Emmanuel Waine speaks with genuine emotion about his upcoming PNG LNG Kumuls debut against Fiji in the Pacific Test on Saturday. Of mixed parentage from Jiwaka and Simbu, the 25-year-old is following in the footsteps of his trailblazing uncle to represent the Kumuls – something he never thought he would achieve. “My uncle, Goie Waine, was Kumul #128 and made his debut in 1990 against New Zealand in Goroka,” Emmanuel explains. “When we were growing up, he used to say to me and my seven brothers, ‘I was once a Kumul, but I don’t know if you guys will make it or not’. Hearing that from him always made me think about being a Kumul. There are not many rugby league players from where we come from in Jiwaka, and I’m the first one since him to play for the Kumuls. “After I got the news I called my uncle in Jiwaka and he was crying, he was so happy. Yesterday he video called me while I was here in Kumuls camp. He was with my parents, who had just gone to buy a new TV and generator to make sure they can watch the game on Saturday. I was with Justin Olam so he talked to them too, and we were all excited.” While Goie Waine made just two appearances for the Kumuls, nephew Emmanuel hopes to surpass that. “For as long as I play rugby league, my dream is to play as often for the Kumuls as David Mead did,” reveals Emmanuel. “I don’t want to be a one-time Kumul. “When I run out for PNG on Saturday I’ll be thinking of my family, the legacy of my uncle, my Mum who worked so hard to raise us nine kids, and everyone in my province who has always supported me with positivity in my rugby league career.”

Jacob Alick will be playing in memory of his grandmother when he pulls on the PNG LNG Kumuls jersey for the first time on Saturday in the Pacific Test against Fiji. “It will be a very proud moment for myself and my family, just to represent my grandmother,” the 22-year-old told PNG Kumuls media. “She was born in Daru but she passed away maybe 10 years ago now, so I didn’t really get to grow up too much with my PNG culture. “So, for me, this week is about learning a lot about the culture. I’m looking forward to learning a bit of the language (TokPisin). I hear the boys talking over lunch, so it would be cool to pick up more words. I’d also like to learn a bit more about where I’m from. A couple of the boys here know about where I’m from, so I’ll just be asking questions and trying to get to know a bit more about PNG overall.” Alick, who is contracted to the Gold Coast Titans until the end of 2023, has not yet set foot in PNG but is hoping to do so later this year. He said: “I’ve seen a lot of videos of how crazy they go when the footy is on, so it’ll be cool to get over there. “It’s a massive opportunity being selected for the Kumuls in a World Cup year. I’m looking to put my best foot forward for the end of the year for the Rugby League World Cup. To be there would be the pinnacle for me.”

The Tumbawinlam Haus or Nimamar Council Chamber was officially opened by New Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan amidst much needed showers of blessing after months of a dry spell on Lihir Island. The event marks an end to a milestone achievement for the people of New Ireland and personally for Governor Sir Julius Chan who fulfilled his mission of establishing 10 Council Chambers across 10 LLG’s in a space of 1 year and 3 months. The bright orange coloured Council Chamber is perched magnificently up on the Potzlaka Government station hill, making its striking presence known to all who travel into the Lihir Township bay. Unlike the other Council Chambers the Tumbawinlam Haus was built in partnership with the Nimamar Council who chipped in with counterpart funding of K1.2 million for the K2.4 million building. With their contribution through their business arm Nimamar capital, the Lihirians used their economic power to add their own extensions and designs to the Tumbawinlam Haus. This includes an extra conference room, more offices and a culturally significant figure of the Kabai beside the building. “ Lihir you can be the last, but you are the best,” said Nimamar’s Chairman for Infrastructure and former Deputy Governor Ambrose Silul when expressing his people’s Triumph. The name Tumbawinlam represents the six main clans on the Island. There are a further 21 sub clans. Customary offerings of huge pigs, sizes not seen in other parts of New Ireland and garden food were delivered in true New Ireland fashion by the six main clans on the first day of cultural festivities. The first Council sitting was chaired by President of Nimamar LLG Stanely Tunut with all 15 ward members present. Sir J was invited to deliver his official address to the LLG Council. “Today we witness a new birth and new dawn of Nimamar Council Chamber. The begining of a modern establishment of your local Government by the People, of the People and for the People. This chamber is not for show. It is a legacy project. It will remain beyond our time,” said Sir J. Sir J also urged Lihir mine developer Newcrest to give more back to the communities they are taking from. He reminded the executives that were present of the need for a ring road to be built around Lihir. With a mine life of 15 years left Sir J also called for a mine closure plan and a plan for Lihir after the mine is closed. “You must have a mine closure plan for after the mine operations ceases. What legacy are you going to leave behind for Lihir? Don’t just dig up this Island and leave. To you landowner company directors you must throw your money back into New Ireland, don’t throw it out in Australia or elsewhere. The next project I want to open when I return to Lihir is the ring road,” said Sir J. The Lihir mine project was signed by Sir Julius Chan in March 1995 when he was Prime Minister. 27 impact projects including the Kavieng International Wharf, Boluminski Highway, Namatanai Hospital, Bopire Township and the Kavieng International Airport which is set to be officially opened next month. “I’m not happy because the company is not a small company and it’s a big company. Every year I push for the same thing. If I get back into Government we will review the MOA and push for the ring road to be completed once and for all. If Newcrest can’t do it, who else will. Newcrest is one of the largest Gold mines in the world, it can do better,” said Sir J.  

Liam Horne, 24, who plays for Norths Devils, will live out a childhood dream when he runs out for the PNG LNG Kumuls against Fiji in Saturday’s Pacific Test. Born in PNG and raised in Australia, Horne re-visited PNG as an adult for the first time just before the COVID pandemic began. “My Mum’s from Hula and Gaire (Central Province),” he told PNG Kumuls Media. “I went there in October 2019 for the first time and back again for Christmas that year. It was one of the best times of my life, to be honest. I took my girlfriend back to my village, we stayed there, went fishing and met a lot of my family for the first time since they last saw me as a baby.” On his Kumuls selection, the 2021 Intrust Super Cup premiership winner says: “I was quite surprised when I got the news but felt really privileged and honoured to be selected. It means a lot to me and my family. It has been a dream of mine since I was a child. I visioned it, and it has now come true, so I can’t wait to pull on that jersey on Saturday.” Although Horne has played alongside several Kumuls in the Queensland competition, including Nene Macdonald last year, he says this week is a whole new experience. “Just being with your countrymen, learning about all the different cultures and traditions is amazing. Playing for your country brings the best out of people, and I think it’s going to be a special day on Saturday.”

It is with great sadness that Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League received news of the death of Kumul #120 Philip Boge at the age of 55, he passed on at home in Hanuabada village. Born Philip Dou Boge on August 19th 1966 at the Port Moresby General Hospital, he was the younger brother of the late pioneer Kumul #20 Dikana “Ten Gun” Boge. Late Philip “Boogey” Boge idolized his elder brother Dikana and made the cut to don the Kumuls’ jersey playing at fullback and centre, and he went on to captain the side in 1994. Boge debuted for the Kumuls in 1990 and has represented the country in 13 matches. Late Philip Boge was from Poreporena Hanuabada Village, the 14th born out of 15 children to Boge Nao and Hane Igo. He completed his grades 1 to 6 at Hagara Community School then went on to Poreporena Ahutuna High School. He played for the Hanuabada Hawks Rugby League Club in the Junior League and followed through playing for the club in the Premier League in the Port Moresby Rugby League Competition. Tributes are being shared all across the country by his former teammates and fans, upon hearing the news on Tuesday, former Kumuls Head Coach Michael Marum was shocked and sympathetic. “It’s a sad day for PNG Rugby League…he was my brother playing together for the Vipers and the Kumuls…I’m sorry…,” Marum said. Former Kumul teammate Dr James Naipao in his tribute on social media said, “My captain Boge, we have been teammates at Vipers, Southern Zone, President XIII to the Kumuls and brothers ever since. I still remember few triads of you as a player and teammate -talented, no doubt, made fullback and center too easy and gifted for you, last to complete strapping, last to finish a meal, great last line defender. And, full of humor and shares a few jokes too. I still remember the three finger joke.” PNGRFL Board Chairman Sandis Tsaka expressed sincere condolences on behalf of the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League to late Boge’s family as he was one of the greatest players ever produced by the country, as well as a former PNGRFL staff where he worked as a Game Development Officer and an administrator, giving back to his beloved sport. Chairman Sandis said that the PNGRFL will pay respect to the late Kumul legend, as well as the PNG LNG Kumuls during the Pacific Test this Saturday. All Digicel Cup matches around the country this Saturday and Sunday will observe a minute’s silence in memory of the late Kumul. Late Philip Boge is survived by his three sons Boge Philip Boge, Dikana Boge and Philip Boge Junior, and his daughter Gaudi Boge.

Santos is helping to equip Papua New Guinea’s next generation of oil and gas technicians with international qualifications. Ten females are among 25 novices who have joined the Santos 2022 Apprenticeship Program following a rigorous selection process which will see them train at the Institut Teknologi Petroleum Petronas (INSTEP) in Malaysia – 900 applications were received for the 2022 Program. Upon completion of the technician training at INSTEP, the apprentices will earn a Pearson Business Education Technology Council Level 2 and Level 3 UK qualification. Santos Country Chair for PNG, Leon Buskens when welcoming the apprentices, said: “You have joined at an exciting time following the merger between Oil Search and Santos. As the inaugural batch under the merged entity, there are greater opportunities for you to advance in all aspects of your career both in PNG and abroad. I encourage you to do your best and importantly, maintain a positive attitude and uphold your values - this is what will take you far on this journey. “This is the beginning, but you should be proud of yourselves as we are of you for making it this far. Congratulations and welcome to Santos.” Joining Mr Buskens to address the new cohort were pioneering trainees Cornelius Soagai, Senior Government Affairs Manager and Lydia Warubi, Deputy Occupational Health & Safety Manager. Mr Soagai went on to become the first national Production Manager in the Operations and Maintenance Department while Ms Warubi made waves as the first national female process technician to work at the Central Processing Facility. Both leaders encouraged the apprentices to maximize on the career development opportunities available to them at Santos. Among the cohort was Judy Sasa who completed the Company’s pre-apprentice program at the Kumul Petroleum Academy (KPA) in 2020. Judy finished at the top of her class and attained an honourable achievement award. A grateful Judy thanked Santos for a further opportunity to broaden her knowledge in oil and gas production. “My dream is coming true as I have always wanted to work in this industry,” Ms Sasa said. The 25 apprentices along with the Santos training team departed PNG for Malaysia last weekend. Two permanent employees were also part of the travelling party to INSTEP where they will train to become dual Electrical & Instrumentation tradesmen.

Public Servants and employees of Public Authorities are released to cast their votes in the 2022 National General Elections during the polling period from 2nd July to 22nd July 2022 according to the Election Schedule released by the Electoral Commission. Department of Personnel Management has released Circular Instruction No.8 (https://dpm.gov.pg/index.php/documents/circular-instruction-8-release-of-public-servants-and-employees-to-cast-their-votes-in-the-2022-national-general-elections/) dated 4th May 2022 to all National Departmental Heads, Provincial Administrators, Heads of other Public Authorities and all Public Servants advising them on the release of Public Servants and Employees to be given the opportunity to cast their votes. Secretary Ms. Taies Sansan said, this will require that permission is granted for public servants and employees to leave work early for this purpose to visit their nearest polling booth. “This instruction is particularly important in Highlands Provinces and most urban centres where the Electoral Commission has arranged for two weeks for voting, and each person to make their voting arrangements”. “As far as possible, each person should arrange to vote in their own time, for example, before and after normal Public Service commencement times”. Ms Sansan said, where it has not been possible for them to vote in their own time due to waiting, queuing or travel time, Agency Heads shall allow a reasonable period of absence with pay during the said period where requested to enable each public servant and employee to cast their votes.

The Lae City Authority (LCA) through the office of the Chairman, Lae MP and Deputy Prime Minister Hon. John Rosso will introduce the school bus service program in the city. The program aims to provide safe and reliable transportation to all students from elementary up to secondary school for both private and public schools in the city. Pick up in the morning and drop off in the afternoon at designated spots. So that parents and guardians can have some breathing space to save money. Students are not late for teaching and learning. They will be at school on time so academic performance can increase. The program will be serviced by 4 APEC buses which were brought into the city by LCA through Lae MP Hon. John Rosso who is also the Lands Minister in the current Pangu-led Government. And because of the execution of strong prudent management practices on taxpayers money over the last 4 years and with increased internal revenue under new look LCA management team led by the Chairman and Lae MP, it has enable LCA to meet all transportation costs including employment of drivers, security and servicing. There is no more stealing of public funds. No more hire cars. No more hotel bills. No more ghost contractors. No more ghost employees. All public funds are well taken care of and will be given back to the people through service delivery. The bus service program will be formally launched as soon as current road works are completed and roads are opened for public to use. OUR CHILDREN. OUR FUTURE. Source: Lae Open Electorate FB Page

A small but significant event made Las Kona come alive last week as NGI Divisional Commander, ACP Perou N'dranou and New Ireland PPC Chief Inspector, Felix Nebanat converged at the remote Kumim Village upon the invitation of the SOR Waipap clan who gave their customary land to establish a Police Post. For the first time in history, the landowners were moved to tears in an emotional ceremony that captured their hearts desire to see police presence is maintained in the area. "Since logging came in with Police deployment, we have seen a drastic decrease in the level of crimes in our communities,” said Judah Pais, SOR Waipap clan rep and company Public Relations Officer. Pais said seeing ACP and his contingent and PPC Nebanat with his team, signifies the beginning of a new legacy that gives new hope for peace restoration. For the past 10 to 15 years since road access to Namatanai was deteriorated beyond repair. Law & Order coincidently deteriorated along with the absence of government services and most importantly Police presence. Judah said his people access basic services by boat from Kokopo which is only an hour away compared to a laborious 9 hours walk to Kabanut (where the government road stops) to catch a PMV to travel for another 2 hours into Namatanai. The alarming number of unreported sea piracy cases, murder, marijuana, rape, arson, cultivation of brewing of homebrew, sales and consumption of drugs soared uncontrollably. Responding to their gesture to provide the land ACP N'dranou thanked the clan elders for initiative saying that he is presented with a great challenge. He said the establishment of post, its general operation and maintenance must be drawn under the microscope to ensure proper planning and implementation of the project must be done according RPNGC's due process and protocol. He highlighted the importance of having the Police post established outside of the logging company’s area, to maintain transparency and neutralism. He also challenged the District and the LLG to take ownership in funding the Police post. Present for the event NDDA CEO and District Administrator for Namatanai, Mr. Neville Tomon also pledged his support for the project. PPC Nebanat thanked the SOR Waipap clan for their recognition for the need for policing in the area and commended them for their step in the right direction to partner with the Police by giving their land to accommodate the Police Post for the LLG.

As he packed his bag before heading into Kumuls camp for the last time, David Mead reflected on the first occasion he wore the PNG jersey as a 19-year-old in 2008 and the opportunities representing his country had provided for him in the game. Mead wants other young PNG players to have a similar experience and that is why the long-serving Kumuls captain told team-mates on Tuesday that he was calling time on his decorated international career after Saturday night’s Pacific Test against Fiji at Campbelltown Sports Stadium. The 33-year-old is yet to made a final decision about his NRL future but he has advised new Kumuls coach Stanley Tepend to give his World Cup spot to one of the growing band of young players he believes would provide the talent for a future PNG team in the Telstra Premiership. “I just thought it would be a good opportunity for a young 19 or 20-year-old player to get a chance to showcase their talent so I think it is better for them to put on that jersey and get a good career out of it,” Mead said. “That opportunity was given to me at that age, as well, so I think it would be pretty good to do that for them as well. “I spoke to several family members a couple of months ago and I feel that now is the right time to say it because PNG is where it all started for me, so I wanted to say something this week while the camp was on.” Mead, who moved to Lismore at the age of 12, was a member of the Gold Coast Titans team in the inaugural under 20s NYC competition when he attended a trial in PNG for selection in the Kumuls squad for the 2008 World Cup. The tournament launched Mead’s NRL career and he played 147 matches for the Titans from 2009 to 2016, 58 for Catalans and has played another 25 for the Broncos, as well as featuring in three World Cups in 2008, 2013 and 2017. “I was packing my bag last night and I just thought about the first time I packed my bag to go and trial in 2008. I remember it like yesterday,” Mead said. “I didn’t know what it would be like playing against the guys over there, what the experience would be like, or that it would lead up to this moment so that was pretty cool. “Prior to that I played in the inaugural NRL under 20s competition, and I didn’t play too many games, I wasn’t a stand-out or anything like that. I was trialling for the Kumuls as a fill-in for the international side to play the PNG Residents team. “The Kumuls mean everything to me. I have played a fair few games for them and pulling that jersey on is probably more of a service to me than me to the country, in my opinion, because of the love the people have for the game over there. “It is a pretty amazing feeling; you go out to the villages hours away from town where electricity is sometimes unavailable, but they are finding ways to watch the games and admire guys who are one of their own going and making it. "It is certainly a proud moment whenever I put this jersey on.” [caption id="attachment_22821" align="aligncenter" width="840"] Source: NRL.com -David Mead and Michael Marum at the 2017 World Cup launch[/caption] There have been times during Mead’s 14 Test appearances where he have been few players chosen in the Kumuls side from outside the domestic PNG competition but that has changed, particularly since the Hunters joined the Queensland Cup in 2014. The 20-man squad chosen to play Fiji on Saturday night is drawn exclusively from the NRL or Queensland Cup and there are likely to be other players available for the World Cup, including Xavier Coates, Bailey Biondi-Odo, James Segeyaro and Rhyse Martin. “There is so much young talent coming through now, at Queensland Cup level but also in the development squads as well,” Mead said. “[Northern Pride winger] Rob Derby, who is going to make his debut on Saturday night, is someone who can benefit and there are others in the mix. “There are a couple of hundred registered PNG players in the Queensland region so there is plenty of talent and hopefully one can grab it and make the most of it.” With the passion people in PNG have for the game, Mead believes a team in the NRL would not only be successful but would provide a boost to the country. “I think it would be hugely beneficial for Papua New Guinea,” he said. “I know everyone focuses on building better hospitals, better roads and better schools, and I think they should be priorities for any society, but I think what this game does for the country will benefit in many different areas. “The amount of jobs it would create around Port Moresby, or wherever the team will be based, will certainly help the country. “The games would be sell-outs every week but what it also does is put PNG on the map to be spoken about on a weekly basis, where you can fix social problems and areas where they are struggling, and I think it would invite investment from overseas for people to come in and help the country. “I think there is a lot that can be improved in the country by bringing a team in the NRL so from that angle I think it would be beneficial for PNG to have an NRL team.” Source: NRL.com

Prime Minister Hon. James Marape says East Sepik has the potential to become the “economic powerhouse” of Papua New Guinea. He said that because of this potential, and in memory of founding Prime Minister the late Sir Michael Somare, the next Government would be formed in East Sepik. Present with the Prime Minister were East Sepik Governor Hon. Allan Bird (National Alliance), Angoram MP Hon. Salio Waipo (National Alliance), Maprik MP and Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Hon. John Simon (Pangu) and Pangu candidate for Wosera-Gawi Ronald Asik. "Sir Michael was instrumental in the formation of both Pangu and National Alliance. East Sepik has the potential to become the ‘economic powerhouse’ province of our country,” PM Marape said. “This is why I will bring Government formation to here: Firstly, in memory of Sir Michael, and secondly, in memory of Sir Pita Lus. This will be the 11th Parliament, and the first Parliament without Sir Michael and Sir Pita being alive. This will be symbolic that the nation is now being passed on to the next generation.” PM Marape said formation of the new Government in East Sepik would also inspire the new generation of leaders to hold on to the lofty ideals of the founding fathers like Sir Michael and Sir Pita. He said his Government, over the last three years, had passed major laws to fight corruption and promised the people of Papua New Guinea that some prominent leaders would be prosecuted after the elections. These include the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), Whistle Blowers’ Act and Undisclosed Wealth Act. “What would be the point of Allan Bird and I growing the economy of the country when corruption is still prevalent?” PM Marape said. “We have managed to stifle corruption in the big way with passage of the three bills during the last term of Parliament. “Over the last three years, we have spent over K56 billion, which has grown the economy by K30 billion.” PM Marape said East Sepik’s economic powerhouse potential was in agriculture, through the vast Sepik Plains, and challenged the province to start growing rice on a large scale to reduce the huge K900 million rice import bill. “Over the next few years, and into the future, we want to grow our own rice for domestic consumption as well as export to Phillipines, Indonesia and the rest if the region,” he said. “Sir Michael, before his passing, said he had helped groom me up and asked me not to forget East Sepik into the future. The way to achieve this is through economic independence." “I want every Papua New Guinean to have money in their pockets: Grow rice, grow cocoa, grow vanilla, look after cattle, bring in tourists, stop consumption of home brew, stop marijuana and other bad habits. “We are ready to take the country to the next level. I want East Sepik to be an economic powerhouse no longer dependent on Waigani." “This is why I ask the people of East Sepik to send Allan Bird, John Simon, Salio Waipo and my Wosera-Gawi candidate Ronald Asik, Ambunti-Dreikikier candidate Richard Rafa and Wewak candidate Jim Simitab to Parliament. “

Key findings from a recent evaluation of a Parenting for Childhood Development (P4CD) program highlight a reduction in family violence, abuse and neglect of children in communities exposed to this program. The evaluation, generously supported by UNICEF Australia, found that parents exposed to the P4CD program, were empowered to apply positive child rearing parenting practices and invested time to enhance child-parent relationships that helped create safe spaces for children. An estimated 35,000 children aged between 3 and 10 have been positively impacted by this intervention that has reached over 8,700 parents in six provinces in the country since UNICEF PNG, working in partnership with the Government and implementing partners, rolled out the program in 2016. While a scale up of this program is currently supported by the European Union – United Nations Spotlight Initiative to End Violence against Women and Girls in PNG, the evaluation findings has provided needed evidence to further scale up the program across the country, ensuring full ownership of the Government over the program and further improving its content to end violence against children and women as well as help build positive relations within the family. A significant change observed during the evaluation was among fathers who reported strong child-parent relations with 73 per cent of them confirming that they spend more time with their children, playing games with them, and helping them to behave the right way. “These findings are significant as they indicate a change in the mindsets of parents about raising their children in a loving and caring way which is crucial to the holistic development and overall well-being of a child,” said Claudes Kamenga, , UNICEF Representative. A large majority of parents who benefited from the program (76 percent) no longer hit their children; 45 percent no longer curse or swear at them; and 63 percent do not engage in neglectful behaviors such as leaving the child alone or letting the child go hungry. Although the P4CD program was not specifically designed to address intimate partner violence, over 58 percent of female spouses reported a reduction in violence inflicted on them by their husbands while 62 percent of females and 71 percent of males confirmed that they talk through their disagreements without using violence. The P4CD program was developed in 2016 by UNICEF PNG with the support of the Menzies School of Health Research at the Darwin University in Australia. UNICEF PNG commissioned the evaluation that was independently carried out by evaluation firm, Stratman.