As part of our 35th Anniversary Celebrations, PNG Air recently ran a Write and Win Essay Competition for students in Grades 9 to 12. The competition saw numerous entries from students all over the country, who told us in 1,000 words or less ‘‘Now that International Travel is on the rebound, which province would you like Tourists to visit in PNG and why?’. The competition sought to showcase the many destinations we fly to in Papua New Guinea and encourage domestic tourism post covid-19. We are pleased to announce Grade 12 Social Science student, Heather Leeman from Sogeri National School of Excellence, as the winner. Congratulations! Heather, from Enga and Southern Highlands Province, wrote her piece on Enga, and why it is a must-visit place for Tourists. “The people of Enga are so kind and welcoming. They not only greet people and visitors by saying good morning (Yongam oh), good afternoon (Alemandio), shake hands and give a hug, they will also go to their gardens and bring sugar cane and other garden foods as a way of welcoming a visitor into their community”, Heather writes in her essay. ‘With all the negative press about Enga, I wanted to show Enga in a more positive light, and so that is what drove me to enter and write this essay’, she says at the prize presentation. Heather received return tickets for 5 people anywhere on the PNG Air network, and two brand new laptop PC’s for her school to assist in learning. Her piece will be published in PNG Air’s In-flight Magazine, as well as on PNG Air social media. She was joined by her family and the Deputy Principal Administration of Sogeri National School of Excellence, Mr. Norman Yangen. ‘We are very proud of Heather, who recently completed her Grade 12 exams and we wish her all the best’, he says. ‘We would also like to give her one of these new laptops, to assist her in the start of her tertiary education next year’. PNG Air Commercial Operations Manager, Thomas Johns in congratulating the winner, also acknowledged all the entries into the competition, and encouraged students to share their provinces as must-see destinations for tourism. Follow PNG Air on social media to stay up to date with the latest promotions, competitions and offers.

Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga is set to take a lead from his former Test mentor Bob Fulton by playing halfback rivals Nathan Cleary and Daly Cherry-Evans in the World Cup quarter-final against Lebanon. Facing the toughest Australian halfback selection dilemma since Fulton had to choose between Allan Langer and Ricky Stuart on the 1994 Kangaroo tour, Meninga has named both Cleary and Cherry-Evans in a 19-man squad. Rather than discarding one of the halfback greats, Fulton started Langer in the opening Ashes Test and used Stuart as a reserve before switching their roles for the second and third Tests of the series. Meninga, who was captain of the 1994 Kangaroos, hinted that he may adopt Fulton's halfback solution after last weekend's match against Italy. “I think Bozo picked both of them initially so I might take that trick on board and see what happens," Meninga said "I was there and it was a tough decision. I could do that." With Ben Hunt rested after playing all three World Cup pool matches, including an 80-minute stint against Italy last weekend, Cherry-Evans appears likely to provide back up to hooker Harry Grant after spending time at dummy half during training on Tuesday. Cherry-Evans also trained at five-eighth during the session, with Cameron Munster moving to fullback, as a possible contingency should Australia lose captain James Tedesco during the match. The squad, listed in alphabetical order below, includes Cherry-Evans, Cleary and Munster as halves, with Josh Addo-Carr, Jack Wighton, Campbell Graham, Latrell Mitchell and Valentine Holmes in the outside backs. Wighton trained at right centre with Holmes on the wing, while Cameron Murray was in the second-row and Pat Carrigan at prop in the absence of Reagan Campbell-Gillard. Campbell-Gillard wasn't named after he suffered what Meninga described as a "severe cork" while Cowboys duo Murray Taulagi and Jeremiah Nanai have also been left out of the squad along with Matt Burton and Hunt. Australia will head into the game as heavy favourites after three strong wins in the group stage, while Lebanon overcame a first-round defeat to New Zealand to book their place in the knockout rounds with wins over Ireland and Jamaica. "All 24 players have been outstanding so far in the tournament," said Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga. "It is extremely difficult to leave any player out. "We have reached the knockout stages of the tournament and we need to ensure we have consistency in the squad and in the positions. "Lebanon are a very good side and we expect a strong and creative performance from them." Source: NRL.Com

National Superannuation Fund Limited Board Chairwoman Tamzin Wardley is pleased to announce new appointments to its Board of Trustees. Anthony Yauieb is now the Deputy Board Chairman, while Christopher Elphick joins the Board as an Independent Director. Anthony Yauieb, an independent director on the board since 2020, has been appointed Deputy Board Chairman effective as of October 1st 2022. In addition to his new role as Deputy Chairman, Anthony Yauieb is also Chairman of the Board Audit & Risk Committee. Christopher Elphick has a proud history with the Fund. He is a graduate of the Nasfund Trainee Directors Program and a recipient of the PNGID Young Director of the Year Award. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University of Surrey, United Kingdom and is an alumni of the United World College of South East Asia, Singapore. He runs local family business FairPrice, a growing PNG SME retailer, after holding senior commercial management roles with large PNG Fast Moving Consumer Goods, Manufacturing and Retail Businesses. Active in civil society, Christopher has served as Director of TIPNG, YPN and other private sector peak bodies. He is also engaged in supporting small scale enterprise in the rural district of Samarai-Murua.

Police Commissioner David Manning today announced the transfer of 52 policemen and women to various Police commands throughout the country. This includes five policewomen in various ranks including one chief inspector, one senior inspector and four inspectors. The transfer, inclusive of the female numbers include: four chief superintendents; six superintendents; 15 chief inspectors; 14 senior inspectors and 13 inspectors. “The transfers and appointment of these officers have been made to strengthen leadership and accountability in the various commands. The transfers will take effect immediately and must be complied with before the 30th of November 2022,” Mr Manning said.

BSP Financial Group Limited (BSP) continues to strengthen its presence and relationship in Morobe Province through the opening of its Eriku Branch in Lae today (Thursday 3rd November, 2022). BSP Group CEO Robin Fleming said, “The Eriku Branch will enable BSP to continue to better serve the residents and people of Morobe Province, as it is a key contributor to the PNG economy and the gateway to the Highlands region. Eriku Branch is the fourth branch located in the City of Lae and BSPs 85th branch in PNG.” “BSP is happy to embark on another milestone event in expanding to all Papua New Guineans through banking services, in this case the Eriku Branch. This branch was built at a cost of K8.5m over 10 months,” he said. “We thank our Landlord Pelgens, all the contractors, BSP Eriku Branch Staff & Management, BSP Morobe Branches, the surrounding community and their leaders and all Stakeholders for making Eriku Branch possible,” Mr Fleming added. BSP currently serves more than 152,000 BSP customers in Morobe via its five (5) branches (Lae Top Town, Lae Market, Lae Commercial Centre, Lae SME Centre and Bulolo Branch) three (3) Sub-Branches, 26 Agents, 42 ATMs, 73 Mobile Merchants, and 814 EFTPoS in the Morobe Province. The new Eriku Branch will be managed by Roslyn Paulus Kanini and will have 26 staff of which six (6) are tellers, five (5) are customer service, two (2) on Lending, Four (4) are branchless banking staff, five (5) back office staff and three (3) ancillary staff. This will add to BSP’s network operation of 42 existing branches, 42 existing sub branches, over 250 Cash Agents, 326 ATMs and over 9,000 EFTPoS across PNG. The branch will provide a full range of services and service one of the busiest areas in Lae City, which will accord more convenient options for customers. BSP’s investment in its branch network in 2022 has included a new branch in Namatanai, New Ireland, a new sub branch in Koroba, Hela Province, and upgraded Hybrid Branch in Palmalmal, East New Britain and now a new Branch in Eriku, Morobe Province. Before the year ends, BSP will also open a new Lending Centre in Boroko, NCD in December and has performed groundbreaking for a second branch in Dobel, Mt Hagen in Western Highlands and an upgraded branch in Telefomin, Sandaun Province. “BSP’s significant investment into delivering banking services reflects the groups continued desire to deliver banking services for the communities in which it operates. This is despite numerous challenges and inspite of the imposition of the inequitable BSP Tax of K190m, BSP will continue to deliver on its vision for the people of PNG,” Mr Fleming said. “We thank our customers for their patience, and with this additional branch, we aim to continue improving a superior level of customer experiene. We remain committed to providing essential banking services to the people of Morobe Province and we are grateful for the relationship we have with the community in Lae,” Concluded Mr Fleming

Forty-two-year-old Luddy Kialing has been announced as the winner of the “Win the Nissan Promotion”. The Nissan Navara is part of a Win A Nissan Navara promotion run by SP Brewery and RH Hypermarket which ran from August to October. To enter, customers simply had to purchase a carton of either Export Lager, Niugini Ice, Strongbow, or Heineken to enter the draw. “I made the purchase last week Monday 24th October 2022, and I jokingly told my husband that I was going to win the car”, said Kialing from Morobe. And lucky enough, Kialing was announced as the lucky winner out from a thousand entries received. Her receipt was drawn yesterday Tuesday 01st November and the Nissan Navara was presented to her today Wednesday 02nd November 2022. An elated Kialing revealed that the win is indeed a blessing to her and her family. “My family and I needed a vehicle as my husband commutes daily from Hohola to Sogeri for work,” she added. “Thank you, SP Brewery and RH Hypermarket.”  

The players and staff of the Santos PNG Orchids would like to convey their deepest condolences to the family and friends of the late Mr David Silovo, who recently passed away unexpectedly in Port Moresby. Mr Silovo was a highly respected rugby league administrator, historian, commentator and advocate of women’s rugby league, who was involved in the sport for more than 50 years. He was a committed supporter and mentor of several players in the current Santos PNG Orchids squad, including Martha Molowia, Bertshiba Awoi, Lilah Malabag and Vero Waula, as well as assistant coach and former Orchid player Della Audama. Speaking on behalf of the group, Audama said: “Mr David Silovo was one of the first men to support the big push to promote women’s rugby league that began around 2014. He was very encouraging of the upcoming players and many of our pioneer Orchids drew a lot of motivation from his words. His favorite word was ‘champion’, and he knew every Orchid’s number off by heart and each of their backgrounds. He was the rugby league dictionary of PNG.” The Orchids wore black armbands in memory of the late Mr Silovo in their opening Rugby League World Cup match against Canada on Tuesday, and players including Martha Molowia and Bertshiba Awoi honoured 'Fada Dee' on their strapping . Source: Santos PNG Orchids 

Village court officials and land mediators in Rabaul District, East New Britain have been urged to strengthen their reporting system. Department of Justice and Attorney- General deputy secretary Josephine Pitmur told village court officials and land mediators at the Rabaul Urban LLG conference room on Tuesday Nov 1. She said quarterly returns is a requirement under the Village Court Act that must be submitted every quarter on court sittings however DJAG has not seen any reports on court sittings from ENB in the last six years which is a concern. With the National Government investing a lot in terms of infrastructure in the village court system, it requires quarterly reports from village courts Mrs Pitmur said reports submitted quarterly will assist DJAG to determine the crime rate in respective districts, determine if village courts are functioning and officials are performing as they are paid allowances and enable DJAG to intervene and address law and order problems. “Maybe village court clerks are doing their work but it is not reaching us through the quarterly reports. So we are coming down to the district level to remind officials of quarterly reports,” she said. She said because DJAG has invested in infrastructure in Rabaul and Pomio districts through the Community Justice Service Centres, it is appropriate to build capacity to deliver services. She said according to statistics from the Public Solicitors Office, Rabaul and Kokopo have been identified as hotspots for crime. “But it would be good to reconcile these statistics with reports from the village courts. DJAG wants to prove crime in hotspot areas through reports from respective village courts to form part of ENB status report on the prevalence of crime rate,” Mrs Pitmur said. Rabaul Deputy District Administrator for Administration, Babel Umri said there needs to be more awareness on the role of the village court so people understand its role in the law and justice sector. This includes restoring law and order to make village courts more effective and the restore the authority and respect they once enjoyed. He recommended that village court clerks as the pillars of the village court system must have positions created under the public service to add value to infrastructure that has been built

Staff and students at the Motu Koita FODE Centre welcomed the news today of a strengthened partnership between KTF, the Motu Koita Assembly and Kina Bank for the ongoing operations of the FODE Centre in 2023. An annual cohort of 100+ students have pursued their second chance at education at the Motu Koita FODE Centre in Hanuabada since the partnership commenced in 2020. Today, the partnership was officially renewed by Motu Koita Acting CEO Gaud Frank, representing, MKA Chairman, Hon, Dadi Toka OBE, who met with students who were preparing for their end of year national examinations, being held later this month. “The partnership with KTF to establish the first MK FODE Centre at Hagara has given opportunities for many students in our villages a chance to improve academically. The operation of such education facilities requires funding and support to be successful. Thank you again to KTF and Kina Bank for the partnership to impact the lives of Motu Koita students," Chairman Toka said. The Centre represents a partnership for a brighter future through investing in Motu Koita education. Operated by international development organisation, Kokoda Track Foundation (KTF), it is nationally recognised by the PNG National FODE office and is generously funded by Kina Bank. Kina Bank’s CEO, Greg Pawson, met many of these students during the partnership visit, “Kina Bank is very happy to partner again with KTF and the Motu Koita Assembly. Our purpose is to constantly improve the prosperity of the people, communities and markets we serve. This partnership aligns to our purpose and delivers tangible outcomes that can only benefit the people of Papua New Guinea” said Mr Pawson. Angaota Andy Boe is a grade 10 student at the MK FODE Centre, doing her full corresponding studies. After Angaota dropped out from the formal education system, she realised that life was hard and that completing her studies through FODE could help her find employment one day to earn a living. Angaota said, “KTF has given me a second chance in education and I thank KTF, MKA and Kina Bank for this great opportunity to do my studies. Education is the only key to escaping financial struggles in life, because when you get an education, you can be able to find employment and earn an income to support yourself and your family.” KTF CEO, Dr Genevieve Nelson is extremely positive about the year ahead. “We are so thrilled about the renewal of the partnership with the Motu Koita Assembly and our generous donors, Kina Bank. With the recent restructure of the education system, the need for FODE places is extremely high. Teachers are being required to upgrade their Grade 12 qualifications and there are new minimum entry qualifications required to gain entry into Teachers Colleges as well as other tertiary pathways. We are proud to work with so many wonderfully committed people from the Motu Koita communities and give them a second chance at education.” Grade 9 and 11 students will sit their examinations later this month and are currently preparing by sitting mock examinations at the FODE Centre.

The Australian Government through its PacificAus Sports program has launched their partnership with the Australian Football League (AFL) in Papua New Guinea. PacificAus Sports has partnered with the AFL to develop Pacific high performance pathways. The initiative will be delivered in partnership with the AFL associations of PNG, Fiji, and Nauru and in collaboration with the Brisbane Lions and Gold Coast Suns AFL Academies. The partnership was launched locally today at Colts Oval at Amini Park, Port Moresby. Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific, the Hon Pat Conroy MP, commented on the shared history and deep love of sport between Australia and Papua New Guinea, “Aussie rules football is a uniquely Australian sport. This partnership opens new doors for PNG athletes to achieve their dreams through development of a national AFL talent academy and support for talent identification camps in the Pacific”. Ekoni Peni, AFL PNG Development’s Chairman said “Strengthening the AFL PNG Development pathway from grassroots, through Smart Start Niukick programs, to the AFL in Australia is vital to the success of our game across PNG, and we are delighted to join the PacificAus Sports partnership”. “This partnership provides real opportunities for male and female Papua New Guinean players, coaches & umpires to be the best they can be and follow in the footsteps of our very own home-grown AFL player Hewago “Ace” Oea at the Gold Coast Suns”, he added.

The exercise on recording customs, undertaken by the Constitutional and Law Reform (CLRC) can change the cause of direction for young people, who have lost touch with their customs, culture, and traditions, says Rigo District Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Koru Abe. “This exercise will leave a legacy behind for our children,” he said. Mr. Abe said this while welcoming a delegation from CLRC that comprised of Commissioner Ms. Martha Kokiva, Secretary Dr. Mange Matui, Deputy Secretary Ms. Dorothy Mimiko-Kesenga, directors and staff at Kwikila Station, Rigo District, Central Province for the commencement of the Underlying Law Custom recording project for the district, on Monday 31 October 2022. Mr. Abe said the project was an important starting point to explore old customary laws and practices and embrace those that are workable today for incorporation into our legal system, especially the village courts. “I thank CLRC for initiating this move and I hope our contribution will be helpful in your endeavors,” Mr. Abe said. CLRC Deputy Secretary Ms. Dorothy Mimiko Kesenga, said CLRC will be recording customs of 11 different language groups in the Rigo District this week before moving into other districts of Central Province and PNG in the future. She added that this exercise is a massive long-term project that will benefit the whole country and therefore needed support from provincial and district administrations as well. CLRC Commissioner Ms. Martha Kokiva highlighted the importance of this exercise in protecting and preserving the customs, traditional rules and practices, and PNG’s identity in the world against globalization and modernization. She added that the underlying law custom recording project is a mandate of CLRC, which can be traced back to Independence 1975, and particularly when the founding fathers and mothers called for PNG to be built on PNG Ways. “Those ‘PNG ways’ are locked up in the customs of our people, but in order for us to unlock that wealth of ideas, recording and documenting the 1,000 plus customs in PNG is important,” she said.  

Papua New Guinea coach Stanley Tepend has warned England that the Kumuls won't be easy beats after setting up a Rugby League World Cup quarter-final showdown with the tournament hosts this weekend. The Kumuls have just four days to recover from Monday night's 36-0 win over Wales in Doncaster before facing the English in Wigan on Saturday. The two sides faced off in the 2017 tournament in Melbourne, with England cruising to a comfortable 36-6 victory. Only a handful of players, headlined by centre Justin Olam and captain Rhyse Martin, remain from that loss. Since then, however, PNG defeated Great Britain - an English team in all-but name - in 2019 and suffered a narrow loss to world No. 2 Tonga in their opening World Cup group game. "I think we've learned from what happened in 2017," Tepend said. "The players are now a lot smarter and a lot younger. "I think we relied on a few individuals but now it's more of a team effort and we've got better players I guess as well." One of those players is flying Wests Tigers winger Jimmy Ngutlik who enthralled the 6968-rainsoaked fans with a dazzling 60-metre effort as the Kumuls made light work of the Welsh to round out the tournament's group stage. "Jimmy is an exciting winger for us," Tepend said. "We saw tonight what can happen if he's given a bit of space. "I hope it's dry for him next week. It's exciting for the Kumuls because he's going to be around for a long time." Ngutlik got a second try late in the game with back-rower Nixon Putt joining him on a brace. Kyle Labutt and Dan Russell contributed PNG's other two tries. But the thing which left Tepend most satisfied was their defensive resolve as the Kumuls kept a team scoreless outside of PNG for the first time in 22 years. "I think that reflects the tightness of the boys off the field," said Tepend, who has had the support of former Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan at this tournament. "We had eight days in PNG before we came here and the performance really showed how (close) they are off the field." The defeat meant Wales' attempt to win a World Cup game will stretch into a 25th year after failure to upset the Kumuls. Coach John Kear has a side made up primarily of part-time players and commended their attitude in making Tonga, the Cook Islands and PNG fight for their wins. "You really can't ask for much more," Kear said. "I'm immensely proud of them and really pleased with what they offered. "I think we've become everybody's second favourite team because of the endeavour and effort we are putting in." Source: AU SPORTS. YAHOO