELI

The Papua New Guinea Defence Force says the Commander's Cup is more than a sporting competition, with the tournament providing a platform to strengthen military cohesion, promote healthy lifestyles and build stronger links between the Defence Force and communities.Speaking on behalf of PNGDF Commander Rear Admiral Philip Polewara, Commercial Support Programme and Tournament Director Colonel Thomas Melua said sport has long been part of the Defence Force, helping soldiers develop physical fitness, discipline, resilience and camaraderie.Colonel Melua said the Commander's Cup builds on that tradition by bringing servicemen and women together while also engaging youths and communities.“The Commander's Cup embodies these values. As the only national military sporting event of its kind in PNG, the tournament is more than a competition. It is a platform for nation building, cultural integration and international representation.”He said the tournament also supports the development of a healthy and active society by promoting fitness and encouraging young people to embrace teamwork, discipline and healthy living.For PNGDF personnel, Melua said participation in the competition can also contribute to military preparedness by improving fitness, resilience and injury prevention, while strengthening trust and morale among team members.He said the tournament provides soldiers with opportunities to develop leadership skills through roles as coaches, mentors and captains.The Commander's Cup is also being used to promote cultural integration within the Defence Force, with rugby providing a common platform for soldiers from different regions and cultural backgrounds.“In a country rich in tribal diversity, rugby provides a common ground where soldiers unite under shared military values, transcending regional and cultural differences.”Melua said the tournament also creates opportunities for selected PNGDF players to compete against the Australian Defence Force and other Pacific partners.He said these sporting engagements help strengthen relationships between defence personnel across the region, extending cooperation beyond sport into broader defence relationships and mutual understanding.The tournament also provides a pathway for PNGDF athletes to represent Papua New Guinea at international military competitions.Melua said the Defence Force has a long history of producing athletes who have represented the country internationally, and the Commander's Cup will continue to provide opportunities for the next generation.He said the tournament ultimately demonstrates the PNGDF's role as an institution that can work alongside communities in supporting national development.The Commander's Cup has now progressed to the semi-final stage, with teams competing for a place in the grand final.

The 2026 PNG Defence Force Commander’s Cup has entered its final stage, with the tournament moving into the semi-finals after five rounds of competition.Headquarters is hosting this year’s tournament, which has brought together 10 PNGDF teams competing in a 15-a-side format.Lieutenant-Colonel Francis Vitata said the Commander’s Cup has come a long way since it was first introduced in 2002 as a rugby sevens competition at Igam Barracks in Lae.He said the tournament has since evolved through different formats, including sevens, tens and 15s, becoming an established part of PNGDF sporting culture.“Since its inception, the format has evolved, alternating between sevens, tens and, of course, 15s. Over the years, the tournament has become deeply embedded into the cultural fabric of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force.”This year’s competition features two pools of five teams, with the tournament now moving into the semi-finals on Friday, October 2, before the finals on Monday, October 5.At the end of the five preliminary rounds, Igam Crocs lead the standings on 17 points, followed by FSB Tigers on 16.2RPIR and Basilisk are both on 14 points, while 1RPIR has 12 points.LRRU is on eight points, followed by Headquarters Chiefs and Lombrum Sharks on six points each.Goldie Warriors have one point, while ATW Eagles are yet to register a point.Vitata said the standings will also help determine match winners where teams finish level, with the semi-finals providing a pathway for the top contenders to compete for the major trophies.The semi-final fixtures are scheduled for Friday, with LRRU Troopers taking on Headquarters Chiefs, while 1RPIR is set to face Lombrum Sharks.FSB Tigers will meet 2RPIR Muruks in another key clash, while Igam Crocs will take on Basilisk Marlins.The final stage will feature five matches on Monday, with all participating teams given an opportunity to compete for silverware.The five trophies up for grabs are the Commander’s Cup, Commander’s Cup Plate, Commander’s Cup Bowl, Commander’s Cup Shield and Commander’s Cup Pennant.Vitata said the inclusive format is intended to maintain participation across the teams while reflecting the tournament’s wider focus on unity and collective representation within the PNGDF.

The defending champions, 1134 Igam Crocs, have finished the Commanders Cup pool stage on top of Pool A after beating the Lombrum Sharks 21–10 in Round Five.The result caps off a strong pool-stage campaign for the Crocs, who have now turned their attention to the semi-finals as they look to defend the title they won in the previous competition.For the Crocs, being the defending champions has brought added expectations, but Team Manager and Coach Major Derek Levi says the players have tried to keep their focus on what happens on and off the field.He says the team understands there is pressure to perform, but the message to the players has been to remain humble, disciplined and focused throughout the competition.Major Levi says the Crocs have also been tested by the other units, with the team treating every match as an important challenge rather than looking too far ahead.He says their main goal remains clear, to win the Commanders Cup and retain the title.But for Major Levi, the tournament is about more than simply winning a trophy.He says the competition provides an opportunity for personnel from different PNG Defence Force units to come together, build camaraderie and strengthen relationships through sport.He says the Crocs have been encouraging their players to play hard but maintain good sportsmanship, with rugby bringing everyone together as colleagues and brothers.“It's the unity of camaraderie between us and the other units and the display of sportsmanship,” Major Levi says.He says the team wants to see rugby as the ultimate winner, regardless of which unit takes the trophy at the end of the tournament.The Crocs have also received strong support from their families, friends and former Engineer personnel based in Port Moresby, including supporters from Lae who have continued to follow the team's campaign.Major Levi says that support has been overwhelming and has given the players extra motivation throughout the tournament.As the Crocs prepare for the semi-finals, he says the team's approach remains simple, stick to the game plan, listen to the coach and execute their roles on the field.He says having everyone working towards the same plan has been an important part of the team's performance so far.

Basilisk Marlins have strengthened their push towards the finals of the PNG Defence Force Commanders Cup 2026 after defeating Air Transport Wing Eagles 36–12 in their Round Five match.Petty Officer Peter Waiga says the Marlins have prepared well throughout the competition and are determined to continue their campaign through to the finals.“Currently, this year, the team has been preparing well for the Marlins Cup. We are looking forward to play to the end, to the finals.”Waiga says the competition has been closely contested, with teams across both pools putting up strong performances.The Marlins are also managing some player soreness and injuries, particularly among their front-row players, but Waiga says the team is receiving support from its medical and physiotherapy staff.He also praised the team's physiotherapist, who has been with the Marlins for almost three years, saying she has become an important part of the team.Meanwhile, the ATW Eagles, despite the 36–12 loss, have taken positives from their Commanders Cup campaign, with Sergeant Philip Tivilit highlighting the camaraderie and connections built throughout the tournament.Tivilit says the competition has provided an opportunity for personnel from different units to reconnect with former colleagues and comrades they had not seen for years.“We take Commanders Cup basically like what the commanders have said about Commanders Cup.It's just all about mateship, bringing the soldiering aspect together and try to build a better Defence Force.”He says the tournament has also highlighted areas ATW needs to improve, particularly its understanding of the rules and game structure.“We need to polish up a little bit on the way we played and understand the rules and be sure that in the two years’ time, I think we'll be in a better position to take up the challenge.”Tivilit says sporting events such as the Commanders Cup also create an opportunity for personnel to interact across ranks outside the usual work environment.He thanked the families and supporters who backed the Eagles throughout the tournament, despite the team missing out on a place in the finals.“We want to say thank you to all the families and friends that have been here with us all throughout the week, supporting us.”The Marlins will now await the remaining results as they continue their push for a place in the finals, while ATW Eagles will use the experience to prepare for the next Commanders Cup.

Remington Group said Starlink satellite technology could open new opportunities for internet connectivity in remote parts of Papua New Guinea where conventional telecommunications services have limited reach.Remington Group Chief Information Officer Asanka Dias said satellite connectivity can provide an alternative for communities located outside existing mobile network coverage.He said traditional telecommunications services depend heavily on infrastructure such as towers, while Starlink can provide connectivity in locations where those networks are not available.“With Starlink, they can connect to it everywhere,” Dias said.Dias said Remington is preparing additional solutions to make Starlink practical for remote areas, including solar-powered packages.The planned offering could combine Starlink equipment with chargers and solar panels, allowing users in areas with limited access to electricity to operate the service.Dias said the objective is to extend connectivity to people who currently have limited or no access to LTE and other conventional telecommunications services.Kieseker said satellite technology has an advantage because it does not require the same network of towers and physical infrastructure used by traditional telecommunications providers.“The only thing it needs is power,” Kieseker said.He said Remington is also testing a battery solution capable of providing several hours of continuous Starlink operation, with solar power providing another option for remote users.Kieseker said the technology could also be used to establish community-level internet access.He said a single terminal could potentially connect a large number of devices wirelessly, creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs to provide internet access within their communities.Kieseker said greater access to the internet could also create opportunities for education and access to information.“Sometimes maybe not the best education, but at the end of the day, it puts opportunity into everybody’s hand,” he said.OFC Sales Manager Roshankumar H Singh said the Starlink service will also be combined with OFC’s wider technology and communications capabilities.Singh said OFC is looking beyond simply providing internet access, with plans to bundle Starlink with other communication systems and ICT solutions.He said the approach could make it easier for customers to obtain several technology services through a single provider.“Connectivity is not just connectivity, it is the enablers to many of the sectors out there in PNG,” Singh said.Singh said potential applications extend across sectors including healthcare, government and education.He said PNG’s diverse geography makes connectivity increasingly important beyond the major urban centres.For businesses, Kieseker said Starlink can be used either as a primary internet connection or as a backup to existing services.He said Remington’s ICT capabilities can also support businesses that need Starlink integrated into wider networks.Kieseker said businesses operating across several locations could combine multiple Starlink terminals under one arrangement and share data based on usage.“If you’ve got one branch in Kavieng that isn’t using as much data as the guys in Lae, it’s actually a sharing service,” he said.He said businesses will also be able to adjust their data requirements as their operations change, including increasing capacity during periods of higher demand.Singh said Remington's broader strategy is to use connectivity as an enabler for different sectors rather than treating Starlink as a standalone internet product.Kieseker said the Starlink rollout forms part of Remington’s longer-term expansion into communications and technology.He said the group is also watching developments in satellite-to-mobile technology, which could eventually create further opportunities for connectivity in the Pacific.

Remington Group has entered Papua New Guinea’s Starlink market as an Enterprise reseller, offering customers local billing, installation, technical support and warranty services.Remington Group CEO Justin Kieseker says the Enterprise arrangement gives Remington direct access to SpaceX’s billing portal, allowing it to manage customer accounts from PNG.He says this means customers will be able to pay for their Starlink services locally in kina, rather than relying on international payment gateways or credit cards.“We bill in country, in kina. It’s a direct relationship between us and the customer,” Kieseker said.Customers will be able to make prepaid payments through Remington branches, while eligible business customers can also be offered 30-day accounts subject to credit requirements.Kieseker says Remington will stock Starlink terminals locally and have technical staff available to install and support the equipment.He says the X4 business terminal will be sold at the same price across the country.“Our price will be the same countrywide,” Kieseker said.The terminal will be sold for K1,690 including GST, according to Remington.Kieseker says customers in provincial centres should not have to pay more simply because they live outside Port Moresby.“The guys in Buka shouldn’t be penalised because they’re in Buka,” he said.Remington Group Chief Information Officer Asanka Dias says local customer support will be one of the key differences between Remington and other Starlink suppliers operating in PNG.Dias says customers who purchase equipment through other suppliers may have to rely on Starlink’s online support system and overseas warranty processes.He says Remington will instead provide assistance locally.“If you give a call or if you log a ticket, someone from Port Moresby will be walking to your house or your office,” Dias said.Dias says customers will have a local contact for problems involving their Starlink service, including data plans, connectivity and internet speeds.He says Remington intends to provide support around the clock throughout the year.Kieseker says Remington will also provide local warranty assistance for Starlink equipment.Standard Starlink kits carry a 12-month warranty, while the professional kit has a five-year warranty, according to Kieseker.Dias says Remington can also assist existing Starlink customers who purchased their equipment from overseas or another local supplier.He says eligible terminals can be mapped to Remington, allowing the business to provide local customer service and monitor the devices.Remington says its support team will also be able to provide customers with usage and performance reports to help them manage their services.Kieseker says the Starlink service will be available through Remington’s technology and retail operations, with further expansion planned across PNG.He says the business is also preparing to take the Starlink offering into Solomon Islands as part of its wider Pacific expansion.Kieseker says the focus is on making Starlink more accessible by combining the product with local sales, technical expertise and after-sales support.

Goldie Warriors team manager Lieutenant Joshua Haro says his side has performed strongly through the first four rounds of the Commanders Cup despite having a small squad and dealing with injuries.Haro said the team had remained competitive from Round One through to Round Four, going up against some of the bigger units in the tournament.“The boys did very well. Despite the lack of strength that we have, given the small unit that we are, we don’t have that much. However, the boys did very well, starting from Round One up to now Round Four, in all the matches,” he said.He said the team’s limited manpower had made its performances even more significant, particularly as injuries continued to affect the squad.Haro also thanked Goldie Warriors supporters for their continued backing throughout the tournament, saying many had made the trip from Goldie to Murray Barracks to support the team.He clarified that many of those supporting the side were instructors, mostly aged between 25 and 40, rather than new recruits.“Thank you very much for their support. They're undivided support since day one,” Haro said.Goldie Warriors captain Lance Corporal Troy Sarufa said the team now needs to strengthen its understanding of rugby union ahead of its next match.Sarufa said the team plans to work with the CRU and Rugby Union Committee to organise a coaching clinic for the players.“We will run a coaching clinic to enhance some of our boys’ knowledge to better understand the game of rugby. Most of our players are rugby league orientated,” he said.He said the coaching would help the players develop a better understanding of the game and improve their performance in the remaining matches.Despite the challenges, Sarufa said the tournament had already provided an important lesson for the team.“I would say the take-home for us is teamwork and team effort,” he said.For Haro, the Warriors’ ability to compete despite their limited numbers and casualties has been a positive sign.“Regardless of the casualties faced during the tournament, the strength that we have and the manpower, we did put up a good competition against some big giants here,” he said.Haro acknowledged that injuries were now a concern, but said the team would continue to push forward with the players available.The Goldie Warriors will now look to build on the lessons from their first four rounds, with greater rugby union knowledge and teamwork key areas of focus heading into their next match.

Round 4 of the PNG Defence Force Commanders Cup 2026 was played at Murray Barracks on Sunday, September 27, with four matches contested across the day.The round attracted supporters in numbers, who turned up at Murray Barracks to back their respective teams and added to the atmosphere throughout the day's fixtures.The round featured a mix of comfortable wins and closely fought encounters, as teams continued their campaigns in the PNGDF rugby union competition.Lombrum Sharks opened the round with a strong 22–5 victory over Goldie Warriors.The Sharks controlled the scoreboard to secure a 17-point win, while Goldie Warriors managed five points in the match.The second fixture produced a much closer contest, with Basilisk Marlins edging 1RPIR Diggers 13–8.The five-point margin made it one of the tightest results of Round Four, with both sides remaining within reach of each other on the scoreboard.1134 Igam Crocs also continued their campaign with an 18–7 win over LRRU Troopers.The Crocs finished the match with an 11-point advantage, scoring 18 points to LRRU's seven.In the final match of the round, HQ Chiefs defeated ATW 21–6.The Chiefs finished 15 points clear, scoring 21 points while restricting ATW to six.Following Round Four, the 1134 Igam Crocs sit at the top of Pool A with 13 points, while 1RPIR Diggers lead Pool B with 12 points.With the competition continuing, teams will now look to build on their Round Four results as they push for a place in the later stages of the Commanders Cup.

Meaningful board accountability on gender-based violence requires clear standards, measurable targets and deadlines, but corporate action alone cannot address the wider prevalence of GBV in communities.BSP Financial Group’s Group Chief Compliance Officer and Chair of its GBV Committee, Vandhna Narayan, made the remarks during a panel discussion at the Bel Isi PNG Leadership Forum.Narayan was responding to a question on what meaningful board accountability should look like when implementation gaps, cultural barriers or inconsistent management practices are identified.She said organisations need to hold people accountable by setting clear Key Performance Indicators, deadlines and standards that must be met.“That’s about holding people accountable, having KPIs in place, having deadlines, setting standards that need to be reached,” she said.But Narayan said corporate efforts must also be considered within the broader community where employees and customers live.She said businesses can implement measures for their staff and customers, but those efforts will have limitations if GBV continues to be widespread in communities.“As corporates, we do what we can do with our staff, with our customers. But all of our staff, all of our customers, are members of the community,” she said. Narayan, who is originally from Fiji and has lived in Papua New Guinea for more than six years, said the prevalence of GBV is a wider Pacific concern.She said cultural practices should not be used to excuse violence or prevent action to address it.She also challenged communities to place greater value on the safety and dignity of their people.“Unless and until we actually start to value our people, very often we use culture as an excuse,” Narayan said.She acknowledged the work of the Public Solicitor’s Office, the National GBV Secretariat and development partners in addressing GBV, while stressing that the private sector also has a role to play.However, she said reducing and eventually eliminating GBV requires change beyond workplaces and corporate policies.Her comments highlighted the need for accountability inside organisations to be matched by broader community action, particularly in addressing attitudes and practices that allow violence to continue.

Turning Papua New Guinea’s commitments on gender-based violence and family sexual violence into practical services will require stronger access to justice, better referral systems and coordinated action at provincial and district levels.That was the message from Public Solicitor Leslie Mamu and Executive Director of the National Gender-Based Violence Secretariat, Dianne Kambanei, during a panel discussion at the Bel Isi PNG Leadership Forum this week in Port Moresby.The discussion focused on what it means to move GBV and FSV policies from commitment to action, particularly for survivors seeking help outside major urban centres.Mr. Mamu said the Public Solicitor’s Office has a constitutional mandate to provide legal aid, with its primary responsibility focused on criminal law.However, he said the Constitution also allows the office to assist with civil matters where resources permit, including cases involving GBV and family sexual violence.The office has a dedicated family section with three lawyers assisting people seeking restraining orders and Interim Protection Orders.“When it comes to moving the ink into practical terms, we can attend as far as our mandate is concerned,” Mr. Mamu said.He said one of the key challenges is ensuring survivors can obtain protection orders quickly, including those living in rural areas where the Public Solicitor’s Office may not have a physical presence.The office has therefore expanded its work to train referral partners, including those working along the referral pathway, on how to assist survivors with applications.Mr. Mamu said this includes training on applications for Interim Protection Orders and forms used to seek permanent restraining orders through the National Court.He said the approach is particularly important in cases where perpetrators do not comply with protection orders issued by district court magistrates.Mr. Mamu said a practice direction issued to Public Solicitor lawyers in 2024 allows them to identify serious cases where intervention through the National Court is necessary.He said the office is also working to ensure referral partners in rural areas can help survivors access the legal process without having to travel to locations where Public Solicitor services are available.Meanwhile, Ms. Kambanei said implementation of the new National GBV Strategy requires all levels of government and other partners to work together.She said the strategy, launched by the Prime Minister and a Governor on March 10 this year, is designed to ensure survivors at district level can access services.The strategy has an annual projected cost of K180 million, with 60 percent expected from government, 30 percent from donors and 10 percent from the private sector, according to Ms. Kambanei.She said implementation is being linked to provincial planning, with the National GBV Secretariat working with provincial governments to ensure GBV activities are included in their plans and supported through funding.Ms. Kambanei said 18 provincial governments were brought together last year for combined work planning, while the Secretariat is preparing to work with all 22 provinces.She said the Secretariat’s national surveys, which involved more than 5,000 people across 13 provinces, also highlighted the importance of strengthening services at the local level.According to Ms. Kambanei, people surveyed identified churches and health workers as institutions they trusted within their communities, while also saying they were often unsure where to seek GBV services.She said the strategy has five pillars, covering transformative governance, survivor-centred services, prevention and youth engagement, justice and rehabilitation, and other justice-related measures.Access to safe houses remains a major concern, with Ms. Kambanei saying there are currently 51 safe houses across 17 provinces, leaving some provinces without such services.She also highlighted the need for stronger prevention programs, particularly targeting young people and behavioural change.Ms. Kambanei said the justice system also faces challenges, including low completion rates for GBV cases and gaps in access to free legal services.She said the Secretariat has proposed a dedicated GBV track within the justice system, similar to existing specialised court tracks, to increase capacity to deal with GBV cases.For both panelists, moving policy into action means ensuring the systems outlined in national strategies and legislation reach survivors at community level.That includes legal assistance, protection orders, referral pathways, safe houses, provincial funding, prevention programs and stronger coordination between government, communities, churches, private sector and civil society.Ms. Kambanei said sustained cooperation across those levels would be necessary to achieve long-term change in GBV outcomes.

Defending champions 1134 Igam Crocs have opened their 2026 Commander’s Cup campaign with a convincing 47–10 win over Goldie Warriors.The Crocs showed their experience and composure in their first match of the tournament but the captain, Corporal Butler Lokora, says the team still has areas to improve as they prepare for their next outing.Lokora says the squad will use the coming days to work on mistakes identified from their opening match.“We have some little areas to work on. Maybe later on, tomorrow and onwards, we're going to polish up on some of our areas, some of the mistakes we need to polish up and get ready for the next game,” he said.While the Crocs are pleased with the opening result, Lokora says the defending champions are not taking their next opponents lightly.The captain says the team is looking forward to their next challenge and will use the time between matches to prepare.The Crocs have also brought back some of the players from their previous championship-winning side, while introducing a number of new faces to strengthen the squad.Lokora says the combination of experienced players and newcomers has given the team confidence heading into the tournament.“We have some of our old players back from 2023 when we won the championship, and we are still defending this cup. We have a few new boys coming up and they are really boosting this team,” he said.He says the players have built confidence in one another and are determined to make another strong push for the title.The Crocs are also adapting to the change from rugby 10s to 15s, with Lokora explaining that the transition provides an opportunity to select more players to represent the team.With two more games expected in the coming weeks, Lokora says the Crocs know there is still plenty of work ahead.“We have more games coming up in two weeks' time, so we have to humble ourselves and defend this cup, and win it with a lot of the boys,” he said.Lokora also thanked the Crocs supporters for continuing to stand behind the team, particularly those who have travelled to support the defending champions.For the Crocs, the opening win provides an early boost, but the focus now turns to correcting their mistakes and preparing for the next stage of their title defence.

Bel Isi is calling on leaders and organisations across Papua New Guinea (PNG) to move beyond commitments and take practical action to address family and sexual violence.Speaking at the 2026 Bel Isi 7th Leadership Forum in Port Moresby, Bel Isi Chair Doreen Iga said lasting change requires strong partnerships between government, the private sector, civil society, development partners and communities.The forum was held on September 21, the United Nations International Day of Peace, under the 2026 theme “Investing in Peace for Everyone, Everywhere, Everyday.”Ms. Iga said peace must be more than the absence of violence, with people needing to feel safe at home and in the workplace and know where to seek help when they face unsafe situations.She said Bel Isi was established on the understanding that no single organisation can address family and sexual violence alone.“Through partnership we work to improve access to support services, strengthen workplace responses, raise awareness and help change attitudes towards family and sexual violence,” Ms Iga said.She said the leadership forum was intended to provide more than awareness, bringing leaders together to strengthen partnerships and discuss how existing commitments can be translated into meaningful action.Ms. Iga identified three areas of leadership needed to drive change — leadership through example, partnership and action.She said leaders must create environments where respect is demonstrated through their actions and decisions, while harmful behaviour is challenged, and people seeking support can do so without fear, shame or judgement.She also stressed that policies and statements of support must be backed by practical measures.“Good intentions alone are not enough. We must move beyond statements of support and ensure that policies are translated into practical actions,” she said.Ms. Iga said this includes investing in people, strengthening systems, establishing trusted pathways for support, and ensuring accountability for commitments made.She said family and sexual violence continues to affect individuals, families and communities, as well as workplaces, staff wellbeing and organisational performance.The forum's theme was “Beyond the Ink: Moving Gender-Based Violence and Family Sexual Violence Policy from Commitment to Action.”Ms. Iga said the national strategy on preventing and responding to gender-based violence provides a clear direction for stronger coordination across government, civil society, the private sector, development partners and communities.She called on women and men to play their part in creating safer homes, workplaces and communities.“Our compassion, our courage, our commitment brings hope and meaning to so many, and your work is peace in action,” Ms. Iga said, acknowledging frontline workers, advocates and service providers supporting survivors.She said the forum should strengthen existing partnerships and encourage continued collaboration to create safer communities across Papua New Guinea.