The people of Derim in Deyamos rural LLG, Kabwum District of Morobe Province travel two hours on a PMV to the nearest BSP Sub-Branch at Kabwum station to access basic banking services. BSP Lae Top Town Branch recently commissioned Modu Trading as a BSP Cash Agent in Derim village, a service that will save the people a K100 roundtrip to Kabwum station for banking transactions. Owner of J Mondu Trading, Mr George Honeta said; “As an Agent for BSP, I wanted to assist the communities by providing banking services here to minimize their cost of travel to nearest BSP Sub-Branch at Kabwum. Normally it takes two hours’ travel by PMV and costs K100 both ways trip from Derim to Kabwum for banking transactions. The people of Derim have had such a hard time traveling to Kabwum BSP sub Branch and Lae Branches to do withdrawals and deposits. Now that we have a Cash Agent in Derim Station, it will make it more convenient for the people of Derim Station to do deposits and withdrawals. No more traveling to the branches to access these services,” added Mr Honeta. Lae Top Town Branch Manager Bevilon Homuo said the services would now help make it easier for local businesses and people to do deposits and withdrawals on site. “Our branch team will do regular visits to open new accounts and register customers on mobile and internet banking. There is no need for you to spend K50 on PMV to travel to Kabwum or K300 by plane to Lae to do your personal banking transactions. You can do it here at Derim”. She said. BSP Lae Top Town Branch now has 11 active Cash Agents operating in parts of Morobe Province. The Agents are issued wireless EFTPoS terminals or devices by BSP. This enables the Cash Agents to facilitate basic card based transactions like real-time cash deposits, withdrawals and funds transfer. SP is the first to use technology to deliver innovative banking services to the most remote rural areas in PNG. Through an expanded network of Sub Branches, Agents and Payment Processors, and in collaboration with local communities, BSP is delivering the very best banking services for a range of diverse customers – at their doorsteps. BSP has 193 Agents operating across 22 provinces in PNG providing unlimited access to financial services, especially for the unbanked population. This banking system operates with the help of agents who conduct basic financial transactions on behalf of the bank.

At the National Football Stadium today in Port Moresby, Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited (KPHL) announced its agreement with the PNG Rugby Football League for platinum level sponsorship of the national team, the PNGLNG Kumuls. Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited Managing Director Wapu Sonk explained, “We are more than happy to support the development of the national rugby league side in its future endeavors to progress the code in the region and internationally.” “Kumul Petroleum will be supporting the PNGLNG Kumuls to the tune of K1 million a year  from 2022 to 2024, a total of just over K3 million. I hope that our contribution will serve as  an example to other corporate entities to also step up to support our national team.” The platinum level sponsorship includes the placement of the KPHL logo on players’ shirts, team signage, merchandise and other promotional materials. “Rugby league at all levels has a tremendous following throughout Papua New Guinea and this platinum sponsorship of the PNGLNG Kumuls is in some ways a natural continuation of Kumul Petroleum’s ongoing support of a number of sporting codes in the country, including of course the Kroton Hela Wigmen rugby league team,” Mr Sonk added. Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League Chief Executive Officer Mr. Stanley Hondina, said  that on behalf of the PNGRFL Board Chairman Sandis Tsaka, and the entire board, they are  delighted by the support KPHL has shown to the game and embrace the support especially on an important Rugby League World Cup year. “KPHL are a whole of the game partner to PNGRFL and has invested a lot in the growth and development of the game both domestically and internationally.” “The recent PNGLNG Kumuls’ victory over Fiji Batis is an indication of such investments by partners who help us to deliver such results.” “We welcome KPHL onboard again, and we are looking forward to delivering results that will be appreciated by all stakeholders in our game, especially during the World Cup at the end of the year. We also extend our appreciation to KPHL’s Managing Director Wapu Sonk, and his Board, for the confidence they have in our national team and the support provided, that will greatly assist us to prepare and attend the tournament.” “Also, I would like to use this opportunity to thank our other valued partners in PNGLNG as the Naming Rights Sponsor, Digicel PNG Limited and National Gaming Control Board (NGCB) as two other existing platinum partners. Without your support, the game wouldn’t be at the stage where it is and our favorite team PNGLNG Kumuls would not be in the 5th place at the world rankings.”  

Members of the National Capital District Dog unit combed through a settlement beneath the Kookaburra Flyover at Erima today and recovered three high powered rifle magazines loaded with bullets, a military webbing and a large quantity of cannabis. Several suspects at this location fled when they saw the policemen arriving. The drugs, military webbing and magazines will be handed over to the criminal investigation unit for further investigations. Members of the NCD K9 unit staged this covert police operation today as part of the Constabulary's preparation for tomorrow's one day polling in NCD. Police investigations are continuing.  

Several candidates vying for the Moresby North-East Electorate and the NCD Regional seat yesterday signed and served a petition for the Electoral Commission demanding something to be done for the illegal ballot boxes. The gathering took place in the evening with many candidates expressing distaste to the commission’s decision to not inform the candidates of the movement of the sensitive material until moments before their confinement at the Sir John Guise Stadium. “None of the candidates for Moresby-North East were informed of when the boxes of ballot papers will be released,” said Moresby North-East Candidate, Ms. Tania Bale. She added that it was really disappointing that this has happened had the processes been followed in the first place. There had been conflicting information on when the ballot papers would be released but the most consistent was that they were released on the Friday 01st of July. Ms. Bale was among many others including Regional Candidate, Ms. Sylvia Pascoe and fellow North-East Candidate, Diane Unagi Koiam. A discontented Sylvia Pascoe said that the information that they received from the election manager was that the serial numbers matched the number of papers that were there. She stated that they were not disputing that information, they were worried about the extra boxes that are unlike the rest. “They are not sealed like the rest, they are not wrapped up like the rest, the writing on them is different, and these are obviously different so it appears that they have been tampered with,” Ms. Pascoe said. Ms. Pascoe reiterated that it was a worrying sign and is questioning the status of the papers. “I am worried, have they been pre-marked and put in these boxes or have they been photocopied, has someone taken a copy of these papers and photocopied them,” she said. Speaking of the petition, she said it highlighted a few facts: 1. None of the candidates were informed of the movement of the ballot papers 2. They did not witness the material being transported to its holding facility when it arrived in the country 3. They did not see the material being transported to the counting facility 4. The Transport logistics for the material was organized but the material was transported in a different vehicle Ms. Pascoe added that they just wanted answers to the irregularities that they had encountered.

Nasfund Contributors Savings & Loan Society (NCSL) has come on board as a new sponsor to support Cheshire disAbility Services’ Annual Red Feather Fundraiser with a sponsorship of K5,000.00. NCSL CEO, Vari Lahui presented the dummy cheque to Program Support and Operations Support Officer, Tom Sarwon at NCSL Head Office in Port Moresby on Thursday 24 June, 2022. CEO Vari Lahui said NCSL is pleased to support a worthy cause that will aid community-based programs for people with disability and special needs. “We are pleased the donation will support community-based primary health care services, which Includes Education, Early Childhood Care, Residential Care and Protection, Youth Development, and opportunities for livelihood access by parents and caregivers of children with disabilities,” he said. The sponsorship is the start of many collaborations for NCSL and Cheshire in the future and we are pleased to have this partnership going forward,” the CEO concluded. Program Support and Operations Officer, Tom Sarwon while thanking NCSL said he hopes more entities can also follow NCSL to support Cheshire and its work. The Annual Cheshire Red Feather Fundraiser is Cheshire’s main fundraiser to raise funds to maintain, support, and develop Cheshire’s programs and activities for persons with special needs. The patron of Cheshire is our Governor-General, Sir Bob Dadae, GCL, GCMG KStJ.

As the country goes into its second day of polling for the 2022 National General Election, Police Commissioner David Manning has once again appealed to the people of Papua New Guinea for their cooperation in making this election free, fair, safe and corruption free. “It is the mission of the members of the security forces to ensure we have a free, fair, safe and corruption free National General Elections 2022. But this responsibility is not solely ours alone but for every citizen of Papua New Guinea,” Mr Manning said. Mr Manning made this comment when he launched the 2022 National General Election Joint Security Task Force parade at the Sir John Guise stadium in the nation’s capital, Port Moresby, on Friday 24 June. Speaking from Tari, where he witnessed the one-day polling for the Hela Province yesterday (Monday 4 July), Mr Manning said the commitment of the security forces for a free, fair and safe election is evident from the initial ground work done so far in securing the various communities for the polling. Mr Manning said the three disciplined forces have a long, proud and shared history that predates the country’s Independence. “We have stood shoulder to shoulder in our nation’s darkest and most trying times, from elections, to internal conflicts to natural disasters. It is these responsibilities that have been in existence since our forefathers that attained our country’s independence on 16th of September 1975,” he said. He added the challenges back then are no different to those faced now for the 2022 National General Election and the three forces are united in their resolve to deliver a free, fair, safe and corruption free election. “We have a duty to protect our constitution, defend our democratic way of life, serve our country and our people,” Mr Manning said and once again appealed to the security forces around the country to remain focused and maintain their operational integrity. “We must not allow ourselves to be coerced, bribed, forced or threatened to act in the manner that brings the whole security operations into disrepute,” he urged. Mr Manning said the election remains the largest single internal security effort in the country’s political cycle that requires everyone’s undivided attention, loyalty, commitment and professionalism. He said it will test the respective forces' capacities and capabilities. Mr Manning stressed again to the members of the security forces that the success of the election security operations lies in the ability to work with the people, understand their concerns and expectations and willingness to find solutions. “We must ensure that every single person, our women, our elderly, those living with disabilities, those living in the cities,  in the villages and to the remotest communities in all regions of our country, who can legally vote, must be given the equal opportunity to freely and fairly do so,” Mr Manning said. The Police Commissioner once again appealed to the general public not to engage in any criminal act against any members of the security forces, polling officials, and supporters of opposing candidates.

A platoon plus (42) of PNG Defence Force Personnel arrived in Kavieng, for the Election Operations in New Ireland. This brings the total manpower of New Ireland NATEL 2022 Joint Security Force, up to 400 comprising of 300 plus Local Police, plus 20 Personnel (2 sections) from Tomaringa Mobile Squad. New Ireland PPC, Chief Inspector Felix Nebanat said the arrival of the military brings to fruition what has been reiterating for the last couple of weeks about New Ireland having an equipped force for the 2022 National General Election. “It gives me peace of mind and great reassurance that the joint security force under my command, is more than capable of running a safe, free, fair and transparent election,’ he said. He assured New Irelanders that their safety and freedom of choice to practice their basic democratic right to choose their leader is guaranteed. PPC Nebanat also revealed that both the Kavieng and the Namatanai Contingents have competed their respective elections operations brief with their men and are now ready to go into polling. He emphasized that the additional Quick Response Force (QRF) comprising of the Local CS, PNGDF and the Tomaringa based Mobile Squad are here to boost manpower and encouraged his local police to embrace working with the other sister forces and units in securing New Ireland this election. “In spite of setbacks and delayed logistic arrangements that are beyond our control, I am overwhelmed by the aggressive push by my local police who are going the extra mile to take ownership of spearheading security for this election, especially my Community Auxiliary Police Officers (CAPS) from outer islands who have been camping in Kavieng without complaints even though they are yet to be paid their allowances,” PPC Nebanat said. “Their drive and commitment gives me the motivation as their PPC to do more. Sometimes I wish I was in control of funding or that I had enough to adequately pay them for their sacrifices in leaving their families back at home to attend to their call of duty in BRIDGING their communities with police,” he stressed. He further highlighted that they play a very crucial role in being the middle people equipped with a wealth of local knowledge, especially during this time of election as they selflessly commit their time, effort and energy in the name of securing election in their respective communities where the pulse of existence is. I commend my regular police personal especially Senior NCOs at this time when we are short of commissioned officers to take up leadership roles in executing my instructions identified in my Ops order in alignment with the Commissioner’s overall intent for the NATEL 2022. 

Polling for Kavieng Open Electorate pushes through after claims of ballot papers discrepancies were denied by New Ireland Returning Officer, Mr. Benjamin Kliawi. Despite aired grievances by candidates due to word of having inconsistency in ballot paper numbers claimed to have been found during quality check over the weekend. New Ireland Provincial Returning Officer Mr. Benjamin Kliawi has denied this claim and allowed for polling to continue after confirming with the candidate scrutineers that the physical number of ballot papers counted in the quality check, corresponds with the numbers on the dispatched listing. He said any claims of discrepancies on the ballot paper numbers must have its evidence provided to the electoral commission to show proof. Otherwise, it is an administrative matter that will be dealt with according to the electoral commission's protocol to erase doubts that has caused confusion that resulted in the delayed polls. Polling for Kavieng Urban started hours later than schedule while Tikana, Murat and Lovongai LLG polling teams will insert into their respective polling venues today. Kavieng Open candidates and scrutineers fronted up at the Police station early hours this Monday (4h July) morning following a written petition addressed to New Ireland PPC, Chief Inspector, Felix Nebanat. The petition signed by nine (9) candidates requested the Electoral Commissioner to formally verify the reason for the ballot papers not adding up and to stop the deployment of polling teams until all satisfactory clarification is received. PPC Nebanat made clarification on his role as chief of security for the province that his responsibility is to protect the integrity of the election process by maintaining neutralism to ensure there is a free fair and safe election for New Ireland and that the electoral commission is responsible for the clarification. The situation has been controlled with the presence of all members of the joint security force holding the ground. Meanwhile polling for Namatanai proceeds without delay with polling teams making insertion into polling venues yesterday, Sunday 03rd July.

Ok Tedi Mining Limited’s (OTML) Geology and Exploration Department celebrated a milestone of 11 Years without a Lost Time Injury (LTI) on the 21st of June. The last recorded LTI for the team was in March 2011. Manager Geology and Exploration, Oala Rarua, said they are grateful to their staff and business partners on the milestone achievement. “Our gratitude goes out to our team in the bush who are exposed to harsh weather conditions, all the helicopter risks with loading and unloading, and also our Resource team back in the mine pit, working in close vicinity to haul trucks and other heavy equipment. We also thank our laboratory team, who do a fantastic job in keeping safe while working with rotating equipment and chemicals,” said Mr Rarua. “We also acknowledge our various business partners who contribute to our success as a department.” Mr Rarua said his team will continue to maintain this excellent safety record. “We will continue this trend going forward to ensure there is Zero Harm in our workplace so that we contribute in achieving OTML’s Vision 2025 which is to make Ok Tedi the safest mine in PNG.” Deputy General Manager Mining, David Laulau, applauded the Department given the various risks the team is exposed to in the field. “We congratulate the Geology and Exploration team for this milestone achievement. They cover a wide area of operation, the terrain they operate in is very rough and the weather is always a challenge. I commend Mr. Rarua and his team for the dedication and commitment to safety,” Mr Laulau said. The OTML Safety Department team led by Manager Safety, Anna Ila congratulated the department on the milestone, saying it was an indication of the team’s commitment towards working safely. “Such an outcome is mainly achieved when you have not only the management, but those on the shop floor committing to work safely.” She also challenged the department to focus on preventing minor incidents such as near misses, minor injuries and equipment damage, and ensuring critical controls are being implemented to avoid serious incidents from occurring.

Deputy Controller, National COVID Control Centre Dr Daoni Esorom is calling for more tests to be done to determine the extent of the Coronavirus disease in the country. During this 2022 National General Election, Papua New Guineans are not following COVID-19 Niupela Pasin Measures, and the risk of possible surge is highly likely. Dr Daoni says test alone will determine the extent of the outbreak and also one’s health status. “I call on every citizen to voluntarily visit your nearest established health facilities to get tested. “Don’t wait until you are sick with symptoms of the diseases before submitting for testing. If you have not been following the Niupela Pasin measures and involved in Election related gatherings and crowds, and have an existing medical condition you have high risk of getting sick with COVID-19. There are times when the symptoms of the virus are not shown on a person but further tests are proved otherwise.” “Get tested as this will save your life, your families and even your friends,” Dr Daoni made these statements when receiving the provincial surveillance updates from the Enga Provincial Hospital as of July 04. He called on the people not to become too complacent but continue to observe COVID19 protocols, and spend less time in Crowded places to avoid getting sick and get vaccinated. Dr Daoni warns that failure to adhere to Covid 19 protocols will result in serious consequences. “Amidst the increasing Covid-19 cases, our health care workers are doing exceptionally well to contain these viruses. but you as a citizen must comply to Covid-19 protocols and submit for testing,” Dr Daoni reiterated. As of 26th June 2022, PNG has officially reported a cumulative total of 44,709 confirmed cases of COVID including 662 COVID-19 confirmed deaths. There were 18 new confirmed cases reported during the week, including cases from Enga (8), Western Highlands Province (6), National Capital District (NCD) (1), Western Province (1), Chimbu. Over 280,108 people are fully vaccinated, and over 339,482 people have been vaccinated with at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Deputy Commander for Highlands East Chief Superintendent Joseph Tondop told the people of Simbu not to sell their votes as it is worth millions. Mr Tondop said this during the Joint Security Task Force (JSTF) awareness on violence free, fair, and peaceful 2022 national general election in Kundiawa, Simbu province last week. Mr Tondop told the people not to think about today only and sell their votes. He said think about their future, their children and the future generation coming after them. He said pray and seek good leaders from God because he would show them the best leaders. He said leadership is only appointed by God himself. Mr Tondop told the people to screen leaders properly and choose the best among the many candidates and send someone who can bring services back to the community, district, and the province. He said they need to elect leaders who are selfless and think about their people first. “I appeal to everyone to sit with your families or communities and discuss who is the best leader. Never let anyone influence you. You know what kind of services you need at the village level so choose someone who can bring services. “Election is not something to play around with. Election will change this country and the future of your kids. Other countries are developed because of strong leadership. We have everything in our country and only need good leadership to manage these resources for better lifestyles,” Mr Tondop said. Mr Tondop said if the people want to change this country then the change starts with them. They would start to see changes in their districts and provinces when they elect good leaders. He said the will power is in their hands to choose their leaders and secure a good future for themselves and their children. Mr Tondop reassured the people of Simbu province that the security forces are ready to make sure this election is truly free, fair and safe and transparent. He said this election is not only the business for the three disciplinary forces and the provincial government but for everyone.

The destruction of the ballot papers printed for the former electorates that were later split into new ones, started on Sunday 03rd July with the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Electoral Commissioner shredding the ballot papers for the old Komo- Magarima electorate in Hela province. Commissioner Simon Sinai confirmed that over 648, 400 ballot papers for the seven former electorates will be eventually destroyed. “All these ballot papers cannot be used in the new electorates in this election as they will be considered invalid. The ballot papers that we are going to destroy belonged to the former electorates.” The former electorates are Komo- Magarima in Hela province, Lagaip- Porgera in Enga province, Bulolo in Morobe province, Kairuku- Hiri in Central province, Middle Fly in Western province, Ijivitari in Oro province and Talasia in West New Britain province. For Kairuku- Hiri a total of 101, 878 ballot papers will be destroyed, Lagaip- Porgera 194, 600 to be destroyed, Middle Fly 44, 100 to be destroyed, Talasia 88, 500 to be destroyed, Ijivitari 48, 600 to be destroyed, and some 11, 000 papers from Sohe will be destroyed as well because some Local Level Governments (LLG) there come in to make up Popondetta Urban. The Commissioner continued to say that 47, 400 ballot papers from Bulolo will be destroyed, 106, 450 from Komo- Magarima will destroyed as well along with 6, 400 from Kandep in Enga. He further explained that these papers are from the sixteen Council Wards restored to Kandep as ordered by the court. “All of these ballot papers cannot be used in any of the electorates, the old electorates and the new electorates have been split.” “When we split the electorate, it splits an LLG, and it splits the Council Wards. So, when we distribute them, they become separate grouping. We shift the council ward to the other side and to where it’s required by its qualification,” he explained. Commissioner Sinai further explained that these ballot papers were printed by Australia and sent to PNG before parliament accepted the Electoral Boundaries Commission reported that lead to the creation of the new 14 electorates. Meanwhile, the new electorates are Komo- Hulia and Magarima in Hela province, Lagaip and Porgera- Paiala in Enga, Bulolo and Wau- Waria in Morobe, Kairuku and Hiri- Koiari in Central province, Delta Fly and Middle Fly in Western province, Ijivitari and Popondetta Urban in Oro province and Talasia and Nakanai electorates in the West New Britain province.