Police Commissioner David Manning today sent his condolences to the families of Deputy Prime Minister Sam Basil and his Close Protection Office, First Constable Neil Maino, who died in the car accident early last night. First Constable Maino was the Close Protection Officer to the late Deputy Prime Minister. Both died in the same car accident last night. “This was a tragic road accident. Police investigations are now underway to establish what happened. The country will be informed of the outcome of the investigations. Until then I want to call upon people to be responsible and not speculate as to what had happened,” Mr Manning said. Director Special Services Division (SSD) Chief Superintendent Julius Tasion confirmed that the late First Constable Neil Maino was on official duty with the Deputy Prime Minister to his electorate in Bulolo when the accident happened. Mr Tasion said the officer died last night from injuries he sustained in the vehicle collision along the Bulolo-Lae  road. He said the late member was sitting behind the leader whilst another Close Protection Officer (CPO) Sergeant Fredy Setu was sitting in the front offside of the vehicle. Mr Tasion said Sgt Setu only sustained minor injuries. He was then taken to the Angau General Hospital in Lae where he was discharged this afternoon. Mr Tasion said Mr Basil passed on first and the late F/Const Maino died about 30 minutes later. He said bodies are now in the Angau Hospital. The late F/Const Maino is from Popondetta mixed Mekeo in the Kairiku-Hiri district of the Central Province. The late member joined the Constabulary in 2009 and was attached with the National Security Unit (NSU) of the Special Services Division until his death.

Kagamuga Airport in Mt Hagen, Western Highlands Province remain operational and is secured despite the cancellation of flights into the airport yesterday afternoon. National Airports Corporation Managing Director Rex Kiponge gave this assurance to the travelling public after yesterday's turn of events where the public protested in front of the terminal over election related grievances. Mr Kiponge said NAC did not closed the airport operation as speculated and the decision to air return flights yesterday were done by respective airline operation, something of which NAC has no jurisdiction to decide on. "The civil unrest at the terminal was controlled by the joint security officers from Aviation Security, contracted security companies and the police Mobile Squad," Mr Kiponge said. "As I speak the airport is secured and on normal operations." Kiponge further said that NAC has done up the election security operations plan and will work together with the joint security forces in police, PNG Defense Force, and CIS personnel during the election period.

The Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League today confirmed the appointment of Mr Stanley Tepend as the PNG LNG Kumuls Coach replacing long-time coach Michael Marum, who resigned last month. Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League Chief Executive Officer Mr Stanley Hondina made the announcement today and said that PNGRFL wanted to build on the success of the Kumuls over the last few years, and Coach Stanley Tepend who has served as assistant coach to Michael Marum over the last six years has the experience and qualifications to provide that continued growth and stability for the team. “We congratulate Stanley Tepend, he’s worked hard and built an impressive coaching career making him a well-respected coach in Papua New Guinea. We are confident that he will build on the success of the national team,” Mr Hondina said. Mr Tepend is a premiership winning coach in the PNG National Competition, the Digicel Cup, having won 6 premierships with the Lae Snax Tigers and is currently the Assistant Coach of the PNG Hunters in the Hostplus Cup. The PNGRFL also confirmed the appointment of NRL premiership winning Coach, Mr Shane Flanagan as the Kumuls’ Coaching Consultant to assist Coach Stanley and the PNG LNG Kumuls in their preparations and participation at the 2021 Rugby league World Cup in England later this year. Shane Flanagan is currently the Assistant Coach at the St George Illawarra Dragons. “We are honoured to welcome an experienced and high quality coach like Flanagan who can provide guidance and support to the PNG Kumuls in their campaign to the world cup this year,” Mr Hondina said. He further added Flanagan brings with him that elite level NRL experience and expertise, to assist Coach Stanley and the team and this gives confidence to the PNGRFL and supporters of the game in PNG that the team will be well prepared. “There’s been a bit of delay since Michael left to today, as there were lot of moving parts and we have had to work proactively in line with our plans and requirements to identify the right candidate that ticked all the necessary boxes before the decision and announcement, and that included wider stakeholder consultations that has taken a bit of time.” He went on to thank both Coach Stanley and Shane Flanagan for accepting the offers and  their willingness to work, the passion and the support that they have shown and committed through the interview process and in the discussions that were held with them. Tepend who holds a Level 2 coaching qualification is humbled by the appointment for the top coaching job. “A lot has happened over the last few months. Being part of the coaching staff at the Hunters was a highlight for me, to have been given the opportunity to assist and also learn as well at this level,” he said. “Now to be given this opportunity, I am really humbled and thank the Lord for His timing and allowing this to happen. I am excited to take this challenge and I am grateful to Coach Michael for initially having me as part of his Kumuls staff over the last 6 years, and my journey to have some success with the team will always stay with me. Now I look forward to carrying that on as Coach,” Tepend said. Flanagan was excited when given the news of his appointment as Coaching Director and is looking forward to the task ahead of him. “I’m really excited about it, I think I can help the PNG team, there’s a test match in Fiji soon leading into the World Cup, and I’m there to help and give advice. PNG have a got a good footy team and I know how passionate PNG people are about rugby league in general, so I’m really excited about being involved in all of that,” Flanagan said when contacted today. Both Coach Tepend and Shane Flanagan’s contracts as Kumuls Head Coach and Coaching Consultant respectively are for 8 months and will end on the 31st of December 2022.

The Governor General Sir Bob Dadae has gone ahead to sign all 486 writs this afternoon at the Government House in Port Moresby, officially starting off the 2022 National General Elections. This turn of events occurred despite the PNG Electoral Commissioner Simon Sinai announcing earlier this afternoon the deferral of the elections by another week to Thursday 19th May 2022 at 4pm. Governor General Sir Bob Dadae said the start of the 2022 National General Election was delayed for too long already, with the earlier deferral, and as such he went ahead with the current date (12th May) to sign the issue of election writs. However, this newsroom understands that the Electoral Commissioner Mr Simon Sinai, said despite this, he will use his powers as the Electoral Commissioner to go ahead with the delay of nominations by a week until the 19th of May. This will be done as a mark of respect to the late Deputy Prime Minister Sam Basil as per Sinai’s earlier announcement following a request from the National Executive Council to delay the election. So the case now stands as; the GG has signed writs but the PNGEC has deferred nominations until next Thursday. “The Electoral Commissioner is authorized by the Constitution and the Organic Law on National and Local-level Government Elections to schedule and conduct elections within a three-month period, for as long as the writs are returned on the fifth anniversary of the parliamentary term - in this case on the 29 July.” That’s according to political scientist and independent research fellow Dr Joseph Ketan who also said, “The writs for 2022 elections MUST be returned on the same date as the last time in 2017 (29 July).” Dr Ketan added, if the writs are not returned by 29 July this year, we have a serious problem. “The PNGEC now has one week for nomination, 8 weeks for campaigning, one week for polling and 2 weeks for counting. The law is very clear. There is no room for error.” “Bottom line: Constitutional Crisis if the writs for 2022 elections are not returned on July 29.”

On 06 May 2022, 16 St John Trainee Ambulance Officers (TAO) completed the intensive 16-week ambulance officer induction program. The course involves the trainees becoming competent in basic life support, defibrillation, resuscitation, emergency child birthing, and providing life support for other common medical emergencies including allergy, asthma, snakebite, bleeding, heart attack and stroke. Having completed the induction course, the students now start their internship, having completed the 16-week program. During the internship, the students work on ambulances under the supervision of a senior ambulance officer. They are mentored and will complete further studies and examination over the next 12 months. Three officers stood out during their tenure as trainees in the course program. Anthony Pryke, Madako Suari and Aderah Ovavu, are all first time officers who were certified in the training course. Madako Suari is a professional sporting athlete in the code of squash. He is the top male squash player in PNG holding the title for 10 years running and is currently transitioning from being an athlete and on into the health space. “Having this opportunity to come to train and work with St John has been surreal. To take on a new challenge but at a different space and level. I have no doubt this was a calling and not just luck.” Says Madako. 31yo, Anthony Pryke topped the 16 week course in academic performance and display of leadership qualities. “I have always been someone who likes to help others in need; whether it means dressing a minor cut or stopping on the side of the freeway to assist push another car out of harms way. Being an AO is not what I would call ‘work’. Its something I love doing.” Said Pryke. Best performing nurse in the training course, Aderah Ovavi said it was her childhood dream to work in an emergency care setting. Becoming a nurse has better prepared me for the challenges in this setting. “The training has encouraged and motivated me to better understand the prehospital care management and to try to save more lives as possible.” St John CEO, Matt Cannon said, “by delivering such a high level of professional training for ambulance officers we are making sure our community is served well, our patients receive safer care, and importantly that our loved are protected and people can be given a second chance at life” St John Chief Doctor, Dr Mangu Kendino said, “This high level of training for ambulance officers is a game changer for prehospital care in PNG. While St John’s ambulance trainers deliver the training, it is overseen by a team of medical professionals including doctors from PMGH.” Kendino said, “the trainee ambulance officers will now complete a two (2) week observation program in the Port Moresby General Hospital Emergency Department before they commence on road as ambulance officer interns.” In addition to clinical training, being an ambulance officer requires a high level of physical fitness and mental aptitude. The trainee ambulance officers complete ambulance physical fitness programs developed by East Street Fitness PNG over the 3 month period.

An agreement has been signed to promote superannuation retirement savings for participants in Papua New Guinea’s fisheries sector. The National Fisheries Authority (NFA) and National Superannuation Fund Limited (Nasfund) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signaling the start of this partnership. Signed by NFA Acting Managing Director Justin Ilakini, and Nasfund Chief Executive Officer Ian Tarutia, this MoU now enables the country’s fisheries regulator, and leading superannuation provider, to work together to allow more people in fisheries to save for retirement. Commenting on this strategic partnership, NFA Acting MD Justin Ilakini said this MoU is a historic step in the right direction for NFA in creating strategic partnerships for development in the Fisheries sector of Papua New Guinea by empowering fisherfolk through financial literacy to manage their finances well and to save for retirement through Nasfund. “Most fisherfolk require basic financial literacy training to manage and save their income. Coastal fisheries in PNG has a biomass of 130,000 metric tons with an economic value of K3 Billion." "Coastal fisheries has the potential to out-perform the Tuna Industry if it is properly developed in PNG." Nasfund offers a great opportunity for the fisheries sector through its coverage throughout PNG under its flagship programmes such as Eda Supa. We note Nasfund has undertaken similar programmes within the agriculture sector through smallholder farmers, and coastal fishing, inland fishing and acquaculture operators will be encouraged to join Nasfund. The NFA looks forward to discussing these and other specific details of the areas of cooperation under the MoU.” Nasfund CEO Ian Tarutia said this development is an extension of the Fund’s efforts in promoting superannuation across all industries for our citizens. “As the leading superannuation fund in PNG, it is our responsibility to do our part in ensuring as many Papua New Guineans have the opportunity to save and access superannuation services." "In recent years, we have done our part in extending our services outside of the traditional formal sector, to our members and potential members in the informal sector." "This is evident in our membership who are in the agriculture sector (cocoa, oil palm), and SMEs who save through our voluntary contribution product, Eda Supa." At present, over 35,000 Nasfund members save through Eda Supa. Their savings total over K67.5 million. "We look forward to growing this membership through this partnership with NFA, and are excited at welcoming new members in the Fisheries sector in the coming weeks."

H.E. Grand Chief Sir Bob Bofeng Dadae, GCL, GCMG, KStJ, Governor General of Papua New Guinea, has expressed profound sadness and shock at the news of the passing of Deputy Prime Minister and Member for Wau/Bulolo, Hon. Sam Basil. The late Hon. Sam Basil died following a car crash along the Bulolo- Lae road last night (11.05.22). “I was greatly shocked and saddened to receive news that our Deputy Prime Minister and Member for Wau/Bulolo Hon. Sam Basil passed away last night." "It is such a tragedy to have befallen our nation the loss of one of our country’s outstanding and vibrant political leaders. Hon. Basil had a unique way of serving his people of Wau/Bulolo." "He was a ‘hands-on’ leader involving directly with his people and providing the services required most of which go unreported because that is how he chose to serve his people." "He was a hard working politician fully committed to the service of his people." "The people of Morobe have lost a remarkable leader a ‘Kwila’ of Morobe in Hon. Sam Basil the likes of which is impossible to replace." "It is with a heavy heart that Lady Emeline and I extend to Mrs. Basil and children, immediate family and people of Wau/Bulolo our heartfelt sympathies and condolences as we all mourn the loss of this great leader." "May god’s grace and peace be your guidance and comfort during this difficult time,” the Governor General said.

The Issue of Writs for the 2022 National General Elections has been further deferred for a week from today to Thursday May 19, 2022. This also means all nominations will be made after 4pm on May 19, 2022. Electoral Commissioner Simon Sinai made the announcement today saying this is being done to accord the respect to the passing of Deputy Prime Minister and United Labor Party Leader late Sam Basil. He said late Basil's political party is part of the election process and to begin elections at the time when the party is coming to terms with the death of their leader is disrespectful and unfair. "We allow them one week to organize themselves and come and join us during the elections." He further said the deferral is still within the legal timeframe with May 29, 2022 being the deadline for the return of Writs.

This news just in! PNG Electoral Commission has just deferred the Issue of Writs that was to have happened today at 4pm. This has now been delayed to Thursday the 19th of May 2022 at 4pm. PNG Electoral Commissioner Simon Sinai said this out of respect for the mourning period of the late Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Sam Basil. More details to follow soon. Keep listening to the news on this station or follow our news website pnghausbung.com for more.

Port Moresby residents will expect uninterrupted water supply following the installation of an additional Clarifier to act as a back-up or redundancy. Water PNG Limited has signed a K58.7 million project contract for the construction of an additional Clarifier, at the Mt. Eriama Water Treatment Plant in Port Moresby. Water PNG has adapted the FIDIC Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) Contract to enable the effective execution of the project by the contractor, XYZ Construction (PNG) Limited. The proposed Clarifier will come online after 19 months of the construction work. The Clarifier, also known as the mixing tank or the settling tank, will hold an estimated capacity of 100 million litre of water per day (MLD), and will support the three existing clarifiers that currently hold 30MLD, 60MLD and 90MLD, respectively. The new Clarifier will be constructed south of the existing clarifiers at Mt. Eriama, and will serve as a redundant clarification tank. This means when one of the three clarifiers goes offline for maintenance work, the proposed clarification tank will carry on the normal process of mixing and cleaning raw water, to ensure there is no disruption to water production at the Plant, and the overall distribution of water supply to the city residents. The project contract was signed between Water PNG Limited and the EPC contractor XYZ Construction (PNG) Limited, on the evening of Tuesday 03rd May, 2022. Present to witness the milestone event were the executive management team from Kumul Consolidated Holdings (KCH). KCH Executive Manager Jethro Wala, noted that while Water PNG strives to ensure city residents receive quality water service, the State entity has faced many challenges. “This is a step forward. Something that has been lacking in the city for a long time, but these are legacy issues that we have been dealing with,” Mr Wala said. Water PNG Chief Executive Officer Parkop Kurua reiterated that Water PNG has many operational challenges but the recently merged entity was making progress. “We do not have the capacity to stage planned maintenance work because we don’t have redundancy capabilities. This project will provide that depth. “It’s a critical piece of infrastructure that we need to build. It underpins consistent production and reliability of supply,” Mr Kurua added. Water PNG Board Chairman Ambassador Aiwa Olmi said the Water Treatment Plant needed rehabilitation and upgrading of its infrastructure. “Water PNG envisions to be the best performing state-owned entity. We want to provide safe and affordable water and sewerage services throughout Papua New Guinea. “We are trying our best within our financial limits, the work limitations we have, and the experiences that we have. Building new water supply systems is expensive,” he said. “I would also like to encourage the contractor to deliver quality product within budget and the set time frame.” Water PNG and KCH will counter-fund the construction of the additional Clarifier.

The Secretary of Education Dr. Uke Kombra has announced that revisions have been made to this year’s academic calendar to cater for the 2022 National General Elections. Speaking at a press conference held this morning at Department of Education Headquarters, Dr. Kombra advised that the original dates were consistent however due to the change of polling dates by the Electoral Commission, the department had to revise the dates so they would be in line with the election schedule. “Essentially what we’ve done is increase the schooling weeks of term 2 to 11 and reduce term 3 to 10 weeks,” Dr. Kombra said. "The original date for the end of the 2nd term was the 24th of June but that has now been moved the 1st of July." Also, the original date for the 2nd term break was meant to begin on the 27th of June but is now pushed forward to the 8th of July with the 3rd term to commence on the 18th of July. There is however, no change to the start and end date of the 4th term. The only exam date change was the Grade 10 Written Expression National Examination, which will be held on the 2nd of June. All other exam dates remain the same. The secretary urged all schools, principles and education Authorities to consider the changes as these will cater for the polling period to ensure that there is no disruptions to classes. A circular with the secretary’s instruction was sent out to all schools today.

The Manus Provincial Police is prepared and eager to deliver the 2022 National General Election, says Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Chief Inspector David Yapu. Mr Yapu said the province’s pre-election security operation started on April 12 this year where police officers in Manus carried out election awareness around the town area. Mr Yapu said the rolling out of awareness is convenient yet effective whilst waiting for election funding from the provincial government as well as the Police Headquarters in Port Moresby. “The Manus Province is made up of small island villages and would be expensive to travel to each Island to conduct awareness, therefore we conducted awareness at the Lorengau Main Market which is a common place where people come in from villages on the Islands, coast and the highway. We believe our messages have reached almost everyone,” said a confident Mr Yapu. During the awareness, the people were reminded of the importance of their participation and their democratic rights for the election. They were also made aware of the election offences and the penalties attached to each offence. “Funding and logistical support remain our biggest challenges. We have three police boats and five aging vehicles but this has not stopped us from carrying out our roles as police officers,” said the PPC. Mr Yapu said manpower on the other hand is still a challenge. There are 50 police personnel and the total population of the province is about 80,000. However a request has been sent to the sister forces, PNG Defence Force (PNGDF) and PNG Correctional Service (PNGCS) and awaiting approval from their hierarchy for them to come on board during the election. “To my people of Manus, be prepared. Do not accept bribes and choose a genuine leader that will bring back services back to us,” said Mr Yapu. He said there will be a final election workshop conducted shortly after the issuing of writs on offences to polish up the officers to remain neutral and not do anything that would tarnish the reputation of the Constabulary. Mr Yapu said Manus is ready for the 2022 National General Election.