The US president's remark was prompted by a question from a Fox News reporter about inflation being a potential political liability in the midterms. US President Joe Biden has been caught swearing at a reporter during a news conference after his mic seemed to accidentally pick up his reaction to a question. The president had been holding the conference following a meeting with the White House Competition Council. As reporters were being ushered out of the room, Fox News' White House correspondent Peter Doocy asked Mr Biden: "Will you take questions on inflation then? Do you think inflation is a political liability ahead of the midterms?" Despite voices in the background being heard saying "no thank you" after the question was put to the president, he responded without realising his microphone was still turned on. "That's a great asset - more inflation. What a stupid son of a b***h," the president said. After the blunder, his mic was quickly turned off and Mr Biden looked quite surprised as he appeared to notice his mistake. The White House has insisted repeatedly that it is focused on curbing inflation, which is at a nearly 40-year high in the US. SOURCE: SKY NEWS

The Boroko Police Prosecutions Unit’s morale was boosted this week when Police Commissioner David Manning presented a brand new 15-seater bus to the unit. The unit has been experiencing transportation problems in the recent past and this has affected their performance at times causing members of the unit to go late to court or even miss court sessions altogether. Commissioner Manning said, “Going to court and successfully prosecuting our cases is what policing is all about. Apprehending criminals is one part of our job. If we do not go to court on time or at all then the hard work we have done in capturing suspects will all be in vain and criminals will walk the streets free to commit crime again. “That is why the police management was quick to respond to the unit’s request for a new vehicle. But I will caution the members to use the vehicle for its intended purpose. Abuses will not be tolerated and will be severely dealt with. Look after the asset and it will in turn make your job easier.” Commander NCD/Central, Assistant Commissioner Anthony Wagambie thanked the Commissioner for the vehicle and promised that the bus will be well looked after.

Pakistan defeated PNG in their final game of the pool stage of the World Cup. After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, the PIH Under 19 Cricket PNG side scored 50 all out, and in response Pakistan chased down the total to win with 9 wickets in hand after 12 overs. Coach Rodney Maha noted it was “another tough day at the office with PNG bowled out for just 50 runs in 22.4 overs. We won the toss and decided to bat after fielding first for the last 4 matches. It has been very tough for the batters as they are starting positively against good bowling but aren't staying in long enough.” Promoted to opening, Christopher Kilapat top scored with 11 runs from 30 balls and together with Boio Ray were able to take the score to 24 before Ray was dismissed. Unfortunately no other PNG batters were able to stay in and progress the scoreboard against the impressive Pakistan bowling line up. For Pakistan, Muhammad Shezad had outstanding figures, taking 5 wickets for only 7 runs off 6.4 overs. Junior Morea started PNG off on the right note, dismissing Muhammad Shehzad to have Pakistan in trouble in the first over at 1 down for only 1 run. Unfortunately with a very low total to chase, Pakistan was able to steady and cruise to victory in 12 overs without losing a further wicket. Coach Rodney Maha feels the team “is still keeping positive so that we can play well to give ourselves a chance to be competitive in the plate.” Captain Barnabas Maha feels that the team is improving each day “I don't think we are far from where we need to be to get started but we need to work harder for our runs against our opposition. One good individual score or partnership may give us a chance but we must be prepared to work hard.” The PIH Under 19 Cricket PNG side now moves into the plate competition, with their next match against hosts the West Indies.

Three suspects allegedly involved in a car robbery were caught by police in Port Moresby yesterday. A massive police manhunt ensued when a grey Toyota Camry sedan was reported stolen at Waigani at around 2.30pm. The vehicle was car-jacked by five armed suspects. Police immediately placed their radar around the grass and marshland between Gerehu Stage 5 and Morata. A suspect in possession of a bush knife, was caught near the Morata sewerage pond. He was running when police caught him. Two more suspects connected to this crime were caught by a vigilant community and handed over to police at Gerehu stage 5. The three suspects are now locked up in the cells and they will be referred to the NCD Motor Squad. They will be charged for their part in this crime. Story and pictures via: Police - NCD/Central Divisional Command 

Runner-up of the Dadi Toka Pepsi Cup 9s, Team Waidex say their performance in the tournament is by far one of their best ones as a team despite losing by a 36-25 margin in the Cup finals to TI Vikings in front of a packed crowd at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium last weekend. The 3-day tournament which kicked off last Thursday attracted a total of 32 teams from the surrounding Motu-Koita villages and Kairuku-Hiri as well as from the Moresby-South electorate. Team Waidex from Moresby-South, sponsored by Bixsy Tala of Waidex Limited took part in Pool B winning three of their pool games and their top 16 playoffs to make it into the final rounds where they went head-to-head with Lahi Pawa defeating them 19-4 and Kone Storms 22-12 to secure a Grand Final spot with the reigning champions TI Vikings of Tatana village. Team captain of Waidex Clancy Kei said although the team lost in the finals, he was impressed with his boys for holding the forte in the first half and then maintaining consistency against a much stronger and experienced Vikings side. “Although most of our boys lacked experience as well as the strength and stamina in the final minutes, they gave their very best performance by putting up a great fight for the cup.” “It was also a great experience for the boys playing against a seasoned side and maintaining good sportsmanship right throughout the tournament regardless,” Clancy said. The team which is mostly made up of boys playing in the Moresby South Rugby League has been taking part in 9s competitions in and around Port Moresby since 2014 where they have been making a number of grand final appearances since the club’s establishment. Sponsor of the team, Bixsy Tala said that he was more than happy to support the boys and give them an avenue where they can realise their rugby dreams and try to be better citizens of this country. “I have been sponsoring the team single handedly since 2014 when we first formed the team. Since then, the team has come a long way and their performance in the 9s cup challenges has gotten better and better every year.” “Although we only had a few experienced boys in the likes of Jason Maima (current Vipers), Orbert Muri (current Isou) together with Yoks Bagave and Junior Oki, the boys still maintained their game and played professional rugby to the end,” Bixsy said. According to Bixsy, most of the boys who are in the team have been selected from teams such as Vadavada United, Taurama Wolfpacks, Sib-city Raiders, Kaugere Bulldogs and Koki Eels which are all taking part in the Moresby South Rugby League. With their experience from this year’s Pepsi Cup 9s, the team is looking forward to working on areas they have lacked in to make sure that they come back stronger and better in the next tournament. Images supplied

Air Niugini would like to advise customers that both Australia and Singapore have amended their Covid-19 testing requirements prior to travel to these countries. Effective from Tuesday 25th January, for passengers flying into both Australia and Singapore as their final destination, a rapid antigen test (RAT) administered and certified by a Doctor is now accepted in lieu of a PCR test.  For Australia, the rapid test must be conducted within 24 hours of scheduled departure while Singapore, the rapid test must be conducted within 48 hours of scheduled departure. Air Niugini and ISOS will continue to offer free PCR and Rapid tests at the airport at time of departure, for those customers who choose to do their test at the airport prior to check in. As per information below, passengers transiting Australia or Singapore onwards to third country, can choose to undertake a Covid test independently from the ISOS testing site, however the onus is on the passenger to ensure it meets all the requirements of their final destination country and any countries of transit (including Australia/ Singapore’s requirements as below). Passengers flying into Australia: The Passenger must complete a negative rapid test within 24 hours of scheduled departure.  This can either be conducted at the airport prior to check in, or the passenger can bring a compliant certificate with them issued by a Doctor. A negative PCR test taken within 3 days of departure is also acceptable. Passengers flying into Singapore: The Passenger must complete either a negative rapid test or a negative PCR test within 48 hours of scheduled departure.  This can either be conducted at the airport prior to check in, or the passenger can bring a compliant certificate with them issued by a Doctor All passengers transiting via Australia or Singapore to a third country: The Passenger must either complete a negative PCR test at the airport, or bring a negative Covid test certificate with them. For those choosing to bring the negative Covid test certificate with them, the onus is on the passenger to ensure the type of test and the certificate meets all the requirements of their final destination country and any countries of transit (including Australia/ Singapore’s requirements as above). This includes ensuring the test is taken within the timeframe required and is of the type and standard required. All passengers flying to Manila. The Passenger must either complete a negative PCR test at the airport, or the passenger can bring a negative and compliant PCR test certificate with them. For Philippines the RT-PCR test needs to be completed within 48 hours of departure. All passengers to Hong Kong, or direct to other international Air Niugini destinations. Passengers must complete a negative PCR test at the airport Passengers arriving with their own compliant PCR or negative Rapid Test certificate conducted independently from the ISOS testing site can progress directly to the Departures Check in through the Main Terminal Entrance, ensuring passengers wear face masks. With these changes, the opening for the ISOS testing facility will now be 3 hours prior to scheduled departure time, and access to testing will still close 2 hours prior to departure. This will be reviewed after two weeks to see if a further reduction can occur. For passengers providing their own PCR or Rapid test, this can be either an electronic or paper certificate and be in English. It must be signed by a Doctor, and have their Authority to Practise Number. The certificate must include at least the following information the date and time of the test; the name of the individual tested, as stated in the passport; at least one other personal identifier such as date of birth or passport number; the type of test conducted; the brand and make of the test; that the specimen for the test was collected, and the test was carried out, by or under the supervision of a Doctor; the result of the test (such as ‘negative’ or ‘not detected’); the signature of the Doctor providing the certificate, as well as their Authority to Practise Number.

The State Department ordered diplomats' families Sunday afternoon to depart the U.S. embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine, amid heightened fears of a Russian attack on the country. The embassy has also authorized non-emergency employees to depart, according to an internal cable obtained by ABC News. In an updated travel advisory issued later Sunday, the State Department confirmed the drawdown and urged U.S. citizens in Ukraine to consider departing the country now using commercial flights. "These are prudent precautions that in no way undermine our support for, our commitment to Ukraine," a senior State Department official said Sunday. The department made the decision now "based on this military buildup, based on how we see these developments," they added, calling it the "right moment." Ukraine has been on the State Department's highest travel advisory -- Level 4: Do Not Travel -- for months because of COVID-19. Last month, the embassy updated that warning to say, "Russia is planning significant military action against Ukraine," which "would severely impact the U.S. Embassy's ability to provide consular services" to Americans. A State Department spokesperson said Saturday that the U.S. will not evacuate Americans like in the operation conducted out of Afghanistan last August. "American citizens should not anticipate that there will be U.S. government-sponsored evacuations. Currently commercial flights are available to support departures," the spokesperson said. The change in the embassy's status has upset some Ukrainian officials, many who are skeptical that Russia is planning an attack and think it is instead continuing to raise the pressure to destabilize the country. "The U.S. embassy in Kyiv is going to continue to operate in an uninterrupted way to support Ukraine at this critical moment," the senior State Department official said. SOURCE: ABC NEWS

The Em-Stret Space hosted their first Spill-The-Tea session for 2022 last week Thursday which proved to be a success with host Bryan Earles expressing satisfaction after the session. The session which is held once a month at the E-Space provides an avenue for young people and business enthusiasts to come together to discuss and share ideas on the daily challenges as well as opportunities in the business world. To officially commence the sessions again for 2022, a team of young vibrant content creatives came together to take part in a panel discussion on the topic of Justified Creatives. In attendance were content creators who have been working in the creative space for over 5 years with a few who have just ventured into the industry. Autu Autu from O2 Visuals, Roan Paul of Roan Paul Photography, Joseph Dermba of JD Media and Chan Anivai of Shawk23 were the guest speakers for the day highlighting important issues and challenges faced by present day creatives. “For us now, protecting our brand and making sure our work output is of the highest quality also contributes to building our brand and creating our client base.” “One of the challenges for full time content creators working in the creative industry now is dealing with clients who delay in paying for services rendered,” said Chan Anivai, Owner of Shawk23. “As content creators, there are a lot of sacrifices and time that is put into projects and so it is only right that our time and efforts and commitments are well compensated through the fees we charge,” he added. The discussion brought to light current challenges and issues that creative business owners face in ensuring that their businesses strive at such a time when jobs are becoming scarce and the creative industry booming with endless opportunities. Now more than ever, there is a large number of content creators moving within the industry and so it is up to each individual to improve their product or service every time so that they stand out within this sea of creatives. Autu Autu of O2 Visuals emphasized on the need for creatives to have an open mind and be free to learn from others within the industry and refer and collaborate where necessary so that they continue to deliver on clients’ requirements. “While it is important for content creators to be honest with their clients on their ability to deliver on any particular project, it also presents an opportune time for creatives to reach out to others who they can collaborate with to deliver results to clients.” “In this way, they retain their client and also open up opportunities for ongoing working relationships with other creatives,” Autu said. Business Development Officer and host for Spill-The-Tea, Bryan Earles, said that throughout the year, they will be bringing in more of such passionate individuals to create meaningful conversations around business and in turn create a network of inspired business owners who can tap into the respective markets or industries they operate in and continue to succeed with their businesses.

PNG Football Association like any other sporting federations will reapply to seek approval from Covid-19 Controller to conduct its 2022 football competition and programs. PNG Football Association Competition Director Roosje Suwae said PNGFA is looking to start the Women National Soccer League in March this year but it is subject to approval by Controller. Suwae said for any PNGFA sanctioned competition, PNGFA is requesting or calling on all players and officials to be vaccinated before they can take part in the competition. “We understand vaccination is not compulsory, PNGFA has chosen this approach to get the players and officials and those involved in the competitions or its sanctioned activities to run without disruption. “It is for our protection and for the protection of those we come in contact with during the course of the competition,” she said. Ms Suwae said her Competition Department want to ensure all these must be in place before the Competition kicks off in March, 2022. 

Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) has launched the roll out of its COVID-19 vaccine booster program in Tabubil on January 19th following the release of the Booster Vaccination Direction by the Controller. In its continuous effort to protect the workforce, community and operations from COVID-19, the Company, through the Tabubil Hospital, has commenced a major awareness drive to support the booster vaccination program. OTML Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Musje Werror, was the first to receive his booster jab in front of OTML and Tabubil Hospital staff and urged other OTML employees, contractors, and members of the community to get their boosters including those that have yet to be vaccinated. “COVID-19 is still present and continues to cause challenges in all the countries around the world. New variants are emerging and is affecting the lives of many people. The vaccines remain the best defence to preventing serious illness or deaths and as a responsible Company we have made the vaccines available on site.” So far 50% of OTML’s workforce or over 4000 workers have been vaccinated and are eligible for a booster jab. Mr Werror said the company’s policy on voluntary vaccination remains but urged the workforce to be mindful of the new COVID variant, Omicron, which poses a potential risk given only half the workforce has been vaccinated. “We are not going to force people to get vaccinated, but we hope with the awareness and what is happening around the world, people will make the right decision,” said Mr Werror. OTML received 470 vials of the Johnston & Johnston vaccine equivalent to 2, 350 doses, and 90 vials of the Astra Zeneca vaccine with 900 doses. [caption id="attachment_18565" align="aligncenter" width="551"] Picture courtesy: oktedi.com[/caption]

Rabbitohs recruit Anthony Milford is facing the possibility of a ‘gap year’ before signing with the Dolphins in 2023 as Souths decide whether to end the controversial star’s stint at Redfern. The Courier Mail reported Milford is still living in Brisbane since the NRL’s decision not to register his one-year deal after he was charged with three counts of assault occasioning bodily harm and one count of wilful damage involving a vehicle. The 27-year-old has stated he will be opposing a series of the charges from an alleged incident last September in the aftermath of the Broncos’ end of season celebrations. However it appears likely the ex-Broncos $1m man’s time at Souths will come to an end without him playing a game for the club. Milford has been undertaking his own training program outside of Sydney and should Souths choose to cut ties with him, the Dolphins are looming large as a potential suitor for his services. The 193-game veteran has a close relationship with Dolphins head coach Wayne Bennett form their time together at the Broncos. Before he was announced as Dolphins coach, Bennett admitted last year that he would sign Milford if he parted ways with the Broncos and is confident he can return him to his best. After signing with the Rabbitohs, Milford stated his desire to return to Queensland in the future after he got his career back on track at South Sydney. “Ideally it would be nice [to return to Queensland]. But I said I’ll back myself at Souths and see how I go,” Milford said at the time. [caption id="attachment_18557" align="aligncenter" width="896"] Anthony Milford has a fight on his hands to avoid convictions that could affect his bid to return to the NRL. Source: News Corp Australia[/caption] The theory is that Bennett will make a play for Milford for 2023 if the NRL allow him to resume playing and training duties once his legal fight comes to a conclusion. It looks increasingly likely that Milford will spend the majority of 2022 training on his own and focusing on his court battle. However Bennett still has plenty of work to do to create an NRL squad after making just five signings so far, including Storm stars Felise Kaufusi and Jesse Bromwich. Should Milford’s legal team get him to avoid any career altering convictions and the NRL rubberstamp his return to the sport, the Dolphins and a reunion with Bennett looms as his most likely destination. SOURCE: NRL NEWS

New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Sunday revealed she has canceled her wedding as the country continues to curb a new wave of Omicron cases. Speaking at a regular Covid-19 news conference, Ardern said health authorities have reported nine Omicron cases in Motueka in a single-family household. The family traveled to Auckland to attend a wedding, a funeral, an amusement park, and a tourist attraction last weekend, prompting the country to move to the highest "red light" setting. Ardern told reporters, "My wedding won't be going ahead but I just join many other New Zealanders who have had an experience like that as a result of the pandemic." When asked how she felt about her decision to cancel the wedding that was due to be held this summer, Ardern replied, "Such is life." Last month, New Zealand said it was pushing back its phased border reopening until the end of February over concerns about the Omicron variant. Chris Hipkins, the nation's minister for Covid-19 response, said, "Waiting till the end of February will increase New Zealand's overall protection and slow Omicron's eventual spread. There's no doubt this is disappointing and will upset many holiday plans, but it's important to set these changes out clearly today so they can have time to consider those plans." Hipkins also said New Zealand's Cabinet has agreed to other precautionary measures, including reducing the interval between a second Covid-19 vaccine dose and a booster shot from six months to four months, and increasing the required length of stay for returning travelers from seven to 10 days in managed isolation and quarantine. SOURCE: CNN NEWS