A Public Holiday is planned to be held on Thursday May 19, 2022 in Morobe Province to show respect on the passing of late Deputy Prime Minister and Bulolo MP Sam Basil. Minister for National Events Justin Tkatchenko made this known today, saying a submission has been made on that and is now before the National Executive Council to endorse. Late Basil’s casket will be arriving in Port Moresby this afternoon for the State Funeral program in the coming days before it departs for Lae on Wednesday May 18, 2022. Tkatchenko said the late Deputy Prime Minister will be accorded all the respect and dignity that he deserves throughout the days of his funeral program. “It is a tragic time for all of us, especially his family and his people of Wau Bulolo and the country as a whole,” Mr Tkatchenko said. “Even though our timings are critical with the upcoming National Elections in the way, late Honorable Basil’s life will be celebrated in the highest accord in the coming days of the funeral program.”

The timings on the arrival of the caskets of late Deputy Prime Minister Sam Basil and his Close Protection Officer late Neil Maino were slightly changed due to the delay caused by disagreements by the public at Nadzab Airport in Morobe Province earlier this afternoon. Late Deputy Prime Minister Basil’s casket is now expected to arrive at 6pm and late Maino’s casket will arrive at 5:30pm. Minister for National Events Justin Tkatchenko announced the changes to the officials and public in waiting at the Jackson’s International Airport ceremonial carpark who waited the whole afternoon for the arrival. Lae MP John Rosso advised that the delay at Nadzab was caused of public disagreement on the uplift of late Basil’s casket onto the aircraft’s cargo bay. He said they do not want late Basil’s casket to be in the cargo bay and protested for it to be uplifted on a helicopter hence changes were made. Meanwhile the public at Jacksons Airport also made a scene this afternoon after learning of the delay to which the caskets will arrive late in the afternoon.

The casket of late Deputy Prime Minister and Bulolo MP Sam Basil and his Close Protection Officer late Niell Maino will be arriving shortly this afternoon from Lae into Port Moresby for the State Funeral in the coming days. A guard of honor has been set up with officials, dignitaries and the public gathering at the Jacksons International Airport Ceremonial Carpark to receive the late Deputy Prime Minister and his CPO. Minister for Housing, Urban Development and National Events MP Justin Tkatchenko addressed the media earlier this afternoon informing on the details of the program that will take place in the coming days. "The casket of our late Deputy Prime Minister will be received this afternoon with the respect and dignity he deserves by the State and will overnight at Funeral Home," Mr Tkatchenko said. "Tomorrow will see the casket being brought to the Sir John Guise Stadium where the public can go and pay their respects." "On Tuesday, the casket of late Honorable Basil will Lie In State at the Grand Hall at Parliament House for Members of Parliament to pay their respects before it is brought back to Sir John Guise Stadium for the funeral service." Late Deputy Prime Minister's casket will depart on Wednesday back to Lae, Morobe Province for burial.

Forty-three Citizenship Applications were deliberated on by the Citizenship Advisory Committee (CAC) in late April 2022, Minister for Immigration and Border Security, Bryan Kramer said. “The recommencing of the CAC hearings is encouraging after the last one was held in September 2019. The Committee was unable to meet since then due to legislative and political factors affecting the status of the CAC members. This issue has been resolved and the permanent members of the Committee were sworn in by the Head of State at the Government House on 7th and 21st April 2022,” he said. The role of the CAC is to deliberate on citizenship matters through files compiled by the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Authority (PNGICA), and provide recommendations to the Minister responsible to make decisions in accordance with the recommendations of the Committee and the Ministerial powers in deciding on citizenship matters. “The total number of applications received up to 6th May 2022 by ICA is two hundred and eight-ysix. One hundred and forty-nine of these applications have been assessed and met all mandatory requirements and received positive clearance from relevant security and regulatory agencies,” Minister Kramer said. “Of the forty-three applications deliberated by the CAC on 29th and 30th April 2022, five applicants applied for citizenship through the naturalization pathway while thirty-eight applied for dual citizenship under other pathways. There are eight different citizenship pathways.” “Most of those applicants have lived in PNG for more than eight years and some were born in Papua New Guinea.”

The Catholic Church Health Services officially launched its Strategic Health Plan for the next ten years (2021-2030). The plan is aligned with the new National Health Plan 2021-2030 and other relevant national documents such as Vision 2050. As a major partner in health service delivery, CCHS has been a strong implementing partner of the previous National Health Plan, working very closely with the National Department of Health and Provincial Health Authorities. The CCHS Strategic Plan was developed to reflect the commitment of the Church to the new National Health Plan for 2021-2030. It uses similar Key Result Areas, intentions, and commitments to improve health for all the people of PNG. CCHS National Secretary, Sr Jadwiga Faliszek says, “We aim to progress towards achieving Universal Health Coverage and health care provision, focusing on quality health care, stakeholder engagement, partnership, and strengthening the health system. This will enable us to progress towards our vision of good health and well-being shared by all”. Catholic Church Health Services (CCHS) separated from Christian Health Services (CHS) 6 years ago and established its own National Office in Boroko, as a separate entity. In October of 2016, CCHS signed a National Level Health Sector Partnership Agreement with the National Department of Health (NDoH). Since then, CCHS has established good communications and a productive working relationship with NDoH for the benefit of the people we both serve through healthcare delivery. Sr Jadwiga Faliszek stated that CCHS has in the last 6 years managed to achieve milestones that signify the organization’s ability to manage the health service as the largest faith-based organization providing up to 50% of all faith base agencies combined. “The focus of the strategy will be supporting the dioceses, health facilities, communities, and the disadvantaged populations that are more vulnerable than others”, said Sr Jadwiga. The National CCHS Board Chairman, Bishop Francis Meli, commended CCHS Secretariat and staff for the high ideals captured in the Strategic Plan and assured the team and those they serve, of his continuing prayers for a positive outcome. This Strategic Plan will provide the reference framework for operational planning and implementation for the Catholic Church Health Service National Office, Provincial Dioceses, Provincial Health Authorities, National Department of Health, and other stakeholders. The implementation of this strategy will include clear monitoring, evaluation, and learning plan with an implementational plan and, key performance indicators to enable timely concrete reporting.

Twenty-six participants from Ok Tedi Mining Ltd’s (OTML) Asset Protection Department, Employee Assistance Program, and local security companies together with officers from the Tabubil Police recently underwent a workshop on juvenile justice and human rights. The two-week training that ended on May 05th was organised by OTML in partnership with the Bomana Police College and United Nations Human Rights Office. The workshop was aimed at equipping security officers, counsellors, and police officers to deal with offenders, mainly juveniles. Senior Sergeant Henry Aimano and Senior Sergeant Theresa Jacobs from the Bomana Police Training College and Human Rights Analyst Josephine Mann conducted the training. The training covered various topics on policing, gender, right to freedom from violence, ethical and legal conduct of police, juvenile justice, and United Nations Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials. Mr Aimano commended OTML for being the first organisation to have its security personnel undergo juvenile justice training since the Juvenile Justice Act was passed in 2014. “OTML is the first organisation in the country to invite us to conduct the training on Juvenile Justice and I am encouraging other organisations to partner with us to run this training,” said Mr Aimano. OTML Security Training Officer Ben Levi who organised the workshop said the training will now assist law enforcement officers and counsellors to properly deal with juveniles and other offenders. “We have been seeing a lot of juvenile-related cases, and most are repetitive offenders. Because they are juveniles, officers tend to release them without properly processing them and most times they are arrested again for the same offence or a different one,” Mr Levi said. “Organising both the human rights and juvenile justice training was important for our officers to learn and understand the process of effectively dealing with offenders, especially juveniles,” he added. OTML General Manager People and Capability Mark Stone, while congratulating the participants said such training is vital for a safe and secure environment. “Training in human rights and juvenile justice is an important part of letting the world know that we do things well here in Tabubil and that it is a safe and ethical town for our employees, business partners and families to live and work,” he said.

Several candidates contesting the National Capital District Regional seat in the 2022 National General Elections have called on the Electoral Commission to immediately remove the appointment of NCD assistant Election Manager and the Chairman and deputy Chairman of NCD Election Steering Committee. In a press conference yesterday candidates Michael Kandiu, Steven Kilage and Sylvia Pascoe raised concerns, saying there is no impartiality and fairness in these appointments. Mr Kandiu said these issues happened in the 2017 National General Elections and they do not want this to repeat. “Me and the other candidates here wrote to the Electoral Commissioner Simon Sinai last month to rectify these issues and not to make the same appointments however in the gazettal notice, this guys are being appointed just last week. “The 2017 Assistant Election Manager was found to carry 2017 ballot papers in her car and police apprehended her and kept her in the police station and was sidelined.” She is now again engaged as the election assistant manager, we do not want someone with a questionable character to conduct elections.” “Also the NCD Election Steering Committee is comprised of NCD City Manager Ravu Frank as the Chairman and his deputy is Moresby South District Development Authority Chief Executive Officer who are both working under the current city MPs in Powes Parkop and Justin Tkatchenko.” “So why? This is not impartial, we should have neutral people conducting the election.” The candidates further said their letter were not addressed and they had received no feedback on this from Mr Sinai even though they had consulted his office. They called on the Electoral Commission to immediately remove these appointments and will front up at the Electoral Commission office with their supporters next Monday if that is not done so. Meanwhile Mr Sinai earlier in the week said the appointments were done in consideration of the experience of these officers and people must respect the Electoral Commission as the constitutional office to make such appointments.

Finschhafen Local Level Government will now be ready to construct a New LLG Administrative Complex for its administrative affairs to the tune of K1 Million. This was made evident with the ground breaking at Gagidu Town, witnessed by two Deputy Provincial Administrators (Miring Sigoling & Robin Bazzinuc), Gagidu Town Mayor Jerry Habilo, and Provincial Government Team on Saturday. The funding allocation from Morobe Provincial Government through the Leadership of Morobe Governor Hon Ginson Gohyuec Saonu, signifies the provincial governments support for Urban Areas Development. The funding allocation is the first of its kind for Finschhafen Urban LLG after successive district and provincial governments have overlooked a proper office for the town mayor to operate from. Governor Saonu said the first K500,000 is to be released soon to a local contractor to kick off construction and a further K500,000 will be made available to deliver this timely project. The event at Gagidu Town, concluded the Provincial Team visit to Finschhafen District from Thursday 5th May 2022- Saturday 7th May 2022, beginning at Makini (Mape LLG), Satneng (Kuat LLG), Pindiu Station ( Hube LLG), Yunzaing ( Kate LLG), Nanduo ( Kate LLG), Siki ( Kate LLG), Braun Health Centre ( Finschhafen Urban LLG), and Gagidu Town. Gagidu Town Mayor Hon Jerry Habilo stated that in 2019, he had presented the submission for the office to Finschhafen District Development Authority and until now had not received any favorable response. “There is another K2 million from the Provincial Physical Infrastructure & Growth Centre to be earmarked as well to complete the LLG chamber office.” Hon Habilo thanked the swift response of Governor Saonu towards the beginning of mobilization of the project to go ahead. Finschhafen Urban LLG has six ward councils and is Finschhafen District main administrative centre.

Air Niugini is pleased to announce the implementation of the Fare Lock system to help customers who may secure a suitable airfare to fly somewhere but need more time to decide, or are not ready to make payment immediately. Chief Executive Officer, Bruce Alabaster said there are times customers are able to choose suitable fare to travel but are unsure whether to make a reservation and that’s where the Fare Lock service comes in to ensure that a customer’s selected flight does not sell out and that the price does not change while their travel plans are being finalised. “ It may be in the case where a customer needs to finalize vacation plans, book accommodation, arrange airport transfers or is still undecided. Whatever the reason may be, the Fare Lock service now gives customers the chance to hold fares while they make a decision.” Mr. Alabaster said The Fare Lock service is available exclusively online at www.airniugini.com.pg and is a self-service facility that gives customers the opportunity to hold their reservation for between 36 - 48 hours with a fee, until the customer is ready to complete payment. How It Works: 1. Visit Air Niugini website online www.airniugini.com.pg and search for available flights. 2. Select your preferred flight and complete the required details 3. On the payment page, select “Lock My Fare” option and pay the applicable fee to reserve your booking with any of the valid payment options. 4. Take note of your Booking Reference (PNR) on the Confirmation page. You will also receive an email confirmation with your travel details. 5. When you are ready to pay, simply access "Manage Booking" option on the website www.airniugini.com.pg. Use your Passenger Name Record(PNR) and Last Name to retrieve your saved booking and proceed to complete ticket purchase. Should customers need further clarification or information regarding the Fare Lock service, contact our Commercial Service Centre on 180 3444 or email CSC@airniugini.com.pg for assistance.

PNG Air is pleased to affirm our continued support to the Central Dabaris Rugby League Club in the 2022 PNGNRL season. As the official airline carrier of the Dabaris, PNG Air flies the team to destinations across the country for their away games. Our support to the Dabaris commenced in 2019, since the club was formed into the Competition. The Dabaris are great representatives and ambassadors of Central Province, and with development pathways for up and coming players in the province, and a strong following of fans and supporters, PNG Air is proud to support the rugby league franchise as it grows in the PNGNRL Competition. PNG Air Chief Commerical Officer, Simon C. Pitt, said, “With Rugby League being Papua New Guinea’s national sport, we are pleased to support and continue our partnership with the Central Dabaris in the PNGNRL, as the sport develops in the country.” “PNG Air has a very special place with the Dabaris club. As an inaugural franchise sponsor since 2019, the team has been able to travel well to match venues away from home quite comfortably”, said Hubert Warupi, Dabaris Executive Director. “The quality of service is exceptional. PNG Air is an invaluable sponsor not only to the team but a friend to Central Province”. With their recent win in the third round of the competition, we wish the team well as they travel to Goroka over the weekend for their next away game, flying PNG Air.

The SP PNG Hunters have produced a commanding 42-20 win over the Townsville Blackhawks at Jack Manski Oval in Round 8 of the QRL Hostplus Cup. The Hunters were slow to start in the slippery conditions but scrambled well to defend an early Blackhawks’ linebreak through the middle of the field. They couldn’t defend the consecutive knock on, penalty and six-again infringements that came next though, with Townsville capitalising on the field position to open the scoring with a well weighted grubber into the in goal for Jaelen Feeney. The Hunters’ ability to defend their own line was tested again shortly after, with ill-discipline and poor handling gifting Townsville multiple sets attacking PNG’s try line. Despite that weight of possession and field position however, the Blackhawks would be denied by a resolute Hunters’ defensive unit which seemed to improve as the game went on. Having soaked up a mountain of pressure, the Hunters worked up field thanks to a clever run from Wartovo Puara Jnr that drew a penalty before Dilbert Isaac charged into the defence for a 20+ metre carry that had Townsville retreating towards their own try line. Before they could react, a pinpoint kick from Mark Tony down the left tram line found a flying Matthew Jesse in support and the Hunters were on the board. The Hunters would strike again just four minutes later when Sylvester Namo charged onto a lovely short ball from Puara Jnr and went over almost untouched besides the left post. The Blackhawks would answer back smartly through Jordan Lipp in the 27th minute. A smooth rightside movement had the Hunters sliding on their own line and some nice footwork from Lipp found the space back on the inside to score in the right corner. The Hunters came storming out of the gates in the second half to take a ten point lead thanks to tries from Anthony Worot and Brandon Nima. Worot latched onto an offload from Samuel Yegip through the line to score next to the posts before Junior Rop produced another offload on the left edge which put Terry Wapi down the touchline. A clever kick back on the inside found captain Brandon Nima who slid over the line to score. The Blackhawks kept themselves in the fight following a try to Aaron Moore in the 51st minute but a barnstorming run from Emmanuel Waine midway through the second half broke the deadlock and the Hunters wouldn’t look back. Waine pushed through three Blackhawks defenders and engaged another two before finding forward-partner Namo in support for a well deserved try. Solo Wane and Waine himself would score next for PNG but it was Runaway Bay Seagulls’ product and PNG Kokomos member Tyler Han who would score on debut to seal the result for the Hunters, 42-20. Coach’s Comments Hunters’ Head Coach Matt Church was delighted but not surprised by the performance. “We’ve been building towards a game like that and it’s nice to see it pay off,” said Church. “We had a plan to target the middle and I think we probably missed our mark with that in the first half. Credit to the players though for sticking at it in the second forty. I think the points came off the back of that.” Church said he was pleased to see all the hard work starting to pay off. “It’s encouraging to execute a few things we identified during the week. It’s a great lesson for the players that when we stick to our processes, we’ll get the results we want,” said Church. “We’re just really happy for everyone across the group. This is just rewards for our efforts. Result SP PNG Hunters 42 def. Townsville Blackhawks 20

A temporary roadblock at 14 mile outside of Lae City by grieving members of Wau Bulolo community has been cleared this afternoon after they were being addressed by Lae MP John Rosso and Markham MP Koni Iguan. The community staged the roadblock to demand why the Morobe Governor and Morobe members of parliament  have not attended to the body of their late MP and Deputy Prime Minister Sam Basil since his passing yesterday. They further demanded why the Provincial Government had not arranged and planned mourning gatherings (hauskrais) for the public to show their grievances. Mr Rosso and Mr Iguan who attended to the staged roadblock today told them that the provincial government is in the process to organize that and will advise when it is being finalized. Provincial Police Commander Superintendent Jacob Singura said the people took note of the leaders’ assurance and have removed the roadblock as of this afternoon. The travelling public including airline passengers to Nadzab airport who were being disrupted in their traveling routes by the road block were relieved off this disruption. “The situation is back to normal now and vehicles are travelling freely at this time,” Mr Singura said.