Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) for Special Operations Donald Yamasombi launched the Police Patrol Vessel (PPV) Manning in Kokopo East New Britain (ENB) last week in time for election duties. The Police asset is about 9.5 meters long and can travel distances. It will cover the islands and coastline areas of ENB as well as New Ireland province too. [caption id="attachment_23381" align="aligncenter" width="936"] Kokopo District Administrator John Talele (far right) thanking the Police for a much needed asset in the province. From left to right: Provincial Police Commander for ENB Chief Inspector Jarunus Vosivai, Water Police Director Chief Inspector Chris Smith, Police Acting Deputy Commissioner of Special Operations Donald Yamasombi, NGI Divisional Commander ACP Perou N’Dranou and Kokopo District Administrator Mr Talele.[/caption] Mr Yamasombi said it was a timely present to the province as it can be used during the election period. “A lot of time we give out 23-foot motor boats throughout the country and that is not sufficient to cover our maritime provinces,” said Mr Yamasombi. Mr Yamasombi thanked the Director of Water Police Chief Inspector (CIP) Chris Smith who accompanied him to present the boat. [caption id="attachment_23382" align="aligncenter" width="725"] Mr Yamasombi delivers his speech during the launch of the PPV Manning whilst Director Water Police CIP Chris Smith looks on.[/caption] He said a total of seven provinces have received a police boat so far. The Constabulary is now looking at building the water police capacity to improve policing services to the people of the islands and coastlines. “A lot of time we give out vehicles for police work on the land and tend to neglect those on the islands and coastline with no police presence, therefore going forward the Police Force is looking into the areas that need our attention most,” he said. Divisional Commander for New Guinea Islands Police Assistant Commissioner (ACP) Perou N’Dranou thanked MR Yamasombi and the police top management and assured them that the boat will be put to good use to reach areas they have not reached before to serve the people.

Members of the security forces are duty bound to provide a conducive environment for people to vote without fear or favour, threats, intimidation or harassment says Divisional Commander for New Guinea Islands, Assistant Commissioner (ACP) Perou N’Dranou. Mr N’Dranou made this comment when he launched the deployment of police and other security forces at the Kalabond Field Kokopo, East New Britain Province (ENBP) last week. Mr N’Dranou said the election operations are always one of the biggest operations for the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) as well as its sister disciplinary forces, the PNG Defence Force (PNGDF) and the PNG Correctional Service (PNGCS). He said the forces have been working well together to ensure a smooth run of the 2022 National General Election while maintaining law and order throughout the province and the country on a daily basis. “We are duty-bound to provide a conducive environment for the people to exercise their democratic right to choose leaders freely without fear or favor, threats, intimidation, harassment or violence,” said Mr N’Dranou. He said the mission of delivering a free, fair, safe and corruption free election comes with its own challenges given the difficult terrains of the country, the unpredictable weather and the on-going daily challenges faced by the security forces. He thanked the people of ENBP and the New Guinea Islands region for their cooperation and support throughout the campaign phase. Mr N’Dranou urged the people to take ownership of this election and continue supporting the security forces in achieving a free, fair and safe election. He further called on the candidates to manage their supporters and not disrupt any election process until the final outcome of the election. “Do not bribe your voters, issue threats or use any form of violence on the people to vote for you,” ACP N’Dranou said. He reminded the members of the security forces to take pride in their job and do it diligently and not to use the power vested upon them to do anything illegal. “Remember our people depend on us for safety and security and will vote with confidence when their security is guaranteed. The country’s future is in our hands so you must be committed and do your jobs honestly,” ACP N’Dranou concluded. Meanwhile, one-day polling started today for Hela Province. For the New Guinea Islands region polling has been scheduled from 4-8 July for East New Britain, Manus, and New Ireland provinces. West New Britain and the Autonomous region of Bougainville goes to the polls from July 4-11.

The Ipswich Jets have played out a strong Round 13 on home soil to defeat the SP PNG Hunters 36-18 at North Ipswich Reserve on Saturday, 2nd July. Despite their position on the ladder the Jets came out firing from the kick off, charging upfield with their first set to attack the Hunters’ line. The visitors’ defence held but it was a sign of things to come, with Ipswich dominating field position and yardage early on to score tries through Ricci Falaniko and Denzel Burns inside the first 10 minutes. Having been beaten out of the gates, the PNG side mustered to drag themselves back in the contest thanks to the silky attacking skills of Judah Rimbu at fullback. Rimbu first worked himself into space on the left edge and looked to have scored when he chased his own well-weighted grubber into the in goal but couldn’t ground the ball. Not to be dissuaded, Rimbu got involved again a few minutes later and on the right edge this time, throwing the final pass for Solo Wane to score in the corner in the 19th minute. Brandon Nima was next to score for the Hunters and again it was on the back of Rimbu’s involvements from fullback. In an action-replay of his own botched attempt a few minutes earlier, Rimbu chimed into a Hunters’ left-hand shift and dropped another neat grubber in behind the line for Nima who grounded the ball in the in goal. With all the momentum late in the first half it looked like the Hunters might steal an unlikely halftime lead, but a try to Ipswich’s Nathaniel Neale in the 31st minute gave the Jets a narrow 16-12 margin as they hit the sheds. In cold, wet and slippery conditions at North Ipswich Reserve it was anyone’s game as the whistle blew for the second stanza. Both the Hunters and Jets were having no trouble working up the field but as fatigue crept into the game, so too did the ill-discipline. Four second half tries to the home side were as much a product of enterprising, attacking footy as they were a result of the Hunters’ ill-discipline.

Election Security Operation in Manus is now expected to commence on Wednesday 6th of July, 2022, a delay of two days. The Papua New Guinea Defence Force is contributing thirty personnel from HMPNGS Tarangau to support the local police and the Commanding Officer for HMPNGS Tarangau Commander (CMDR) Buni Dorea said his men are ready to support police in the election security operation. “The troops from HMPNGS Tarangau fully equipped and are ready to deploy. Some of these members will be travelling to the outer islands with Police and the Correctional Service members for polling, "Commander Dorea said adding “I have spoken to the Provincial Police Commander and Police will support our troops with two vehicles.” HMPNGS Tarangau is also expected to support election in Manus with the movement of polling officials from Lorengau to the Western Islands of Nigoherm and Aua-Wuvulu. HMPNGS Ted Diro will depart Lombrum this evening with election officials and materials for these two Local Level Governments. Provincial Police Commander for Manus, Chief Inspector Kewari Kesabi urged Manusians to refrain from causing unnecessary delay, making reference to the rumor about two extra ballot boxes that candidates alleged went on a chartered flight with non-sensitive election materials to Manus. “This is not true and we must ensure the election process in the province runs smoothly.” Apart from the boost in numbers from the PNGDF personnel, the Correctional Service is supporting the operation with nine personnel and additional members from the Mobile Squad in Tomaringa in East New Britain will be arriving in the province ahead of polling. Meanwhile quality checks for Manus will be conducted today.

Rotorua will create history by becoming the first venue in Aotearoa New Zealand to host the Harvey Norman Rugby League All Stars. The Australian Rugby League Commission today confirmed Rotorua as the venue for the 2023 All Stars, the first time the concept will be played outside Australia. The 2023 contest, to be played at Rotorua International Stadium and featuring men’s and women’s matches, will land on New Zealand shores for the 12th All Stars fixture – and the fifth between the Māori All Stars and the Indigenous All Stars. The announcement was made this morning by NRL CEO Andrew Abdo, alongside Rotorua Lakes Council, Te Arawa and Indigenous Australia representatives including Australian Rugby League Indigenous Council Chair Katrina Fanning at Te Puia, the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, Rotorua. ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys AM said the Commission understood the enormity of Aotearoa New Zealand being able to host the Harvey Norman Rugby League All Stars event. “The All Stars game is incredibly special and important to us, and it’s only just we share it with our New Zealand friends,” Mr V’landys said. “The Māori All Stars versus Indigenous All Stars game has advanced so much since its inception in 2019 and playing in New Zealand will only continue this rapid growth.” NRL Chief Executive Andrew Abdo said the event would benefit communities in the Rotorua region and more broadly in New Zealand. “All Stars brings communities and culture together perhaps like no other week in our calendar. Knowing how important Rotorua is to Māori culture, we are excited to work with the community on becoming the first Aotearoa New Zealand location to host the event,” Mr Abdo said. “The 2023 All Stars game will coincide with the 50-year anniversary of the first Indigenous Rugby League tour of New Zealand, and will also be 50 years since Arthur Beetson became the first Indigenous athlete to captain Australia.” Chair of New Zealand Māori Rugby League, John Devonshire, said it was the highest echelon for Māori sport to aspire to. In the last five years it’s always been about bringing the game and people back home. “It’s a great opportunity for us as Māori, for Te Arawa and Rotorua as hau kainga and tangata whenua. We want to give the Indigenous team an opportunity to enjoy our culture. It’s a community effort, and we want to invite the whole community, and what better place in Aotearoa to do it? “Rotorua has become the destination of choice for a number of reasons – geographically for its location, we have great relationships with the people, and the facilities are second to none. We are so unbelievably grateful for what Rotorua Lakes Council are doing to host this game at Rotorua International Stadium.” Australian Rugby League Indigenous Council Chair Katrina Fanning said: “The impact of all 11 of our previous All Stars matches has been vast, both for Indigenous communities and more recently for Maori communities. “To be able to bring this game to New Zealand will connect the cultural growth and education with so many more people, which is what we strive for each year.” Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick said All Stars was a significant event for New Zealand and Rotorua. “This is more than just a game, this is about celebrating our culture, and we feel privileged that Rotorua will be the first place to host the NRL All Stars games in Aotearoa, New Zealand,” Mayor Chadwick said. [caption id="attachment_23348" align="alignnone" width="840"] PC: NRL.com....Maori All Stars co-captains Kodi Nikorima and Jordan Rapana celebrate with the trophy.[/caption] “We welcome national and international manuhiri with open arms, to share in the excitement that these games will bring.” Te Arawa representative, Sir Toby Curtis, said All Stars was a wonderful opportunity for Rotorua. “I think when it comes to having international relations, especially for Māori, it is ideal that Rotorua be seen as a centre for Māori Rugby League,” Sir Curtis said. “We are at a stage where people are starting to visit our shores again. We’ve got to become more internationally conscious because the future relies on how we relate to the rest of the world – not just Aotearoa, New Zealand.” The 2023 NRL Harvey Norman All Stars will feature the women’s and men’s Indigenous and Māori teams. Tickets will be on sale later this year. The All Stars matches will be broadcast live on the Nine Network, Fox League, Kayo Sports, Sky Sport New Zealand and Watch NRL. Source: NRL.com

The PNG Government is increasing focus on the performance of law and justice sector agencies such as the police, courts, prosecutors, and prisons. The push to strengthen the sector’s monitoring and evaluation capacity is driven by its top decision-making body, the National Coordinating Mechanism. Supported by the PNG-Australia Partnership, thirty-five key officials from across the sector recently completed a three-day intensive Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Workshop to enhance their knowledge and skills in measuring and reporting on agency performance. [caption id="attachment_23344" align="alignnone" width="906"] Department of Justice and Attorney General-Crime Prevention Branch M&E Officer Evelyn Jarua graduates from the Law and Justice Sector Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Workshop[/caption] Among those attending the workshop was Department of Justice and Attorney General-Crime Prevention Branch Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Officer, Evelyn Jarua. Ms Jarua said, “The sessions were interesting. I have learnt a lot that I can implement in my work.” In Ms Jarua’s job, she deals with a lot of raw data and the knowledge gained through the training will help her to analyze information and draw lessons to boost her agency’s performance. The Acting Assistant Director for Social Law and Order Sector Secretariat, Miriam Kove, said it was essential that agencies can effectively examine what they do and use that knowledge to improve how they operate, and the services provided. This work will continue to be driven by the Law and Justice Sector M&E Working Group, which provides a platform for M&E officials across agencies to share ideas and experiences

The provision of timely, accurate and accessible information during the polling period will be critical to ensuring a democratically credible 2022 National General Election, says Transparency International Papua New Guinea (TIPNG). The delivery of the election has faced multiple administrative, legal and logistical challenges and it is now incumbent on the Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission (PNGEC) and partners to ensure clear and consistent communication to voters, says TIPNG. The local anti-corruption civil society organization made this statement on the eve of deployment of its 300 strong volunteer observers across all 22 provinces Papua New Guinea to look at the conduct of polling. “Voters are justifiably concerned that the disjointed manner in which requisite electoral preparatory processes such as; the creation of new electorates, enrolment of new voters, updating of the roll, objection to the roll, appointment of returning officers, commencement of nomination, and gazettal of election and polling schedules, were delivered will in turn adversely impact the conduct of polling,” said Peter Aitsi, TIPNG Board Chair. “Those across the country who have volunteered with TIPNG to observe the conduct of their local polling station, are demonstrating not only that people in Papua New Guinea are concerned, more importantly, they are showing that Papua New Guineans want to contribute to more free, fair and safe election in 2022. What is needed now is clear and consistent communication from the PNGEC and partners during the polling, counting and government formation periods,” said Mr. Aitsi. TIPNG is accredited with the PNGEC as a domestic election observation group and will be working with individual volunteers from provincial partner organizations to collect data on the integrity of polling. The observation is a component of TIPNG’s Building Election Integrity through Partnership (BEIP) which commended in 2021 and is funded by the #PNGAusPartnership. TIPNG has observed the 2007, 2012 and 2017 National General Elections, using the same observer survey instruments and also the 2013 LLG Elections, 2019 Bougainville Referendum and 2021 Moresby Northwest By-election. Reports from these observations have been presented to the PNGEC and Government and lead to reforms such as the introduction of the Limited Preferential Voting (LPV) system and the Organic Law on the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates (OLIPPAC). TIPNG will release its 2022 Election Observation Report in December 2022 and will be working alongside other domestic & international observers and state agencies, such as the National Research Institute, on post-election analysis to further inform reforms for electoral integrity in Papua New Guinea

National Women soccer team captain Yvonne Gabong is wary of the big task ahead of her and her team to qualify for the Women World Cup 2023 to be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand. The part Madang and Manus lass was given the nod as captain to lead the senior women team in the OFC Women Nations Cup to be played in Suva, Fiji next week. The July 13-30 event has attracted nine member associations in Oceania region and PNG is one of them. Nothing new to her as she has led the PNG Under 20 team at the Women's FIFA World Cup in 2016 in Port Moresby. She described her appointment as great honor. “To be named captain of the team is a great honour. I am privileged to lead this team and I know this role comes with great responsibility and I will try to do my best to be a good lead to teammates and a great ambassador for our country in Fiji during the Nations Cup.” She challenged her teammates to remain focus on the job ahead in Fiji. “We must create our own legacy as we are riding on the legacy of those who have gone before us. We are carrying-on their legacy and now we are on a mission to create our own legacy to win the Nations Cup and qualify for tri-nation challenge in early February in 2023,” she said. Gabong who fought of her niggling injuries to win her spot and was named captain ahead of experienced and seasoned campaigners in Lucy Maino and Sandra Birum to lead the Road To World Cup 2023 campaign. PNG women team has a mammoth task when they go up against Vanuatu and Tahiti in their pool matches in the July 13-30 event at ANZ Stadium, Suva. She acknowledged PNGFA president John Kapi Natto and his executive committee for the work put behind the team since the started six months ago. She also thanked all the sponsors who have support the women’s soccer dream during their preparation towards this trip to Fiji. Gabong thanked also Luke Liria of Kumul Petoroleum Holdings Limited for the words of encouragement telling the women to give their best during the two-week’s tournament football tournament.

PNG Football Association has finally announced its travelling squad for the OFC Women Nations Cup in Suva, Fiji next week with a farewell dinner held at Dynasty Restaurant at Vision on Saturday night. After going through a vigorous training program for the last six months, the team endorsed by PNGFA Executive Committee was released for the first time for the public consumption. To be captained by Yvonne Gabong, the team includes veteran campaigners in Sandra Birum, Rumana Morris, Lucy Maino and former OFC Women Nations Cup Golden Boot winner Meagan Gunemba. The full squad is: Faith Kasiray, Fidelma Watpore, Betty Sam (goalkeepers), Joelyn Aimi, Lavina Hola, Margaret Joseph, Lucy Maino, Isabella Natera, Olivia Upaupa, Shalom Waida, Serah Waida, (Defenders), Yvonne Gabong, Rayleen Bauelua, Kesai Kotome, Rumana Morris, Ramona Padio, Sandra Birum, Sonia Embahe, (Midfielders), Arnolda Dout, Asaiso Gossie, Meagen Gunemba, Marie Kaipu, Charlie Yanding, Zagude Zale, Georgina Kaikas (Forwards) Travelling Officials; Vonnie Kapi Natto (GTM), Deslyn Siniu Team Manager, Nicola Demaine (Head Coach), Percy Mataio Assistant Coach, Edna Thomas Assistant Coach, Godrey Baniau (Goalkeeper coach), Susan Watpore (Kit Manager) and Gabi Hiparara (Physiotherapist) National women Head Coach Nicola Demaine was happy with the squad saying the team is blended with experienced players who know whats needed to get the job done. “I am really happy with the blend of youth and experience in the team. Its great to welcome back players like Georgina Kaikas and Kesai Kotome as well giving well earned opportunity players such as Lavina Hola and Olive Upaupa who missed out in 2019 Pacific Games in Samoa,” she said. Coach Nicola Demaine is aware of what is in store for PNG women team but she is confident that her charges will do their best against their opponent in their pool.

The Inter-Departmental Election Committee’s (IDEC) official government website: http://elections.info.gov.pg including the Toll Free number, 1800 500 are now zero- rated on all mobile operators in the country and fully operational. IDEC Chairman and Secretary of the Department of Prime Minister and National Executive Council, Ivan Pomaleu expressed his gratitude to Vodafone, Digicel, and Telikom /Bemobile for continuously supporting the government during such a national event. The zero-rating now allows Papua New Guineans to access the website without any financial cost, especially without having data, to access the site. Mr Pomaleu is encouraging citizens to visit the website and obtain verified relevant contents on the elections for their purpose, especially now, during this polling period. Mr Pomaleu added that the Toll Free Number 1800500 is also zero-rated, where Papua New Guineans can call in free of charge, on any issues relating to the election process. The Call Centre is located on Level 3 of Morauta Haus for the Joint Security Task Force towards the 2022 National General Election and headed by the Commissioner of Police. Information about polling schedules and sites or election related incidents will be addressed by calling the Toll Free number.

World No Buai Day is Friday October 7. As COVID-19 restrictions ease, Businesses for Health is encouraging people who want to end their chewing habit to sign up for their “World No Buai Day” campaign. COVID-19 has disrupted work and social lives in so many ways. It’s also had some unexpected consequences. Whilst the infection control benefits of mask wearing are well known, in PNG masks have enabled people to hide their workday chewing. With fewer mask wearing requirements in place, we are kicking off our campaign to get the workers of PNG to consider the health and financial costs of chewing buai. They have set the campaign to run over seven fortnights or 96 days. This gives chewers time to think, analyze, plan, and to find colleagues and friends to support them in reducing their chewing habit. B4H understands that chewing is part of many people’s usual routines, so planning is required if people are going to be successful in reducing their dependency on PNG’s favorite addictive drug – betel nut! B4H Campaign leader and participant TB HEO Teresa said “the sooner people reduce their chewing, the better it is for their health. But people we also recognize that chewing is an addiction and it’s not something they can successfully achieve without talking to family, friends, and colleagues. Addicts need encouragement or friends to join them in the campaign.”

Every voter should be able to register and vote without facing barriers. To enhance access for people living with disabilities (PLWDs) in Papua New Guinea’s upcoming national election, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) supported the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) to host a workshop on assessing accessibility at polling places. The workshop empowered people living with disabilities to engage in the national election through conducting polling place assessments and developing reports on the findings. Participants learned how to evaluate the accessibility of polling by checking for accessibility aids such as magnifying plastic for low-vision voters and large pens to assist voters without fine motor function. Participants also learned how to assess and prioritize mobility for wheelchair access. Danny Ten, a training participant, and person living with disabilities, said, “We do not want to be put aside any longer. I am proud to be part of the first batch of election observers supporting people with disabilities.” As part of his first official trip to PNG, USAID Mission Director for the Philippines, Pacific Islands, and Mongolia Ryan Washburn joined the workshop to congratulate participants and hand out completion certificates. “Like everyone else, people living with disabilities are affected by the decisions of their elected officials,” said Mission Director Washburn. “We are honored to support these young people to mobilize their community for this fundamental right.” The People with Disabilities organization will analyze the data that workshop participants collect and hold a follow-up workshop after the election to create an advocacy action plan with recommendations to the PNG Electoral Commission and other government agencies. “This is a perfect example of how civic awareness workshops spark ideas from participants to continue their engagement to create large-scale changes in communities,” said Paul Rowland, IFES Country Director, Papua New Guinea, and the Pacific Islands. The workshop is a follow-on activity from a USAID- supported program aimed at Engaging a New Generation for Accessible Governance and Elections (ENGAGE). The ENGAGE program is a political leadership curriculum for young persons with disabilities and is valuable training that gives opportunities to marginalized youth with disabilities.