“A letter I wrote recently to the PNG Electoral Commissioner is now the subject of much debate in the social media, after the Member for Ialibu Pangia Peter O’Neill released a media statement questioning my motives", said Police Commissioner David Manning. “I have no other interest than to ensure that the election is done transparently and in a safe and secure environment. But we are going against a huge tidal wave of so-called leaders who want to get into office by any means possible. “My office received a written complaint from a candidate in the Ialibu Pangia Open electorate in the Southern Highlands including witness statements alleging among others that over 12,500 ballot papers for the Kagua Erave Open Electorate were hijacked during polling and stuffed in the ballot boxes of nearby Ialibu Pangia Electorate. “That letter was copied to the Prime Minister, PNG Electoral Commissioner Simon Sinai, the Ialibu Pangia Returning Officer, the Provincial Election Manager and other candidates, hence the reference in my letter to Mr Sinai. “I wrote to the PNG Electoral Commissioner to alert him to the alleged election fraud and for him to consider setting aside the ballot boxes until the allegations could be substantiated. "While I note PNG Electoral Commissioner has the final say on administration of the elections and whether or not disputed ballot boxes are set aside, Police have constitutional and legislative powers concerning criminal investigations, and laying chargers in relation to criminal offences. “My letter was intended to have the Electoral Commissioner realize something was wrong and only he can make a decision before it becomes subject to a criminal investigation, and worse still, the cause of further violence and bloodshed. “Police will share the evidence it has obtained for the Electoral Commission to consider and make its decision. We will on the other hand continue with our own investigation as it relates to a criminal complaint of election fraud. “I was not in contact with the Prime Minister over this matter and my decision to write to the Electoral Commissioner was based on the merits of the letter of complaint to me and of course on police intelligence reports and eye witness accounts. “We will continue to do our part to hold the process accountable to all. Ballots have been cast and our challenge now is to ensure counting is conducted securely, safely and as transparently as possible. “I note that counting of Ialibu Pangia votes has commenced and according to the Electoral Commissioner he had instructed other electorates of Imbongu and Mendi Minihu to be counted concurrently. We hope to speed up counting of Southern Highlands Province and have the winners declared soon. “Finally, I appeal to all leaders to respect the process, and government officials who have been tasked to deliver the 2022 National General Election. The results may not go in your favour, but be a true leader and accept it. Do not blame the process, the electoral officials or the security forces.”

Counting officials for Nabak and Labuta LLGs in the Morobe Province have raised concerns over non payments of their allowances this morning at Boana Station where the counting is going on. More than 20 counting officials had a meeting this morning with Returning officer Bamun Bange and raised this concern. The officials claimed their allowances were not being sorted for two weeks now. Nabak LLG has three more boxes to count while Labuta and Wain Erap LLGs completed their counts. Wain Erap did quality checks yesterday while Labuta has resolved to arrange counters from different counting centres for quality checks. The only LLG still going on with counting is Nawaeb Urban with nine more boxes to count. RO Bamun addressed the counting officials and said to respond to the officials' concerns after a talk with Morobe Election manager Simon Soheke. Counting officials are still waiting for the response.

In a new study published in the journal Science, researchers used data contributed by Port Moresby Nature Park in collaboration with other zoos and aquariums to examine 52 species of turtles and tortoises. The data recorded by Port Moresby Nature Park in the Species360 Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS) enabled researchers to discover that, unlike humans and other species, turtles and tortoises defy common evolutionary theories and may reduce the rate of aging in response to improvements in environmental conditions. Evolutionary theories of aging predict that all living organisms weaken and deteriorate with age (a process known as senescence) – and eventually die. Now, using data captured by Port Moresby Nature Park and others, researchers from the Species360 Conservation Science Alliance and the University of Southern Denmark show that certain animal species, such as turtles and tortoises, may exhibit slower or even absent senescence when their living conditions improve. “As part of our commitment to conservation and animal welfare, our organization records data on the animals in our collection to ensure our animals are well cared for and can contribute to species population management and conservation. We are proud that the data we have collected and curated on the turtles in our collection has contributed to this study, and helped researchers better understand aging in these species,” said Brett Smith, Nature Park’s, General Manager of Life Sciences. Port Moresby Nature Park is a member of Species360, a non-profit organization which maintains the Zoological Information Management Systems (ZIMS) – the largest database on wildlife in human care. As part of Port Moresby Nature Park’s commitment to conservation and providing high standards of animal welfare, it uses ZIMS to keep detailed records of its animal collections. And as a holder of turtles, the Nature Park has actively collected and shared data in ZIMS on this species which has directly contributed to this study. Port Moresby Nature Park is a charity organization that relies on grants and donor funding to operate. By visiting the park and joining our Membership program, you help support the Park’s efforts in preserving PNG’s unique natural environment for future generations, including the Park’s 550 resident animals, majority of which have been surrendered to the Park for care.

Deputy Police Commissioner and Chief of Operations Mr Anton Billie has praised the people of Western Highlands, Jiwaka and Simbu provinces for a peaceful polling. Mr Billie said, “So far, the polling in Jiwaka last Friday and Western Highland and Simbu today have been reportedly peaceful. There are nil reports of major incidents and or hijacking of ballot boxes thus far and I must commend the people for their cooperation and good behaviour. “Some districts in Western Highlands and Simbu were unable to poll today and will continue today due to the geographical terrain and weather challenges. We expect smooth polling right across the Highlands Eastern Command,” a happy Mr Billie said. Mr Billie said in a democratic society leadership must be given freely by the people without violence or force and the people in these three provinces have done well and must be commended. He said it also goes to show the qualities of the leadership in the three highlands provinces.

The USA bowling attack came up with a brilliant performance, which restricted PNG to a low score. The entire bowling unit was in top form, as the PNG batting innings never quite got going. Only opener Lega Siaka (28) managed to put up some sort of fight. The rest of the scorecard was a poor reading for PNG, as they faltered to 97 all out in 16.3 overs. For USA, Juan Theron, Nisarg Patel and Vatsal Vaghela all picked up two wickets each. In reply, PNG fought valiantly with the ball, sealing a nervy victory. They had USA in all sorts of trouble at 36/6, a situation from which they could never quite recover. Chad Soper and Assad Vala would both scalp three wickets each to do the bulk of the damage. For USA, only Vatsal Vaghela (29) could make any sort of a significant contribution with the bat. I n the end, the match would be decided in the final over, with PNG holding on for a five-run victory. This brought an end to their tournament where they finished third. Source: icc-cricket.com

NAC would also like to inform the public that the construction work on the new state-of-the-art terminal building is progressing well and is anticipated to be completed by end of September 2022. The new terminal building will contain; 2 x VIP Lounges accessible via a lift and staircase; a spacious departure lounge with a Retail Shop and ATM Facility; passenger check-in counters; an arrival lounge with conveyor belts for baggage; baggage screening machines; Closed Circuit Camera TV (CCTVs); toilet facilities, and other services. New Standby Generators will be installed to provide 24-hour backup power supply to Kavieng Airport new terminal building and other airport facilities. The upgrading of the Kavieng Airport is part of a series of high-impact airport projects implemented under the Civil Aviation Development Investment Program (CADIP 1), implemented by NAC with support from the Government of Papua New Guinea and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The upgrading works align with NAC's main objective to ensure that all 22 national airports in PNG operate in a safe and secured aerodrome environment that is compliant with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and the Civil Aviation Rules Part 139. The Kavieng Airport Upgrade project was awarded to China Railway Construction Engineering Group Co. Ltd (CRCEG) in July 2020 and is valued at K125.7 million. The scope of work for the project includes the following; Extension of the airport’s runway by 500 meters and upgrading of the runway, taxiway and apron pavement including new asphalt surfacing;  Installation of the New Airfield Ground Lighting System and; Construction of the new terminal building and associated works. COMPLETION OF THE KAVIENG AIRPORT RUNWAY The National Airports Corporation would like to clarify to the public that the runway for the Kavieng airport was completed in mid-January of this year (2022) and was ready for the resumption of jet operations. However, continuous threats by the landowners have delayed the resumption of Fokker 100 or similar types of aircraft into the airport. NAC has held several meetings with representatives from the New Ireland Provincial Government (NIPG) and other stakeholders in the province to discuss and find solutions to the issue. Whilst consultation on the issue is ongoing, we note the recent announcement by Air Niugini that the operation of Fokker 100 will recommence in August 2022.

Eleven Credit Corporation employees from various departments across the business recently completed the company’s annual leadership program. Currently in its second year running, the Accelerate Performance Program is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to invest in Credit Corporation’s human capital and enable its participants to lead and bring about change by enhancing their leadership skills Speaking at the graduation ceremony. APP Founder and Credit Corporation CEO Danny Robinson congratulated the 2022 APP Cohort and highlighted that, “The APP strives to empower the company’s employees to achieve their full potential as leaders within their respective departments.” Also present at the ceremony was Credit Corporation Board Director Faye-Zina Lalo who congratulated the staff on behalf of the Board, saying, “Programs such as the APP provide staff with the opportunity to build confidence and expand their skills and capabilities. I encourage this year’s APP batch to utilize your newfound skills in the workplace and mentor others to develop their leadership skills as well.” APP Graduate and Credit Corporation Group IT Manager, Jonathan Bundu spoke highly of the leadership program and thanked Credit Corporation for providing him and his fellow colleagues with the opportunity to participate in the company’s leadership program. “Leadership programs are important to any organization’s success and I’m very happy to be part of a company that is taking proactive approach in developing a program tailored to meet its employee’s needs,” said Bundu.

The Hook in4 Health program is a new exciting multi-faceted initiative for participants, that has an overall objective to enable all participants involved in Papua New Guinea to live well, learn well, and lead well through hockey. This project is funded in part by the Australian Government as a Sport for Development opportunity under the TEAM Up umbrella. The project began in Port Moresby in 2021 and they are excited to now take it to Lae, Kokopo & Manus on the 25th to the 29th July 2022 and a Hockey Workshop via Zoom to be held on the 30th of July with Zoom Hubs in Lae, Kokopo, Manus and Port Moresby, with participating HI4H Program Partners from Australia, NZ, the Donor Agency as well as co-sister program HI4H Vanuatu. Hook in4 Health includes all genders and abilities but has a several key objectives: ● To encourage youths to be engaged in physical activities by visiting schools and delivering hockey sessions ● Increase active participation for women and girls in all aspects of hockey. ● To provide more opportunities for people with a disability to be engaged in hockey. ● To provide health and nutrition education to participants to help them live well. ● To provide more opportunities for volunteers to be trained – coaches, teachers, umpires, officials, and administrators so that they can learn well and lead well. Schools to visit: Lae: Primary Schools - Huonville, St Mary’s, St Paul’s (Cath), St Paul’s (Luth), Markham Road, Milfordhaven, Secondary Schools - Bugandi, Lae Sec, Malahang & Busu Kokopo: Primary Schools - RIS, Kabaleo, Kokopo, Kalamanagunan, Raluana, Raburua, Malaguna - Secondary Schools - Kosec, OLSH, Donbosco, Malaguna Tech Manus: Primary Schools - Pombrut, Nuwok, L/East, Christian Acc, Naringel, Lobahan, Pisik, Manus Sec, Ecom, Papitlai

Police Commissioner David Manning said security has always been critical in the conduct of elections in Papua New Guinea. In light of an increased threat and risk assessment on counting centres in the highlands and parts of the coastal region, Mr Manning said the Joint Security Task Force for the 2022 National General Election has advised the PNG Electoral Commissioner, Mr Simon Sinai, to conduct counting as soon as security personnel are on the ground. He said the security forces are now being preoccupied with the extension of polling in various parts of the highlands due to election related violence. He said it is only sensible then for the PNGEC to assess the situation in light of that and make its decision accordingly. “To proceed to count without the presence of adequate security personnel will be at the risk of the Electoral Commissioner and his officers,” Mr Manning said.

Ireland made history last weekend when they won their first Test against the All Blacks in New Zealand, and they’ve done it again with a 32-22 win at Sky Stadium to seal a famous series win. Andy Farrell’s men led 22-3 at half-time and while the All Blacks closed to within three points in the 60th minute, Rob Herring's try put the result beyond doubt. The defeat leaves Ian Foster’s grip on the All Blacks coaching job in major doubt. Saturday’s defeat was the All Blacks’ fourth from their past five Tests under Foster, who was promoted from assistant coach when Steve Hansen stood down following the 2019 World Cup. Foster edged out three-time Super Rugby winner Scott Robertson for the role, but the calls are becoming deafening for him to take over after leading the Crusaders to their sixth straight title in June. The All Blacks had a majority of possession in the opening term, but the visitors were far more clinical with their opportunities with the ball. For the third straight Test the Irish struck first. World class flanker Josh van der Flier scored in the fourth minute from a rolling maul. The All Blacks had chances, but couldn’t make the most of their early opportunities including an early shot at goals from Jordie Barrett. Eventually the fullback struck back, as Sam Cane opted for another shot at goals in front of the sticks and this time Barrett made no mistakes. New Zealand-born winger James Lowe played a crucial part in Ireland’s second try of the decider. Lowe combined brilliantly with former Junior Wallaby Mack Hansen and broke down the left edge, before a brilliant no-look pass sent fullback Hugo Keenan over for a five-pointer. Flyhalf Johnny Sexton converted a long-range penalty goal shortly after to extend their lead to 15-3. But Ireland weren’t done, with some Bundee Aki brilliance sending midfielder partner Robbie Henshaw over for a score in the dying stages of the half. As expected the All Blacks rallied after half-time. No.8 Ardie Savea fought his way to the try-line for a crucial score early-on after having had his hands on the ball at least three times in the lead-up to the score. The game took another twist when Irish front-rower Andrew Porter was shown a yellow card for a front-on head clash with All Blacks lock Brodie Retaliick. The incident was very similar to the red card that was shown to Angus Ta’avao, but experienced referee Wayne Barnes instead settled on hanging the Irish prop a yellow card. New Zealand made the most of Ireland’s discipline, with referee Wayne Barnes showing Irish prop Andrew Porter a yellow card. When Savea’s back-row teammate Akira Ioane crossed it looked the kings of comeback rugby were coming home with a wet sail. A penalty to Johnny Sexton in the 56th minute stopped the bleeding. But when flying winger Will Jordan ran 75 metres to score an epic try the Wellington crowd burst into a frenzy. The belief was well and truly alive for All Blacks fans. Ireland replacement Herring, however, stopped the party in New Zealand’s capital as he helped the visitors extend their lead to 10-points, with time very quickly becoming the home side’s worst enemy. Despite the relentless attack of the All Blacks in the dying stages, Ireland had an answer for everything, and held on for a famous win. Source: Foxsports.com.au

Prime Minister James Marape has condemned in the strongest terms the violence being perpetrated upon government and public property in certain areas of the country while stressing that these incidents are being turned over to police to investigate and bring to justice those responsible, including candidates.The Prime Minister also said he was in the process of putting out an added 500 police and army personnel to hotspot areas to further protect key institutions, sites, assets, and government and public property such as Porgera, Hides, Kutubu and other key installations.“The Police Commissioner has been given instruction to follow this through. We will not brush aside these acts under the cover of election to be treated lightly. We will work on every evidence, including social media postings, case-by-case, and electorate-by-electorate. You cannot break the law and live in our country, whether you are a candidate, sitting MP, supporter or an electoral staff member,” said PM Marape.“I want to warn candidates across the country to control your supporters. Control your villages. Control the areas of influence you come from in the country. You are contesting to show leadership; you are not contesting to demonstrate frustration, to break laws, to become warlords, thugs and criminals.“We have given instruction to Police to compile evidence on every incident of law breaking in the country related to these elections.”PM Marape said these acts of violence upon government and public property is going to cost the nation more money, money the country does not have at the moment as it tries to recover from its current financial woes.“I warn our people involved in these criminal activities that police will be dealing with you even after the elections. We will work on cases and prosecute those who are found to have caused arson, destruction and illegal activities.“Law and order during elections starts with us leaders who are contesting. If we encourage our supporters to break the law then we are not qualified as leaders in the first place. I direct all candidates – if you are encouraging your supporters to hold guns, to fight, to be arsonists and cause destruction, you are not qualified to be a leader in the first instance. You are a criminal!“For the areas involved in these activities, you do not deserve to lobby for roads, hospitals and schools. Schools are meant to benefit our children. We contest elections to deliver these very services and to see candidates involved directly or indirectly in the burning of such public institutions and utilities is very disturbing.“I condemn in the highest those who torch schools and public properties.”PM Marape said if his government returns to power, he would fund Police and personally see to it that investigations are carried out into these violent acts, and arrests made starting with the responsible candidate.“This will be the way to go without fear or favour. If you are a candidate and if you don’t control violence and violence has started on your side, you will be the reference point from which Police will begin their investigations. This is going to happen after the dust has settled after the 2022 National General Elections.“I remind all candidate, in the little time left in the polling and counting, to contain and control your supporters. Otherwise, you are accessory to all these criminal activities,” said PM Marape.

Police Commissioner David Manning has warned that he will recommend to the PNG Electoral Commission to declare failed elections for the Enga Province if the violence, death and destruction continues. Commissioner Manning made this remark following an upsurge in lawlessness within the last 72 hours in parts of the Enga Province. Mr Manning said a joint task force comprising of military and police personnel will be established and inserted into the Enga Province at the earliest to restore law and order. The Commissioner also announced that 15 candidates of the various seats within the Enga Province in the 2022 National General Election are currently being investigated for their role in the election related violence. “Someone must be held responsible for the death and destruction in the Enga Province. These candidates, these so-called leaders, were silent when the death and destruction began and have remained silent since. God help us if this is the calibre of the “leadership” that is being put forward for the people of Enga,” said Commissioner Manning who has been in the Highlands region since day one of polling. Mr Manning said, “The situation in Enga Province is very serious and I have grave concerns for the lives of many innocent people there who have become victims of barbaric and animalistic attacks. “I have always maintained that the electoral process must be jointly delivered in partnership with the people. Unfortunately, certain candidates do not think this is the way the elections should be delivered. “Reading through the reports on the situation on the ground it is frustrating and sickening to note that known candidates and their supporters have deliberately attacked opposing candidates and their supporters to influence a favourable outcome. “To think that these candidates are considered to be highly educated and have successful careers, married and have children of their own condone such violent acts by their tribesmen and supporters is sickening. “These so-called elites of the province despite their degrees are nothing but highly educated people with questionable morals. We have a saying in many parts of the country with different versions depending where you are, ‘Mango diwai save karim mango, kapiak save karim kapiak’, a law-abiding upstanding citizen would not allow criminals to act on his/her behalf to better their chances of winning elections, similarly a citizen who resorts and supports illegal means of getting what he/she wants will never solicit the support of law-abiding citizens to carry out their criminal activities. “I have conveyed my concerns to the Prime Minister as well as the Chief of the PNG Defence Force, and we have resolved to establish a separate multi-Taskforce to enforce the rule of law in Enga immediately and to also secure the Porgera mine. “The situation in Enga is no ordinary law and order situation. Whilst many of the violent incidents are attributed to the elections there are sectors of the local communities in Enga that continue to engage in violent criminal activities pre-dating the elections and will continue throughout the election period and beyond. “It will be the Joint Task Force's primary objective to enforce the Rule of Law and respond appropriately where necessary to these individuals and/or groups. “Candidates who have employed the services of these criminals or have supported these activities will be apprehended and face the criminal justice system. “We are aware of at least 15 of these candidates who stood for elections in a number of electorates in Enga, and our Investigative Task Force (ITF) is compiling reports and statements at this time. “This will allow for search warrants to be applied for on their persons, known associates, financial assets, and material property and if need be, arrest warrants. “We are not time bound by the elections. If these candidates think that we are, then they are sadly misinformed. We plan to have this Taskforce deployed in stages over the coming days.” Updates from various parts of the Enga province over the last 72 hours shows an unprecedented level of violence, death and destruction of private and public property. In the Kompiam-Ambum electorate, four bridges on the Wabag-Kompiam road were destroyed. Government installations including schools were also destroyed. There are also unconfirmed reports of widespread killings. There is confirmed destruction of village homes and livestock and continuous tribal fighting between rival candidates. For the election, despite efforts of the Joint Security Task Force (JSTF) Air Ops only a limited number of boxes were able to be collected from Kompiam and extracted to Hagen. All other boxes for the electorate that were extracted by road are currently being stored at the main storage containers in Wabag town. The Kompiam Returning Officer and his officials were on hand and were involved in assisting the extraction of the boxes from Kompiam and delivered to Hagen. All other remaining boxes not extracted will be left to the Returning Officer and Electoral Manager to decide as to what options to take. In the Laiagam electorate a major national road was destroyed. Culverts were destroyed, trenches three-meter wide and six-meter-deep were dug on the Surunki Section of the Wabag-Porgera Road. There were sporadic attacks on government security forces throughout the polling period and continuous tribal fighting between rival candidates. There were also unconfirmed reports of killings. The road from Porgera via Wabag has been cut off. Certain boxes were unable to be inserted into designated polling areas in Laiagam during the polling period due to rival candidates clashing in those areas. The Returning Officer and the Provincial Election Manager will make representation to the PNGEC as to what can be done. All remaining polled boxes were retrieved and have been securely stored in Wabag. In Porgera there was destruction of schools and teachers’ homes, shops and various other buildings in and around Paiam Station. Tribal clashes continue between rival candidates. Unconfirmed reports of killings. Enga Provincial Police Commander Acting Superintendent George Kakas led a team by road through Southern Highlands to Porgera to extract polled Ballot Boxes. The Ballot Boxes for Paiyela were unpolled and were also retrieved and brought back to Wabag. In the Wabag electorate, all boxes that were in Maramuni were safely extracted and are securely stored in Hagen after the use of Wapenamanda Airport was discontinued. Issues relating to the threat and risk assessment of counting has been assessed and recommendations for the counting of votes of specific electorates from Enga has been relayed to the Enga Provincial Election Steering Committee and the PNG Electoral Commissioner. The key recommendation is to count these two electorates outside of the Enga Province. Meanwhile, the Police Commissioner said in light of an increased threat and risk assessment on counting centres in the highlands and parts of the coastal region, the Joint Security Task Force for the 2022 National General Election has advised the PNG Electoral Commissioner, Mr Simon Sinai, to conduct counting as soon as security personnel are on the ground. “To proceed to count without the presence of adequate security personnel will be at the risk of the Electoral Commissioner and his officers,” Mr Manning said.