Sick patients and their guardians admitted at Brown Memorial General Hospital in Finschhafen District, Morobe Province have been told to cast their votes in their respective ward areas if they wished to take part in the elections and will not be given any special treatment. Assistant Returning Officer for Finschhafen Urban and Kotte Rural Essau Lilibur issued the advice yesterday before allowing the polling to commence in the area. He said sick patients and their guardians from outside of the Finschhafen area admitted at the hospital had to find their own way to their polling locations to cast votes as ballot papers were set according to the population records for Finschhafen Urban and Kotte Rural. Lilibur also reminded the patients wishing to have their say in the 2022 elections had to consider their health status first before going out to cast votes in their areas. He said there's no legal document that guarantees patients to go cast votes and they have to make their own decisions either to go cast votes or not. Polling commenced yesterday morning in the area while Yabim Mape and Hube areas commenced today.

Air Niugini wishes to advise the travelling public that the airline will resume its Fokker jet services to Kavieng airport, New Ireland Province effective from Monday 1st August 2022. The resumption of Fokker flights follows the completion of runway maintenance and upgrading works by the National Airports Corporation (NAC). Since the works on the airport runway commenced over a year ago, Air Niugini has been operating to Kavieng using smaller Dash-8 aircraft, but with passenger numbers restricted to as few as 20 at times because of the shortened runway. Air Niugini General Manager Commercial, Mr Paul Abbot said “The last year of restricted operations at Kavieng has been inconvenient for both our customers, business houses in Kavieng, and the airline. However, we do appreciate the work done by NAC and Asian Development Bank (ADB) via the CADIP 1 program to upgrade the runway and build a new terminal. “ Mr Abbot added “Air Niugini is pleased that the works are now complete and we can resume our Fokker 100/70 jet services into Kavieng airport”. Effective from 01st August, Air Niugini will operate daily Fokker jet services between Port Moresby and Kavieng, as well as connecting the provincial capital of New Ireland with Rabaul, Hoskins, Lae, Manus Island and Buka. Flights to Kavieng may also be operated by larger Boeing 737 aircraft during peak demand periods. Air Niugini appreciates the travelling public’s patience and understanding on these matters.

Established in 2019, HRDF as a development partner to improve the quality of education, health and support sport functions in remote communities in Hela Province, HRDF continues to deliver projects through the support of donation partners and program support organizations in Papua New Guinea and Australia. With operation sites located in Port Moresby and Tari, the foundation has extended support to neighboring provinces in Southern Highlands and Enga. Founder and Chairman of HRDF Eric Yawas, explained that they currently have a total of ten donation partners and various program support organizations in both PNG and Australia. HRDF delivers range of materials from library books, computers, and teacher’s reading materials, to desks, tables, and chairs. The Foundation also supply mosquito nets, wheelchairs, and hygiene items to support the Health Centers. Nonetheless, provide sporting gears, balls, shorts, uniforms and sponsors to any sporting functions in schools within Hela province. “Onboarding the BSP online payments system, it will be now be seamless to receive donations that will help the foundation. “Online payments encourages our sponsor partners and donors to make payments conveniently without having to go visit the nearest branch. With just a click of a button, payments are sent through,” said Yawas. “Apart from donation partners overseas, the eCommerce platform provides the perfect avenue for anyone to donate money to assist with funding the logistics required to deliver the projects,” he added. “Digital is the way forward and the solution to all business banking needs, it saves time and adds more value to your business given that we are in the digital age,” he said. Individuals or businesses wishing to assist can visit www.hrdfpng.com, and donate using their Visa or MasterCard.  

Air Niugini has resumed flights to Kagamuga Airport, Mt Hagen this morning (Wednesday 13th July). The first flight departed just before 9am, this will be followed by another four flights throughout the day. Those passengers who were disrupted from yesterday will be accommodated on flights from today. The airline suspended services to Mt Hagen yesterday due to civil unrest. Air Niugini operates up to five flights to Kagamuga Airport daily.

The Controller of the national pandemic response David Manning has approved for three additional Covid-19 Antigen Rapid test kits for Covid-19 screening in the country. The three new COVID-19 rapid tests kits are Singclean Antigen RDT, Lookspot Antigen RDT and Flow Flex Antigen RDT for SARS CoV-2 screening and diagnosis Deputy Controller Dr Daoni Esorom said. “Quality diagnosis of diseases is crucial as it ensures appropriate clinical intervention is administered but equally crucial is having the testing kit that is validated for use in PNG. This ensures the diagnosis is reflective of the true status of the patient. Validation was undertaken by the Central Public Health Laboratory (CPHL) in 2021 to ensure that process is carried out,” Dr Daoni said. These new rapid Antigen Testing Kits are in addition to BioPen Antigen RDT Kits that was initially approved by NCC for COVID-19 testing in the country in 2020. We now have four approved tests kits in the country. These are the only approved tests kits to use for COVID-19 testing.” Dr Daoni said. Singclean COVID-19 Antigen Test kit (Colloidal Gold) manufactured by Hangzhhou Singclean Medical Products Co. Ltd, is a solid phase immunochromatographic assay for the rapid, qualitative detection of antigen of COVID-19 in human saliva. Lookspot Antigen RDT test detects the nucleocapsid protein from SARS-CoV-2 in nasal swabs from suspected Covid-19 patients in the first eight days of the symptom onset. It delivers results in five to eight minutes. This rapid test kit is a smartphone-based diagnostic device with a lateral flow immunoassay developed from Laipac an internet medical developer. Meanwhile, Flowflex Antigen Rapid Test is manufactured by Acon Biotech Hangzhou Co. Ltd. The Flowflex SARS-CoV-2 Ag Rapid Test detects the presence or absence of the antigens specific for SARS-CoV-2 in nasal and nasopharyngeal specimens. Dr Daoni confirmed that these are the only Antigen rapid tests kits approved for COVID-19 screening and diagnosis in PNG.

It comes after Mr Musk announced he was walking away from his proposed $44bn acquisition of Twitter on Friday. He claimed Twitter had not given information about the number of fake and spam accounts on the platform. Now Twitter has asked a Delaware court to order Mr Musk to complete the merger at the agreed $54.20 per Twitter share. "Having mounted a public spectacle to put Twitter in play, and having proposed and then signed a seller-friendly merger agreement, [Mr] Musk apparently believes that he - unlike every other party subject to Delaware contract law - is free to change his mind, trash the company, disrupt its operations, destroy stockholder value, and walk away," said the lawsuit. The lawsuit went on to accuse Mr Musk of "a long list" of violations of the merger agreement that "have cast a pall over Twitter and its business". Twitter chairman Bret Taylor tweeted that the microblogging site wanted "to hold Elon Musk accountable to his contractual obligations". The lawsuit said Mr Musk had backed out of the deal because it "no longer serves his personal interests". Mr Musk is the chief executive of electric car company Tesla. The lawsuit said that after Mr Musk agreed to the deal, the stock market fell, along with Tesla shares. "The value of Mr Musk's stake in Tesla, the anchor of his personal wealth, has declined by more than $100bn from its November 2021 peak. So [Mr] Musk wants out," it said. "Rather than bear the cost of the market downturn, as the merger agreement requires, [Mr] Musk wants to shift it to Twitter's stockholders," it added. Twitter's share price has fallen more than 8% in the past month, and in May tumbled from highs of more than $50 per share, as Mr Musk questioned the number of fake and spam accounts on Twitter and said the deal was "temporarily on hold". On Friday, Mr Musk said he was pulling out of the deal, claiming a lack of information about spam accounts and inaccurate representations amounted to a "material adverse event". He also said Twitter sacking executives meant it was not living up to its obligations. In response, Twitter said it planned to pursue legal action to enforce the agreement, saying it was "committed to closing the transaction on the price and terms agreed upon with Mr Musk". The original merger agreement includes a $1bn (£830m) break-up fee. Mr Musk, a self-described "free speech absolutist", had pledged to loosen Twitter's content moderation rules once the company was under his ownership. He has been a vocal critic of Twitter banning some accounts, such as that of former US President Donald Trump. Mr Musk has also called for more transparency over how the platform presents tweets to users - a system that currently allows some to be promoted and given wider audiences. Source: BBC News.com

The Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) received a timely presentation of K344,000 from Trukai Industries Limited (TIL) to aid Team PNG’s participation at the 20th edition of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, United Kingdom later this month. The funds presented were raised from the sales of the 2022 Trukai Fun Run T Shirts. TIL Chief Executive Officer Alan Preston in making the presentation to the PNG Olympic Committee said that Trukai was happy with its continued partnership with PNGOC to support Team PNG in its endeavor to promote PNG’s sporting talents in international competitions. “Trukai Industries has been a great partner of Team PNG and the PNG Olympic Committee (PNGOC) for the past 23 years and was happy to continue this partnership again in 2022. “We are happy to continue our support again, and this year it will be towards supporting Team PNG to the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, United Kingdom later this month. On behalf of Trukai Industries Ltd, we wish them all the best and every success, as they fly our country’s Red, Black and Gold colors amongst the 70 plus Commonwealth nations’ who will congregate in one of the biggest sporting festivals of the world from 28th July to 08th August 2022”, Preston said. Sir John Dawanincura, President of the PNG Olympic Committee in receiving the cheque on behalf of PNGOC and Team PNG, thanked Trukai Industries for their continued support. “We are truly grateful for this wonderful partnership fostered over many years despite tough economic times our country has endured, you continue to stand by PNGOC. I salute your passion and support and admire your valuable contribution to enabling PNG’s elite sportsmen and women to aspire to greater heights”, Sir John said. Team PNG Chef de Mission (CdM) to the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, Michael Henao also reiterated the team’s gratitude to TIL for its continued support to Team PNG over the years and especially this year’s team. “Trukai have been wonderful supporters of Team PNG over the years and we are truly grateful for that. This year, we will be taking a contingent of 54 to these Games and we can assure you that we will be doing the very best for our country to fly our flag amongst other nations within the Commonwealth. Team PNG to the Commonwealth Games will leave our shores on July 21st, 2022”, CdM Henao said.

The National Alliance Party is greatly saddened by the sudden and unexpected passing of the NA Member of Parliament for North Bougainville, Hon. William Nakin. The NA Leader, Hon. Patrick Pruaitch, said: “The Hon. William Nakin was a humble leader with a heart for his people. Having been elected to Parliament in 2017, he set about improving public infrastructure such as hospitals and aid posts, schools, and community centres throughout North Bougainville. “The people of North Bougainville have improved living conditions today because of the dedicated leadership and service delivery instituted during Hon. Nakin’s term in Parliament.” Mr Pruaitch said NA would greatly miss the quiet and enlightened leadership style provided by Mr Nakin, which acted as a guiding light when things were going well as well as in difficult times. “My family and I, the people of Aitape-Lumi and the entire NA family extend our condolences to Mrs Nakin and the Honourable MP’s extended family and the people of North Bougainville in this time of mourning and sadness.”

Air Niugini has announced that the airline has suspended all flights to Kagamuga airport, Mt Hagen today due to civil unrest. The airline’s decision to suspend flights was made after it received a Notice to Pilots (NOTAM), consequently forcing the cancellation of all five flights today. Air Niugini will continue to closely monitor the situation and will resume operations as soon as it is safe, including withdrawal of the NOTAM. Passengers who had purchased tickets for the flights that were canceled can revalidate their travel for the next available flight. Air Niugini regrets the inconvenience caused to its passengers however the situation is beyond the airline’s control. "Safety is always of paramount importance in our operations".

NCD Metropolitan Superintendent Gideon Ikumu said homicide detectives are now investigating a shooting death incident which occurred at the ATS settlement yesterday in the National Capital District. A woman was reportedly killed in this election related violence. A video of the dead person purportedly killed by a stray bullet went viral on social media yesterday, with many commentators levelling blame at the police. Mr Ikumu confirmed that police reinforcements went to restore order when a rowdy and quarrelsome crowd threatened to harm election officials and disrupted polling at the ATS settlement. Rocks were hurled at police and gunshots were fired to disperse the unruly crowd. Mr Ikumu addressed angry settlers at ATS after the incident. He assured the settlers that the police investigation would ascertain the facts. He said a formal investigation began yesterday to establish how the victim was killed and who was responsible for her death. "Homicide detectives are now collecting evidence including video footage and statements from potential witnesses," Mr Ikumu said.

Maroons coach Billy Slater was adamant he wouldn’t be “playing games” in the lead-up to the series opener — but that attitude has clearly changed. Following Cameron Munster’s omission due to Covid-19, Cowboys playmaker Tom Dearden has been brought into the starting 17. Slater confirmed the 21-year-old would wear the No.6 jersey, but wouldn’t reveal if he would run out alongside Daly Cherry-Evans to start. NRL360 host Braith Anasta highlighted the big shift in Slater’s mentality suggesting the pressure is on ahead of a Game III decider. “We interviewed Billy Slater before Game I and after Game I, after the victory, and there was no playing games, it was all laid out, this was the team I am picking, this is the team that is running onto the field,” Anasta said. “Then all of a sudden, we go to Suncorp in a decider and Billy has changed, it is amazing.” The rookie coach previously stated ”I’m not here to play games” prior to the series opener after naming Ben Hunt in the No.9 jersey, explaining “he earnt the right” to start. But now, when asked if Dearden will be given the opportunity to start, Slater remained tight-lipped. “Can you confirm that Tom will start at five-eighth?” a journalist asked during Monday’s press conference. “No I can’t... I just can’t confirm right now, our players are very clear on their roles, I’ll say that,” Slater responded. “He will play five-eighth when he is out there, just whether he starts or not we will make that decision closer to the game. “We have to name a 19-man squad today, and then we will name our team an hour before kick-off. “We are pretty clear.. I know my team, I know our team.” Slater explained his side have two options to take over the vacant five-eighth positions — Ben Hunt and Tom Dearden. “We have an opportunity to start Harry Grant and Ben Hunt can move into the halves, he is leading the Dally M at the moment, he is playing some great football, that’s why he is in the team. “We’ve got an opportunity to start Tom Dearden, so they are the two scenarios we are sort of flirting with at the moment.” Slater also threw his full support behind the Cowboys young gun who has enjoyed a strong season with the revitalised Cowboys outfit who currently sit second on the competition ladder. “I have said to Tom a number of times throughout the series, if he was wearing a Maroons jersey throughout the series I wouldn’t be concerned one bit,” Slater said. “Now he is going to be and I am really confident in Tom... he is a true competitor, he is a tough defender.”

Digicel is pleased to announce the provision of the ‘Direct Fibre to the Business’ (FTTB) product to two of Papua New Guinea’s leading hotels under Kumul Hotels Limited, Holiday Inn Express and Holiday Inn & Suites in Port Moresby. The ‘Direct Fibre to Business’ provides dedicated internet access through Digicel’s fibre network with microwave redundancy which guarantees more uptime, availability and stability of the Hotel’s internet services. With the FTTB service in place, Holiday Inn Express Port Moresby and Holiday Inn & Suites Port Moresby internet service is upgraded and more resilient. The hotels are now able to better serve their guests by providing them with the additional benefit of stable, consistent high speed Wi-Fi connections, with zero to minimal internet down time. Mauro Leone, Area General Manager, IHG Hotels & Resort Papua New Guinea said, “Holiday Inn guests expect great value. We know today’s travellers are on the move and looking for options that are high quality and convenient, which is why we offer complimentary Wi-Fi with our rates, a perk we know is essential in our market.” “This is an especially important upgrade for our extended stay guests who occasionally work from home. This upgrade will guarantee our internet service offering is the best in market, we extend complimentary Wi-Fi with our long-term rental agreements,” he adds. With the increased reliability and speed, hotel staff can now download and upload files at the fastest speeds, increasing their day-to-day efficiencies in digital communications connecting and engaging with their head office and suppliers at a much faster rate than before. Digicel’s Head of Business Solutions for PNG, Charlie Clementson said, “Customers staying at Holiday Inn Express Port Moresby and Holiday Inn & Suites Port Moresby can expect world class internet and a very reliable service. Digicel is proud to be providing this service to these hotels, its long-standing customer via its Fibre network.” “Digicel’s ‘Fibre To The Business’ product provides the Holiday Inn Express Port Moresby and Holiday Inn & Suites Port Moresby with the fastest and most resilient dedicated internet service in Papua New Guinea. In addition to ensuring the hotels and their customers are always connected, we have also set up a dedicated redundant Microwave connection which will allow the two hotels’ network design to provide internet connections that will exceed its customers’ expectations. Digicel is proud to deliver this level of Internet experience in PNG” Mr. Clementson added. The ‘Direct Fibre to the Business’ product guarantees higher uptime and redundancy built in to provide 99% service availability. By moving to Digicel’s fibre network, businesses can increase their internet service availability and provide the best internet experience to their end customers. For more information on this product, visit https://www.digicelbusiness.com/pg/en/home.html.