Visitors to the 59th Morobe Show on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th October 2022, will have the opportunity to learn more about the National Superannuation Fund, Nasfund, as its showcases its products and services at this annual event. Over the two days, visitors to the Nasfund exhibit at Bay 14 will be able to check their Nasfund account balances,1 update their membership details, register for the Fund’s TextBal and online services, and be issued new Nasfund membership ID cards. Entrepreneurs who are involved in micro and small to medium enterprises (MSMEs) will also be able to register to save for retirement through the Fund’s Eda Supa product. Nasfund Chief Executive Officer Ian Tarutia says this event is an important part of the Fund’s engagement with its membership, particularly as Lae, Morobe Province, has the second highest concentration of Nasfund membership. “Morobe Province accounts for more than 110,000 Nasfund members. This number is expected to increase, given the increasing activity that is taking place, particularly with major investment projects set to begin in the coming months. As a Fund, we recognize these developments, and have taken steps to ensure we are ready to meet this impending demand, both in the formal and informal sector. We are pleased to have recently opened a second member service centre in the heart of Lae city, and are continually ramping our engagements with members through employer visits, and awareness sessions. The Morobe Show provides another opportunity for the Fund to interact with our members, some of whom who may not have time during the week. First held in 1959, this show is one of the longest running annual events which showcases a variety of exhibits from across the agriculture, horticulture, livestock, commercial, industry, education and culture sectors – all sectors which provide a large part of our membership. We encourage our members to visit us at Bay 14, where our friendly staff will be more than happy to provide you with information on what your Fund is doing to add value to you while you work, while we safeguard your retirement savings, so that you are ready for tomorrow.”

CAPTAIN Courageous Raymond Gunemba has created history to lead PNG Prime Minister Xl Men Soccer Team to the inaugural MSG Prime Minister’s Cup in Port Vila, Vanuatu. PNG won through penalty shoot-out 4-1 after both teams drew 2-2 at regular time, and 3-3 at extra time. The full time score is 7-4. From a football family, Gunemba’s passion of football builds around his father Peter who is one of the best brains in football in Morobe province. Coach Peter Gunemba was the mainstay behind the rise of Lae City Dwellers until Lae Biscuit company Ian Chow took over the franchise to name it Lae Toti FC. He has great influence in the football career of his children lives his sons Raymond, Troy and daughters Judith and Meagan taking up football. Interestingly, both Meagan and his brother Raymond has set a legacy with both leading the women and men’s national soccer team to victory. Brother Troy is the assistant coach to the PNG U19 team to Tahiti while Judith is a senior women’s referee with Morobe Football Association in Lae. Meagan played a leading role as co-captain to help PNG NWT to win the OFC Women Nations Cup in Fiji and now brother Raymond skippered PNG Prime Minister Xl Men Soccer team to win the inaugural MSG Prime Minister Cup in Vanuatu. Men Coach Harrison Kamake described the Gunemba sibling as unique in football history – with both sister-brother winning the respective football tournament. He also pointed out that PNG’s young midfielder Joseph Waiwai will become another story of its own. Young Joseph wasn’t born when his father Wesley Waiwai was part of the PNG winning team that won the Melanesian Cup (now MSG Cup) in Lae. Joseph who is following his father’s football and took up football to become the member of the winning team, winning the inaugural MSG Prime Ministers Cup in Vanuatu. The former fearless striker Waiwai was a member of the team with current coach Harrison Kamake, Francis Moiyap and captain Geoffrey Emang plus many others. Joseph’s mother is former PNG basketballer, Emma Launch Waiwai. PNG men’s skipper described the victory as sweet as ever. He dedicated the PNG’s victory at the MSG Prime Minister’s cup final to Lord God. He said it is not easy playing in front of the home crowd which was a great challenge. “I must thank the players for holding onto the 90th minute of football including extra time and during the penalty shoot-out to pool this historic win at the inaugural tournament. I gave full credit to all the players including those on the bench for getting behind us to win this match,” he said. “It was a very big challenge when you are trailing in most part of the game and eventually won the match in the penalty shoot-out. And I want to thank the good Lord for courage and stamina to keep us going extra miles in the match. I just want to say thank you God,” he said. A very big thank you to PNG Community in Port Vila who came and stuck with us through all four matches and eventually won the Cup. The win is for every Papua New Guinean living abroad like Vanuatu and back at home, Mr Gunemba said.

BSP Group CEO Robin Fleming is among five Papua New Guineans who have been accorded the honorary title of Professor by the University of Papua New Guinea’s School of Business and Public Policy for their contribution to the country as well as standing in the community. UPNG Vice Chancellor Professor Frank Griffin announced this on Monday 3rd October 2022, during his opening remarks at the UPNG Human Resource (HR) Day, hosted by third year HR Management students from the School of Business & Public Policy. The theme for the day was “Graduate readiness for the future of work’ and before the guest speaker, Mr Fleming, could give his keynote address to the students, Professor Griffin announced the recognition for the BSP Group CEO who has contributed 42 years of service in PNG. “In any academic institutions especially in universities, the school/faculty have the option of appointing certain people in the public arena because of their expertise. Earlier this year the University of Papua New Guinea through the school of Business and Public Policy Senate agreed to appoint five distinguished Papua New Guineans because of their standing in public and what they have contributed to the country. Mr Fleming was among those put forward and the Senate approved to accord him the title Honorary Professor in Banking and Finance,” Professor Griffin announced. [caption id="attachment_27807" align="alignnone" width="906"] BSP Waigani Banking Centre’s Branchless Banking Officers Malachi Apisai and Tovi Kapituakana assisting students with Account Opening and Digital banking Registration.[/caption] Humbled by the title, Mr Fleming thanked Vice Chancellor Griffin and UPNG for the recognition before proceeding to give his keynote address, in which he highlighted BSP’s Core Values to the students; Integrity, Quality, Professionalism, Leadership, Teamwork, Community and People – to the many attendees. “Human Resources is all about people. Businesses is all about people. When I first commenced working the department responsible for our staff was called staff department, then personnel department, then human resources, and then many other variations including talent management. Over the years, various expert consultants have changed the name in ways which subtly removes people from the purpose of the function. .While the workplace of the future in 10 years’ time will be different from what we experience today, and will use many different analytical and management tools, the purpose and reason of a Human Resources team will still be about our people. Human Resource and business is all about people and will remain about people,” Mr Fleming said. [caption id="attachment_27812" align="alignnone" width="906"] UPNG Vice Chancellor Professor Frank Griffin shaking hands with BSP Group CEO Robin Fleming after his keynote address to the HRM students on Monday 3rd October, 2022.[/caption] “In the 46 years of my work life, 42 years spent in PNG, I’ve learnt many things; the first is never think the current theory or proposition of work and the workplace will continue to hold true. We have seen in recent years the experts tell us the workplace of the future, post Covid will change, adapting to technology like zoom without the need for interaction of staff in the workforce . What that proposed change fails to tell us is that we are dealing with people. People need full interaction, need to be engaged in conversations and know whom they are working for and with. Zoom is a temporary tool for communication but is not an effective mode for engagement with staff,” Mr Fleming added. BSP was the platinum sponsor of the HR Day, supporting students with K10,000 that went towards staging the event. On Friday 30th September, 2022, BSP Group GM for Human Resources, Ms Hari Rabura presented the cheque to the organizing committee. She said BSP was pleased to support the event as such initiatives create opportunities for both the university and the potential employers to understand and work towards ensuring graduate readiness.

Prolific South Sydney try scorer Alex Johnston and Melbourne backs Justin Olam and Xavier Coates headline an experienced Papua New Guinea squad for upcoming World Cup. Johnston, the back-to-back Ken Irvine Medallist as the NRL's leading tryscorer, an the Storm pair will be joined by a host of familiar faces, including Rhyse Martin, Lachlan Lam, Nene Macdonald, Watson Boas and Wellington Albert. Fresh from clinching the Championship Player of the Year in England and helping Leigh to a place in the 2023 Super League, hooker Edwin Ipape also joins the side. "I wanted players with experience, but I also couldn't look past the players that did well in the Pacific Test," Kumuls coach Stanley Tepend said. "The bond they made and the sense of loyalty for winning that match is something to keep together. Players with the right attitude were the ones picked because that's what's important for the longer camp. "The players in the UK have all been part of our Kumuls team in the past, and whenever they've worn the jersey none of them have let Papua New Guinea down. They're all in good form and have all played together before, so getting them settled into camp shouldn't be any issue." Source: NRL.com

Makenzy Beard is holding her first solo exhibition at the Blackwater Gallery in Cardiff, with some of her paintings selling for as much as £23,000. The 15-year-old from Swansea only started to paint in March 2020 during the first lockdown, turning a garden shed into an art studio. Some of her work has been displayed at the Royal Academy of Arts in London. "It's really exciting and strange to see my work displayed, going there and being there with people wanting to chat to me about my work," she said. Source: BBC News

Nambawan Super Limited’s (NSL) Executive Management team recently attended an interview with NBC Radio to inform Members of the current state of the Investment Markets and how this is currently affecting the Fund and other local investors. NSL CEO, Mr Paul Sayer opened by stating that: “From an investment and economics point of view, 2022 has been the perfect storm for investors like Nambawan Super”. “Globally we are seeing a high inflation environment brought on by supply chain disruptions, rising fuel and energy prices due to the Russia-Ukraine War, and rising interest rates from Central Banks. The combination of all these factors makes the risk of a global recession a very real possibility”, he added. “PNG is unfortunately not spared from these tough economic conditions as we are also impacted by high inflation, expected to be between 6% - 8% for 2022.” “The high local inflation is a result of our reliance on imported goods which as a result has raised our local cost of living putting a strain on many local businesses and slowing our Country’s economic growth.” “Nambawan Super is working hard to maximise our profits and minimize potential losses against the backdrop of these challenging economic conditions”, Mr Sayer remarked. Mr Sayer also noted that NSL is affected by these unfavorable conditions on both fronts with nearly 20% of its investments in global markets and over 80% dependent on local investments. “Currently we have seen the value of our offshore investments reduce by approximately K250 million due to the drop in equity market values. If the markets do not recover, then our Members can expect a 3% - 4% lower crediting from these changes in value alone”, Mr Sayer added. “We are also expecting short-term volatility meaning there will be significant increases and decreases in the international equity markets, however in the past, our investments in the international markets have proven invaluable in providing good returns for our Members.” “As such, over the long term, we intend to stay invested as we anticipate the global markets to recover and continue generating good returns.” “Locally, the Fund is also expecting losses in revenue and dividends resulting from the Dominant Player Levy imposed on the BSP Financial Group, restrictions on SP Breweries' sale of alcohol during Covid-19 and the 2022 General Elections, and the reduction of interest on State securities which we expect will reduce interest income by at least K50 million this year.” “In addition, the State owes the Fund K160 million for the rental arrears accumulated over nearly three years by the various State tenants. The State last week, made the first payment of K52 million towards settling these arrears.” “We are currently working with the State to have the remaining arrears settled before the close of the year so as to not further hurt the returns to our Members”, Mr Sayer stated. Mr Sayer continued advising that despite the current tough economic conditions, Members shouldn’t be disheartened as superannuation is a long-term investment that will continue to generate returns for Members over the duration of their working life. “Over the last 10 years, we have delivered a 7% average interest rate to our Members despite having a handful of tough years. I encourage our Members to be confident that your savings will continue to grow with Nambawan Super as we have proven ourselves to be PNG’s most consistent superannuation fund throughout our 60 years of service to the people of PNG.” “We are cautiously optimistic that these unfavourable economic conditions will be alleviated as PNG’s oil and gas sector expands over the next decade if projects like Papua LNG, Wafi Golpu, Pyang Yang are progressed.” “We are also looking forward to improved investor confidence and a predictable fiscal policy environment as the returning Marape-Rosso Government works to return political stability in PNG.” “In the interim, Nambawan Super is continuing to review our Investment Strategy with careful consideration for investment risks and returns to ensure our Members' funds are managed responsibly.” “We continue to make investments that create jobs, grow the economy and create a conducive environment for you and your family’s future.” “We encourage Members to talk to us about how super is a long-term investment and to register for our free Financial Literacy Training to help you prepare for a better retirement”, Mr Sayer concluded.

Anthony Grande moved away from Fort Myers three years ago in large part because of the hurricane risk. He has lived in southwest Florida for nearly 19 years, had experienced Hurricanes Charley in 2004 and Irma in 2017 and saw what stronger storms could do to the coast. Grande told CNN he wanted to find a new home where developers prioritized climate resiliency in a state that is increasingly vulnerable to record-breaking storm surge, catastrophic wind and historic rainfall. What he found was Babcock Ranch — only 12 miles northeast of Fort Myers, yet seemingly light years away. Babcock Ranch calls itself “America’s first solar-powered town.” Its nearby solar array — made up of 700,000 individual panels — generates more electricity than the 2,000-home neighborhood uses, in a state where most electricity is generated by burning natural gas, a planet-warming fossil fuel. The streets in this meticulously planned neighborhood were designed to flood so houses don’t. Native landscaping along roads helps control storm water. Power and internet lines are buried to avoid wind damage. This is all in addition to being built to Florida’s robust building codes. Some residents, like Grande, installed more solar panels on their roofs and added battery systems as an extra layer of protection from power outages. Many drive electric vehicles, taking full advantage of solar energy in the Sunshine State. Climate resiliency was built into the fabric of the town with stronger storms in mind. So when Hurricane Ian came barreling toward southwest Florida last week, it was a true test for the community. The storm obliterated the nearby Fort Myers and Naples areas with record-breaking surge and winds over 100 mph. It knocked out power to more than 2.6 million customers in the state, including 90% of Charlotte County. But the lights stayed on in Babcock Ranch. “It certainly exceeded our expectations of a major hurricane,” Grande, 58, told CNN. The storm uprooted trees and tore shingles from roofs, but other than that Grande said there is no major damage. Its residents say Babcock Ranch is proof that an eco-conscious and solar-powered town can withstand the wrath of a near-Category 5 storm. “We have proof of the case now because [the hurricane] came right over us,” Nancy Chorpenning, a 68-year-old Babcock Ranch resident, told CNN. “We have water, electricity, internet — and we may be the only people in Southwest Florida who are that fortunate.” Grande said Hurricane Ian came through southwest Florida “like a freight train.” But he wasn’t afraid that he would lose everything in a storm, like he was when he lived in Fort Myers. “We’re very, very blessed and fortunate to not be experiencing what they’re experiencing now in Sanibel Island and Fort Myers Beach,” Grande said. “In the times that we’re living in right now with climate change, the beach is not the place to live or have a business.” Solar success Syd Kitson, a former professional football player for the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys, is the mastermind behind Babcock Ranch. Kitson envisioned it to be an eco-conscious and innovative neighborhood that is safe and resilient from storms like Ian. The ranch broke ground in 2015 with the construction of the solar array — which was built and is run by Florida Power and Light — and its first residents moved into the town in 2018. Since then, the array has doubled in size and thousands of people have made Babcock their home. “It’s a great case study to show that it can be done right, if you build in the right place and do it the right way,” said Lisa Hall, a spokesperson for Kitson, who also lives in Babcock Ranch. “Throughout all this, there’s just so many people saying, ‘it worked, that this was the vision, this is the reason we moved here,’” Hall told CNN. Perhaps the highest endorsement for the city is that it is now a refuge for some of Ian’s hardest-hit victims. The state opened Babcock Neighborhood School as an official shelter, even though it didn’t have the mandated generator. The solar array kept the lights on. Some of Chorpenning’s friends who live on Sanibel Island — which is now cut off from the mainland after Ian’s devastating storm surge severed the causeway — came to shelter at a friend’s house at Babcock Ranch. It will be a while before they can go back, she said. “They’re going to be renting a place over here for a while, while they figure out what’s going to happen out there,” she said. “I joked that we may be the only people in southwest Florida whose property value just increased.” Even Kitson chose to ride out the storm in Babcock to see how the community would fare in the hurricane. Kitson declined CNN’s request for an interview; Hall said he is focused on helping neighboring communities rebuild. “He was there during the storm; he said, ‘where else would I be?’” Hall said. “We built it to be resilient and as much as you plan and think you’ve done the right thing, you don’t know until you put it to the test.” As utilities scramble to restore power across the state, Babcock residents say September storms showed that America’s energy infrastructure is not well-equipped to handle worsening extreme weather events. Hurricane Fiona ravaged Puerto Rico’s power grid when it made landfall there on September 18. Now, Ian has left millions of people in the dark in Florida. Babcock residents say their neighborhood is a model for urban development in a climate change-ravaged future. “It’s not what it was 20 or 25 years ago; the storms are getting bigger and bigger, and it’s no surprise, because the warnings have all been there,” Grande said. “I think Babcock Ranch’s future has gotten even brighter.” Source: CNN

Dozens of Florida residents left their flooded and splintered homes by boat and by air on Saturday as rescuers continued to search for survivors following the devastation wrought by Hurricane Ian, while authorities in South Carolina and North Carolina began taking stock of their losses. The powerful storm terrorised millions of people for most of the week, battering western Cuba before raking across Florida, then it mustered enough strength for a final assault on South Carolina. One of the strongest hurricanes by wind speed to ever hit the US, Hurricane Ian weakened on Saturday as it rolled into the mid-Atlantic. However, not before it washed out bridges and piers, hurtled massive boats into buildings onshore and sheared roofs off homes, leaving hundreds of thousands without power. At least 54 people were confirmed dead, including 47 people in Florida, mostly from drowning but others from Ian's tragic after-effects. [caption id="attachment_27743" align="alignnone" width="585"] A satellite image shows damage to Fort Myers Beach Pier in Florida.(AP: NOAA)[/caption] An elderly couple died after their oxygen machines shut off when they lost power, authorities said. As of Saturday, more than 1,000 people had been rescued from flooded areas along Florida's south-western coast alone, according to Daniel Hokanson, a four-star general and head of the National Guard, who was flying to the stricken state. Chris Schnapp was at the Port Sanibel Marina in Fort Myers on Saturday, waiting to see whether her 83-year-old mother-in-law had been evacuated from Sanibel Island. A pontoon boat had just arrived with a load of passengers from the island — with suitcases and animals in tow — but Ms Schnapp's mother-in-law was not among them. "She stayed on the island. My brother-in-law and sister-in-law own two businesses over there. They evacuated," Ms Schnapp said. "She did not want to go, thinking it wasn't going to be bad," she said. But then she got word on Friday night that her mother-in-law would be arriving at the marina. "Now we don't know if she's still on the island or [has] gotten on a bus [and was taken to a shelter]," Ms Schnapp said [caption id="attachment_27744" align="alignnone" width="586"] For families whose homes remained standing, storm flooding almost to the height of the ceiling destroyed their possessions.(AP: Rebecca Blackwell)[/caption] Survivors recall 'insane' scenes South Carolina's Pawleys Island, a beach community about 117 kilometres up the coast from Charleston, was among the places in that state hardest hit by Ian, and power remained knocked out to at least half of the island on Saturday. Eddie Wilder, who has been coming to Pawleys Island for more than six decades, said Friday's storm was "insane to watch". He said waves as high as 7.6 metres washed away the pier — an iconic landmark — just two doors down from his home. "We watched it hit the pier and saw the pier disappear," said Mr Wilder, whose house sits about 9 m above the ocean and stayed dry inside. "We watched it crumble and and watched it float by with an American flag still floating." Pawleys pier was one of at least four along South Carolina's coast to be destroyed during Ian's winds and rain. Portions of the pier, including barnacle-covered pylons, littered the beach. The intra-coastal waterway was littered with the remnants of several boat houses torn apart and knocked off their moorings in the storm. Traffic was shut off to Pawleys Island's southernmost point, where crews were working to clear roadways of sand and other debris that officials said has been piled at least a foot high. The sand will later be redistributed to build back the dunes along the beach front, as happened after similar damage in 2019. [caption id="attachment_27745" align="alignnone" width="862"] Overturned boat house lays alongside the broken dock on Pawleys Island.(AP: Meg Kinnard)[/caption] Many of the elevated beach homes still had feet of sand underneath, with dunes completely washed over and nearly flattened. On Saturday, John Joseph — whose father built the family's beige beach house in 1962 — said that he was elated to return from Georgetown, which took a direct hit, to find his Pawleys Island home entirely intact. "Thank God these walls are still here, and we feel very blessed that this is the worst thing," he said of the sand swept under his home. "What happened in Florida — gosh, God bless us. If we'd had a Category 4, I wouldn't be here." In North Carolina, the storm appeared to have mainly downed trees and power lines, leaving more than 280,000 people across the state without power late on Saturday morning, according to state officials. At least one fatality connected to the storm was reported in Johnston County, outside of Raleigh. A woman found her husband dead early on Saturday after he went to check on a generator running in their garage overnight, sheriff's office Captain Jeff Caldwell said. The storm's winds were much weaker on Friday than during Ian's landfall on Florida's Gulf Coast earlier in the week. Source: ABC News

Jack Solomon Mahuru, has released a statement today after his family and home came under attack in the early hours of Friday (30/09/22) morning. “The fabric of our society is being ripped because there are people who want to take the law into their own hands, killing and looting at abandon, because we have not extended the full arm of the law,” said Mr Mahuru. “" "The despicable savagery that has been exposed to my family is inexcusable, disgusting, unacceptable and unlawful. The violence and threats on the lives of my loved ones for something that had nothing at all to do with any of us, will not be allowed to go unpunished.” In the early hours of Friday morning, a dead body washed ashore the Bogi Beach at Vabukori Village in the National Capital District’s Moresby South electorate. Before the homicide unit arrived, the Tainaladeara people started a malicious lie accusing Mr Mahuru’s dogs of killing the man. “What my family and I have experienced over the last 48 hours casts a dark cloud and it will not be allowed to stand. The remains of an unknown person whose death is clearly under questionable circumstances must be investigated – the death was not caused by my dogs. Yet members of the Tainaladeara community blamed them of the death, and invited hoodlums from Horse Camp and Joyce Bay to attack my pet dogs, kill my family and burn my house down,” said Mr Mahuru. He said they came by the droves. His wife and their children stood ground and defended their home whilst Mr Mahuru and his cousin, David Rau, Police and his beloved dogs drove them back up the hill. The dogs kept defending their territory over the hill and the men stoned and killed the family pets and paraded them through the settlement as their prized kill, posting it on social media. The values and respect agreed on by the Vabukori forefathers with the Tainaladeara people settling on their land have been broken, and the settlers have shown no regard for law and have acted with no regard to the consequence. Mr Mahuru is calling on the newly formed Central Motu Koita Development Convention’s Members of Parliament, Students and Citizens to stand with them in solidarity as they reclaim their land and safeguard their territory and their people. Mr Mahuru has called for the immediate endorsement of the Motu Koita Assembly and Police as permitted by the MKA Act to impose a curfew at Tainaladeara, and a notice to the Tainaladeara community banning new citizens arriving into Tainaladeara. “Tainaladeara is overcrowded, even the older generations brought in by our elders complain that the new citizens of the past 20 years are the trouble makers,” said Mr Mahuru. “Call it unethical, but Tainaladeara needs to be cleansed and this is the right time to use the urgent threat to our safety to move unnecessary and unwanted people out. It is now or never!”. Mr Mahuru warned that this savagery will not go unpunished, and he will seek compensation for the loss his family has experienced. “I will not rest until all those responsible are brought to custody and punished to the full extent of the law. I will not listen to those of you who continue to spread lies and untruths in social media, but you will be pursued under the cybercrime laws, and I will see you punished. I will also see you punished under the animal cruelty laws for what you did to my pets,” said Mr Mahuru. "Our village was once a tapestry woven with strong bonds of tradition, respect, honour and integrity. It has taken every God bestowed intelligence, and God given fibre in my body to exercise restraint. But we have had enough. My dogs paid the price this time, but I will not allow any of my people pay the price for non-action. This is our catalyst for change." Mr Mahuru will use the appropriate authorities to ensure that justice is swift!!!

The Kumul Petroleum PNG Lewas & Barras have had access to specialist coaching and access to Cricket Australia’s National Cricket Centre and resources over the past two months thanks to the PacificAus Sports Program. The partnership, only signed in August, has already provided huge benefits to the National teams and High-Performance department. The program is linked to specific activities starting with the Kumul Petroleum Barramundis participation in the Cricket Australia sanctioned NT T20 Strike competition in Darwin in August. This competition provided much needed highly competitive cricket with the Barras playing against two BBL franchises, a Cricket Australia XI and the Northern Territory, all sides stacked with international and state players as well as the best of the up-and-coming talent in the Australian system. Following on from that tour, the PacificAus Sports program supported ex Australian cricketer and coach, Michael Dighton, to join the Barramundis in a specialist coaching role throughout their CWCL2 home series with Namibia and the USA. The Lewas then just last week had the opportunity to attend a High-Performance camp in Brisbane at the National Cricket Centre. This was the first time the Lewas have had access to this facility, during the camp they also had guest coaches from both Cricket Australia and Queensland cricket to aid their preparation for the upcoming Pacific Cup being held in Vanuatu. Cricket PNG CEO, Greg Campbell, welcomes the support from PacificAus Sports “ this partnership is invaluable to the growth of our teams and programs moving forward. The Lewas having access to specialist coaches working within the Australian and Qld Fire programs, they have established relationships and we have already had enquiries from these coaches on how they can continue to be involved and they are keen to come up to PNG. We were able to form a mentor program between our Strength & Conditioning coach, Otto Wrakonei and his Qld counterparts while at the NCC, this enables a transfer of information and future secondment positions in both countries. The program is only in its infancy, but we have already seen tremendous benefits, especially towards our women’s program. This is creating not only access but allows them to see what is available and where we want to get the women’s program to, parity is the goal and to achieve this we need to find more investment from our partners and corporate sponsors into the Lewas program.” The Lewas are currently competing in their last international event for 2022 and the Barras will play their last event for the year in Namibia in November. The PacificAus Sports program will continue it’s support over the summer aiding player placements in the Australian domestic competitions. There is also additional High-performance camps planned as well as specialist coaches coming in to assist in Port Moresby early in 2023.

Prime Minister  James Marape has given the green lights to Japanese think tank Japan Development Institute (JDI) to help develop a new Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Master Plan for the country and work with partners like the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the World Bank to build SEZs right across the country. He gave the blessing to CEO and Chairman of JDI, Dr. Shoichi Kobayashi, during a meeting with him in Tokyo last Tuesday (September 27, 2022). PM Marape was accompanied by International Trade and Investment Minister  Richard Maru, East Sepik Governor Allan Bird and Papua New Guinea Ambassador to Japan Samuel Abal. Minister Maru and Ambassador Abal also had comprehensive discussions with Dr Kobayashi to progress the SEZ concept in PNG as a matter of urgency, starting with the Pacific Marine Industrial Zone (PMIZ) in Madang. The JDI is an independent think tank/consulting firm, specialised in international development. It was first established in 1982 as the World Consultant Service (WCS) and later changed its name as JDI after merging with the think tank of the Institution of Engineering Consulting Firms Association, Japan (ECFA) in 1997. With its distinguished experts from numerous disciplines and the network with its associate institutions and experts in the world, JDI provides a broad range of consulting services in the field of development, carries out practical studies, and proposes concrete projects and strategies. “I give JDI my full support to come into PNG,” PM Marape told Dr Kobayashi. “I thank you for responding promptly to our request to meet with you to progress the SEZ concept. “You have the expertise that we need, and Minister Maru and Ambassador Abal have given me the okay to engage you, so let’s work together to progress this. “We have moved ahead with passage of the Special Economic Zones Authority Act in 2019, so the political will is there, it’s just a matter of getting the nuts and bolts in place.”

The Vanuatu Cricket Association is excited to announce the fixtures and team lists for the inaugural Pacific Cup, a T20 International tournament running 3-6 October 2022 to be played between the women's national sides of Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, and hosts Vanuatu. A joint initiative between the four competing nations and with assistance from the ICC, New Zealand Cricket and with plans to expand the event in future editions the Pacific Cup will see the four teams each play six T20 Internationals over three match days on the 3, 5, & 6 October 2022. Each team will play double headers each day with games commencing from 9.30AM and 1.30PM at the Vanuatu Cricket Grounds near Korman. Entrance is free for all spectators. Whichever team finishes on top of the ladder at tournament's end will be crowned champions. Day one action today will see the Selina Solman-led Holiday Inn Resort Vanuatu Women's National Cricket Team - currently the country's highest ranked sporting team at number 30 in global T20 cricket - take on 16th world ranked Samoa on VCG 1. On the adjacent ground, and hot off their 5th place at the T20 World Cup Qualifiers in the UAE, 14th ranked team PNG take on Fiji who will be looking to improve on their 56th ranking during the tournament. TEAM LISTS: FIJI: Ruci Kaiwai MURIYALO (Capt), Ilisapeci Vulisere WAQAVAKATOGA (VC), Ana Kuricava GONERARA, Ateca Isabelle Sigamosi Donald KAINOCO, Elizabeth Pauline Grace ROKORO, Karalaini Vesu VAKURUIVALU, Kiera Muahea'he'a AMOE, Lagakali Ecelina LOMANI, Maeavhanisi Sheena Corine ERASITO, Melaia Biu Olivia SEKILEKUTU, Sulia Vuni Takayawa Leba Talei COLATI, Volau Ledua Vakaloloma MATAKI PAPUA NEW GUINEA: Kaia ARUA (Capt), Tanya RUMA (VC), Melanie Nadea ANI, Geua Pauke TOM, Hollan DORIGA, Kevau FRANK, Mairi TOM, Pauke SIAKA, Brenda Hoi TAU, Naoani Noinoi VARE, Sibona Lucy JIMMY, Henao Jean THOMAS, Isabel TOUA, Ravini OA, Vicky ARAA SAMOA: Kolotita Makerita LUI NONU (Capt), Lagi Otilia TELEA (VC), Florence AGAIMALO, Ariota Manusina KUPITO, Jacinta SANELE, Taalili IOSEFO, Tuaoloa Helen SEMAU, Sarina MOE, Kalala TANUVASA, Leofao APOLINASIO, Eleni Tasha, VAATASI SOLOMUA, Taofi LAFAI, Vanisi TALALELEI, Ailaoa Felicia AOINA VANUATU: Selina SOLMAN (Capt), Alvina CHILIA, Rachel ANDREW, Valenta LANGIATU, Vicky MANSALE, Ruth KALTONGGA, Netty CHILIA, Leimara TASTUKI, Maylise CARLOT, Theresa MANSALE, Rayline OVA, Leisau JACOB, Nasimana NAVAIKA, Lizzing ENOCH. FULL FIXTURES: MON 3 OCT Vanuatu v Samoa 9.30am VCG 1 PNG v Fiji 9.30am VCG 2 Vanuatu v Fiji 1.30pm VCG 1 Samoa v PNG 1.30pm VCG 2 WED 5 OCT Samoa v Fiji 9.30am VCG 1 Vanuatu v PNG 9.30am VCG 2 Fiji v PNG 1.30pm VCG 1 Samoa v Vanuatu 1.30pm VCG 2 THU 6 OCT PNG v Samoa 9.30am VCG 1 Fiji v Vanuatu 9.30am VCG 2 PNG v Vanuatu 1.30pm VCG 1 Fiji v Samoa 1.30pm VCG 2 LIVE SCORES: https://crichq.com/competitions/15181/draws/57121/rounds ABC Pacific Beat story with interviews: https://www.abc.net.au/pacific/programs/pacificbeat/pacificcupcricket/101489440 Source: Cricket Vanuatu