Tahiti’s AS Vénus are through to the semi-finals of the OFC Champions League 2022 after Kevin Barbe’s second-half header secured a tightly contested 1-0 win over 10-man Lae City FC. Both teams played their opening games of the tournament under blue skies at Ngahue Reserve but today was a different prospect as the heavens opened over Auckland. The result was a disjointed and at times tetchy affair as both teams struggled to come to terms with the conditions. Lae City had the best chances of the first-half, Philip Steven’s effort blocked brilliantly by Vénus defender Barbe, with Stahl Gubag wasting the follow-up. Alwin Komolong tested Vénus stopper Teave Teamotuaitau from distance on the stroke of half-time, the goalkeeper forced into shovelling his strike wide as tensions flared at the end of a scrappy opening 45 minutes – with players from both teams entering referee Matthew Conger’s book. Vénus captain Teaonui Tehau scored a hat-trick in their 3-0 win over Central Coast but the dangerman missed a golden opportunity to give his side the lead just shy of the hour mark, hitting a tame effort straight at Lae City goalkeeper Ronald Warisan when through on goal. Lae City’s challenge then became more difficult when they were reduced to 10 men, Obert Bika handed his second yellow card following a reckless challenge on Roonui Tehau. The Papua New Guinea side continued to look threatening, Gubag’s snapshot half-volley well palmed by Teamotuaitau. However, the Mahina-based side eventually took advantage of their extra man, the winner coming from an unlikely source with just 10 minutes remaining. It was the centre-back Barbe who scored the crucial goal, rising high to head Tauhiti Keck’s swerving corner-kick delivery past Warisan to secure the win and the Tahitian side’s place in the final four. Lae City now face a crunch decider against the team currently in second-place, Central Coast FC of the Solomon Islands, on Wednesday while Vénus take on Galaxy FC later the same day. Source: Oceania Football Confederation

Lae City FC plays its second match against AS Venus of Tahiti tomorrow - Sunday-07th August 2022, AS Venus currently leads the Pool with 1 win so far. Lae City FC has 1 draw from their first match and has to win this second match in order to stay in the competition. Head Coach Bob Morris is happy with his pack so far realigning from Game 1 and will submit his start list later today. So far lead up training in Auckland has been favorable with the team having enough time to acclimatize and have a good feel of the international standard synthetic soccer pitches. OFC has made it possible for Lae City FC to train in two different venues so far with classed facilities so as to get the team gel into the actual field of play. Former PNG international and New Zealand based Maurie Wasi now a local soccer coach in Auckland has come in to assist since the team arrived. Wasi has given his support both on and off the field, getting the team prepared for training and game day. He has also been supportive in providing logistical support as well as accommodating other needs that the team requires.

Air Niugini is pleased to advise travelers arriving into Papua New Guinea that all COVID-19 tests are no longer required, effective, Friday 05th August. PNG Pandemic Controller and Police Commissioner, David Manning issued the latest Pandemic Order no 2 this Friday, which removes all requirements for covid tests on arrival in the country. All Air Niugini inbound passengers from Australia, Asia and the Pacific can now travel into Port Moresby without having to do any covid-19 tests on arrival.

Rufina Peter not only became the first female governor for central province but also the first female to be voted into parliament in this 2022 NGE. Rufina Peter in her thank you speech thanked the people of Central for believing in her and giving her the opportunity to be the first female governor for the province. She told the people that she will bring all the experience she has to developing central province. “I want to thank the Central Provincial Administration for all that they have done to make sure this election moves forward.” “I look forward to working with the provincial administration as well the the district administrations to bring Central Province back to being a prominent province.” Governor Peter thanked the People’s National Congress Party for believing in her and supporting her during this election. “Now you can sit back and see what a woman political leader can do.” Central Provincial Administrator, Mr Francis Koaba in his remarks, congratulated Governor Rufina Peter and commended her for putting her hands up to lead the people of Central Province. “You’ve shown the people of Central Province that women can do anything.” “A female has now been elected as the governor of Central Province,” said the Central Provincial Administrator, Mr. Francis Koaba “Once all the formalities are done, the provincial administration is ready to work with you.” Mr. Koaba added that the people of central province must put aside all their differences and work together with the Governor and the provincial administration.

Buk bilong Pikinini (BbP) children on Thursday had the opportunity to visit BSP’s Port Moresby City Branch to celebrate Book Week and launch a new reader entitled “When I Grow Up I want to be a Banker”. 6-year-old Piro Namean, who is featured in the book as a mini professional banker got to launch the reader, alongside his BSP role model Jude Tamoko, with BSP Group CEO Robin Fleming. Mr. Fleming read the book to the children and talked to them about the skills you need to work in banking. The children were treated to a tour of the bank and got to see how things work behind the counter. This included trying the money-counting machine, receiving a piggy bank and meeting the full branch team. Mr. Robin Fleming, BSP Group CEO said: "This Book Week will see the launch of 7 new books in the organization's own published series “When I Grow Up, I want to be a …” series. This includes a Pastry Chef with Airways Hotel, a Heavy Equipment Operator with Hastings Deering, - a Pharmacist and a Nurse with CPL, a Banker with BSP, an Architect with Pacific Palms Property and an Engineer with ExxonMobil PNG.” The 7 additional books have been produced by BbP together with the organization's partners and with the financial support from the Sir Brian Bell Foundation. The children have been beautifully captured by BbP and Photographer Roan Paul with editing carried out by BbP Founder/ Chairperson Anne-Sophie Hermann and Wild Dog books. These new 7 readers are in addition to the 6 launched in 2021, which included: a Pilot, a Teacher, a Store Manager, an CT Officer, a Farmer and a Paramedic.” Further titles in the series are currently in production. Buk bilong Pikinini is grateful for the generous financial support it has received from the Sir Brian Bell Foundation, a Platinum Sponsor of the organization, to produce this inspirational series of books. Thanks to the sponsorship, PNG children are able to read books which feature children just like themselves in leadership roles, learning about jobs that are needed locally and which are fun to read. The readers aim to teach the children what it takes to become the different professions and to inspire the children to think about their future careers and understand the importance of education. Buk bilong Pikinini works with its partners to establish Library Learning Centers across the country which offers a free Early Childhood Education to 5-year-old children. The program includes literacy, numeracy, digital learning, health awareness and cultural learning. In addition to this BbP also offers teacher training in its programs, library services and and special needs teaching. BbP also publishes its own books featuring PNG children and PNG culture.

The deadline for the Return of Writs is 4:06pm today and for NCD Regional, counting is still at the preliminary stages. NCD Election Manager and Regional Returning Officer, Mr Kila Ralai said that they haven’t started counting yet today as they are still waiting on counting officials. “I don’t think we will be able to complete counting by deadline.” “There are 175 boxes for Moresby North West yet to be counted out of the total 499 boxes.” Howvere, Mr Ralai added that it was still too early at this stage for him to say whether Moresby Regional will be delared as failed.

The Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) have today unveiled Jacks of PNG as the Team PNG Merchandise supplier and Corporate Partner of the PNGOC for 2022 and 2023. One of the leading clothing retailers in Papua New Guinea, Jacks of PNG today sealed a two-year merchandise partnership which saw the PNGOC award the supplier the licensing rights to its Team PNG brand to manufacture, advertise and distribute Team PNG merchandise apparel for the two-year period. The merchandising agreement allows the PNGOC to provide its Team PNG trademark to Jacks of PNG to create an agreed range of Team PNG supporter apparel for the general public to purchase from all Jacks of PNG retail outlets. In addition to the licensing agreement, Jacks of PNG has also pledged sponsorship in kind to the PNGOC to the value of K100,000 over the two-year period (2022-2023). The value in kind sponsorship covers the walkout uniforms and accessories for Team PNG to the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games and 2023 Solomon Islands Pacific Games in addition to Board and Staff uniforms for the organisation. Welcoming the partnership, PNGOC Secretary General Auvita Rapilla said “Jacks PNG came on board last year sponsoring Team PNG’s walk out uniform for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, and we are pleased to see this partnership extend to include Team PNG Merchandise”. Rapilla acknowledged and thanked the Jacks of PNG Board for having the confidence in the Team PNG brand and for taking up this new challenge to market and promote the Team PNG merchandise to the general public despite the ongoing pandemic environment which had made securing sponsorship within the business landscape in PNG difficult. “Jacks of PNG have identified with our Team PNG brand and values. This partnership will allow the general public to share in the pride of the Nation by donning the colours of Team PNG branded apparel in support of the multi-sporting events that we travel and attend each year. Now you too can support Team PNG by visiting your nearest Jacks of PNG shop and purchasing your own official Team PNG supporter merchandise”, Rapilla said. During a combined media conference to announce this sponsorship, City Pharmacy Limited Group’s Chief Executive Officer Navin Raju said it was a great honour for its Jacks of PNG brand to partner with the PNGOC and looks forward for further creative collaborations to create value and build on the existing signature Team PNG brand that will connect and resonate with all Papua New Guineans and Team PNG supporters. Raju added that: “Having this sponsorship will greatly assist the PNGOC as 2023 will be a big year because of the Pacific Games, which will be held in Honiara, Solomon Islands where Team PNG will be sending a big contingent”.

The Queensland Rugby League has informed the PNG Hunters that their Hostplus Cup game against the Townsville Blackhawks in Port Moresby on August 13 will unfortunately not proceed as scheduled. With the potential for further socio-political unrest in Papua New Guinea, the QRL sought expert advice ahead of the proposed Hunters’ homecoming match. QRL chief executive officer Rohan Sawyer said that advice suggested the risk of travelling to PNG was high as a direct result of the recent elections. “We’ve carefully considered all aspects of the situation and in the interests of the health and safety of the respective teams, we’ve made the decision to move the Round 18 match from Port Moresby to the Gold Coast,” Sawyer said. “It’s important to note that this decision is for this game only, and we’re really hopeful the games that are scheduled to be played at the National Football Stadium in PNG later this month can proceed.” Sawyer acknowledged the sacrifices made by the Hunters in recent years. “The Hunters board and management have worked tirelessly throughout a two-and-a-half year relocation period to bring the team back to PNG for the first time since 2019,” Sawyer said. “We feel for the players, management and staff, as well as the fans in PNG who were so eagerly awaiting the return of the Hunters and live Hostplus Cup rugby league next weekend. “We’ll continue to monitor the situation and do everything possible to ensure the Hunters have the opportunity to get back home and play the game they love in front of their valued fans and sponsors.”

Team Papua New Guinea’s Tammi Agari narrowly missed out on a win in her second match against Fiji’s Touea Titana in the Women’s Singles table tennis event at the National Exhibition Centre on Wednesday. The sixteen-year-old from Tubusereia in the Central Province, managed to shake off the nerves after the loss of her first match to push her Fijian opponent all the way into the seventh game only to be edged out 4-3 (18 – 16, 10 – 12, 9 – 11, 12 –10, 11 – 4, 6 – 11, 11 – 9). In the Men’s Singles, Geoffrey Loi put up spirited performances in his 4-0 losses to Barbados’ Tyrese Knight and to Malaysia’s Qi Shen Wong. Amongst the Team PNG supporters in the crowd was Chef de Mission Michael Henao who commended the two youngsters on their improved performances saying: “We are proud of your efforts thus far. You are young and have a long way to go and will only get better. Learn, reset and do your best in the Doubles.” Loi and Agari are students at the Butuka Academy in Port Moresby and do long commuting every day from Tubusereia to school, then after to training and then back home to Tubusereia. “A lot of sacrifice, has been put in by our athletes and officials to prepare for this competition and we encourage support from our fellow Papua New Guineans back in Papua New Guinea and around the world,” said Henao. “Unless we have walked, run and played in their shoes, we will truly appreciate their hard work and sacrifices – the sweat, the tears and the hardship that came with it.”  

The Pharmaceutical Society of Papua New Guinea has appointed business and philanthropic leader Sir Mahesh Patel to be the patron of the professional society. "We are looking forward to his leadership and foresight as the newly appointed patron. He has almost 40 years of experience in developing the industry and contributing to communities and families in Papua New Guinea and we are pleased to make this announcement," said Ms Anita Ireng- Interim President of PSPNG. The professional society provides a platform to bring together pharmacists, hospitals and clinics, business houses and also other health sector professionals and NGOs to share in advancements in the therapy, treatment and science of medicines. Sir Mahesh Patel is the founder of PNG’s largest retailer, CPL Group. He was, recently, knighted by her majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, through the 2020 Queen’s Birthday Honours for his services and contribution to PNG commerce and communities. He had recently participated in the induction ceremony at the Buckingham Palace. "I accept this appointment with great humility and respect for our professionals who are on the frontline of this industry, pushing for better quality of medicines and care for our people. We have a strong team that leads the Society, and I am here to provide and assist with strategic direction," said Sir Mahesh - newly appointed Patron of the PSPNG and founder of PNG’s largest retailer, CPL Group.

Investors in the Forestry sector have been told to do more in downstream processing and planting through reforestation and afforestation. Minister for Forests Hon. Solan Mirisim stressed this when addressing staff of the Papua New Guinea Forest Authority (PNGFA) in Port Moresby on August 1st, 2022 when he was welcomed after being declared the Member for Telefomin in West Sepik province. Present also at the occasion were some investors in the forestry sector and Hon. Mirisim used the opportunity to thank them and also inform them of what he expects of them if he returns as the Minister for Forests in the new government. “When the government is formed, (for the forestry sector), first and foremost will be Downstream Processing to create opportunities for ordinary Papua New Guineans, the landowners. “By 2025, it will be 100per cent downstream processing. Most times, you give excuses and continue to get our logs. Most of you investors have numerous projects in different provinces. Out of these, only one is into downstream processing while the rest are logging. That will have to stop. “The second priority is reforestation and afforestation which investors need to promote also. “You are here to contribute. Don’t just log and run away to another place. Let me appeal to the investors. Please do reforestation (replanting on logged over areas) and afforestation (planting on grassland or areas not yet planted with trees). “The third priority is Management. Many of the (PNGFA) infrastructure throughout the country are rundown. We have to improve them. We have a very strong Managing Director (of the National Forest Service in Mr. John Mosoro), and with some good people we will be working with, we will ensure to build PNGFA, because we (forestry sector) make a lot of money for the government. “I will also look at decreasing the (log) export tax. When it comes to supplementary budget, I will talk to them to reduce the tax so that our investors are happy. “It’s about partnership. We are here to help you and vice versa, to deliver for the government of the day. Let’s all work together for the common good of our landowners and the government,” Minister Mirisim said. He was accompanied by two Members Elect for Hela Province in Hon. Daniel Tindipu for the newly established Komo-Hulia Electorate and Member for Koroba/Kopiago Hon. William Bando who was a former member of the National Forest Board and former Hela Provincial Administrator. “I am here as Minister for Forests until the writs are returned. And it is the prerogative of the Prime Minister whether to re-appoint me back to Forestry or elsewhere, or not be given a ministry. “I scored almost 15,700 to win. It’s actually history for Telefomin because I am back for the third term and no one has achieved this, only second term. My people have spoken through the ballot boxes to give me a third term to deliver some unfinished projects for the electorate. In his welcome, Mr. Mosoro said PNGFA worked well with Hon. Mirisim and hope he returns to the Ministry: “We congratulate you and the people of Telefomin for electing you back as their member. We hope that when the government is formed, you will return as the Forest Minister. “The Directors and senior officers have truly seen your leadership in motivating staff to work hard and get the job done. “A lot of policies that the current government has already done, you took on and implemented. These include downstream processing which you supported us throughout with, plantation development, reforestation, State Marketing Authority and increase in royalties for landowners etc,” Mr. Mosoro said.

BSP Group CEO Robin Fleming said the changes in the bank’s lending rates is a result of the change in monetary policy stance signaled by the Bank of PNG (BPNG) which increased the Kina Facility Rate (KFR) in July 2022 by 0.25 percent to 3.25 percent to counter high domestic inflation. “The intent of these monetary policy changes is to slow down economic activity which should lead to a lower rate of inflation and as a consequence ease cost of living pressures for Papua New Guineans. This is achieved by a combination of higher interest rates, which can act as a brake for businesses making investment decisions, and also by reducing the level of domestic liquidity which is available by commercial banks for lending.” He further added: “To assist with the implementation of these monetary policy objectives, BSP will increase its Indicator Lending Rate by 0.25% on its variable rate lending products effective on the 1st of September 2022.” Mr Fleming explained the changes would only apply to the bank’s variable rate lending products while fixed rate lending products like the First Home-Owner Loan, Standard Home Loan, Property Investment Loan, Personal Loan, Small Business Loan and Credit Enhancement Scheme Loan would remain unchanged. The Indicator Lending Rate would increase from 10.10 percent to 10.35 percent while the Business Asset Loan Rate would increase from 11.50 percent to 11.75 percent – an increase of 0.25 percent. BSP would also increase the interest rates on their key savings products as a means of encouraging savings and to reduce the gap between lending and savings products. New Deposit Rates: · Plus Saver increase in rate by 0.75% across all tiers. · Kids Savings increase in rate by 1.00% across all tiers. · Kundu Standard increase in rate by 0.60% across all tiers. · Business Cheque Account with Interest increase in rate by 0.20% for balances over K250,000; · Term Deposit increase in rate by 0.50% for new and rollover TDs. The Russian-Ukraine war continues to drive inflation resulting in the increasing price of goods and services in PNG. The Consumer Price Index was at 6.9 percent for the quarter ending March 2022 which is the highest level since 2010 when it peaked at 7.2 percent. Mr Fleming said the Kina Facility Rate (KFR) had increased by 0.25 percent to 3.25 percent last month (July 2022). The KFR serves as the interest rate at which funds can be lent or borrowed. It is a monthly rate and any changes to it should translate to market interest rates. On 11th July 2022, the Bank of PNG also increased the Cash Reserve Requirement (this is the non-interest bearing cash deposited with the Central Bank) for all banks by 1% to 8%. The effect of this increase is to remove approximately K280 million of domestic liquidity out of the banking system to Bank of PNG.