Team PNG has received a cheque totaling K150,000 from SP Brewery Limited (SPB), a timely presentation as the PNG Olympic Committee is preparing to send two (2) Team PNG contingents to attend two (2) major international multi-sport events this year. The K150,000 is an annual commitment by SPB, as part of the brewery’s three-year sponsorship to the PNG Olympic Committee (PNGOC). SPB Managing Director, Ed Weggemans said: “Even though we are dealing with trade restrictions and loss of business, SPB is proud to continue our support to Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee for another year.” SPB has a strong and long-term relationship with the PNG Olympic Committee dating back as far as the early 1980s. The company has supported sports through other marquee events such as the SP Sports Awards, since 1992, in partnership with the PNGOC and PNG Sports Foundation. This timely financial support will go towards helping Team PNG participate in the Northern Marianas Mini Pacific Games in Saipan from June 17the - 25th and the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games from the 28th of July to the 8th of August 2022. PNGOC President, Sir John Dawanincura, thanked the Board and Management of SPB for the timely presentation as the PNGOC progresses on its preparedness for the two Teams for the back-to-back Games this year. “We are grateful to the SPB Executive Board and Management for this presentation and appreciate that it was thoughtfully done well in advance before the two Teams are farewell to the Games in June and July respectively”, Sir John said. “I also acknowledged the Company’s continued support to PNGOC and Team PNG over the last two years despite the challenges, especially added challenges to doing businesses due to the global pandemic”. Sir John also commended the SPB for its long-term support to the PNGOC and Team PNG: “On that note, we also acknowledged and commend the SPB for its long-term commitment and support to the PNGOC over four (4) decades. Securing sponsorship and committing to long-term partnerships is difficult given PNG’s small business landscape and also the current pandemic, thus we are grateful for SP Brewery’s continued support”. “This commitment has also seen the delivery of the SP Sports Awards since 1992, a partnership that has grown with time and commitment over the last 30 years! Thank you SP Brewery and we look forward to celebrating the achievements of our PNG Sportsmen and women for the next 30 years”, Sir John said.

The old adage goes that you don’t know what you’ve got until its gone and it could ring true for the Australian boxing scene. Paul Gallen is gearing up for a shot at boxing history when he takes on Kris Terzievski for the Australasian heavyweight title on May 11 at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre as one of three main events on a card of epic proportions. A victory would make Gallen the first cross-over athlete to capture the title. And a loss? “It probably spells the end,” Gallen told foxsports.com.au. “Without a doubt I’m retiring at the back end of this year. “There’s not a lot of months left in the year, so maybe one or two fights left. “Look, if this fight wasn’t to go the right way, it could be the end. “I’ve just got to make sure I get the job done so I can live to fight another day.” Living to fight another day will be no easy task for the former Cronulla Sharks star, as he faces a fighter who is 10-1-1 with eight knockouts to his name. It’s an enormous risk for Gallen, but has the 40-year-old ever been one to shy away from a challenge? Going into the fight, he has the benefit of hindsight into what the ideal preparation looks like Ahead of his bout against Justis Huni last year for the Australian heavyweight championship, Gallen opted to come into the fight slightly lighter as he focused heavily on fitness. It was a move that backfired because he knew for his experience in his rugby league playing days that a lighter body means more bumps and bruises. “But being a different sport, I thought it would be different,” Gallen said. “When I got hit, I got hurt. Getting hurt in that fight made it a tough night.” Terzievski also presents a “totally different” challenge for Gallen, as the 31-year-old is a southpaw. Gal has worked to combat that by solely sparring southpaws during his camp, “Just keep pressuring him,” Gallen said. “That’s how I fight anyway, he’s going to know that. “But I’ve got to keep pressuring him. “He’s not going to be that fit where he’s going to be able to do it for 10 rounds. “I think by the end of it it’s going to catch up with him and I’ll be able to finish the fight.” If Gal’s peek into the crystal ball for how the fight will conclude doesn’t exude enough confidence, then it’s his belief that he can pull off the trailblazing feat that may push those in the camp of the doubters to switch their allegiance. “To be able to be the first cross-over star to ever win it, it’s going to be something pretty special,” Gallen said. “I never came into the sport to win titles or anything like that. “But to be able to do it in what’s going to be one of my last fights would be something that’s pretty cool. “It’s something I never set out to achieve, but everything I put my mind to in rugby league I was able to achieve. “There’s no reason why I can’t achieve this.” Whether he has his hand raised at the end of the fight or if it’s indeed the moment that he hangs up the gloves once and for all, it’s undeniable that Gallen became a box office draw in his eight-year career in the ring. He’s proved to others that there is a path to success in two vastly different sports. However, the man himself has never concerned himself with any form of legacy or gunning for a title. It’s always been about one thing and one thing only. “I’ve got one goal in life and that’s provide for my family,” Gallen said. “That’s my goal, that’s what I’m doing. “I love my four kids and that’s who I’m doing this for: to provide for them and give them a better life than I had. “If I can do that, I’ve succeeded. That’s what my legacy is. “Whatever people want to remember me for, that’s their business and I couldn’t care less.” SOURCE: FOX SPORTS

A fight started between Gigo and Laleki youths in West New Britain Province on the 10th April, 2022 when youths from Laleki stole a mobile phone belonging to a youth who resides at Gigo. According to West New Britain Provincial Police Commander Chief Inspector John Iara, the youths from Gigo then mobilised and crossed over to Laleki where the fight erupted at around 8pm. Port Moresby based Mobile Squad 3 (MS03) was deployed to West New Britain Province to assist boost police manpower over the weekend where a total of 167 arrests were made in the early hours of this morning during a dawn raid conducted by the Kimbe Police with the help of Mobile Squad 18 (MS18) and Mobile Squad 19 (MS19). “These (arrests) are mainly youths and juveniles that were involved in the fight resulting in 14 houses being burnt down and 2 deaths.” “These suspects have only been charged with Group Fighting as we still don't have evidence to link them to arson and murder charges,” said the West New Britain Provincial Police Commander Chief Inspector John Iara. PPC Iara added that during the dawn raid, a suspect in possession of marijuana at a street value of K3000 was also apprehended and charged. He further added that there were also 6 charged for being in possession of firearms. PPC Iara commended his men for their tireless efforts in controlling the situation and further advised that his Investigators are working overtime to get the Court Information done and ready for Courts this morning.

Department of Prime Minister and National Executive Council Secretary Ivan Pomaleu, OBE last night said that any information pertaining to the National General Elections 2022 is the responsibility of the Electoral Commissioner. Secretary Pomaleu said this following information published on social media claiming that the Issuing of Writs has been deferred to May 18. “While I Chair the Inter-Departmental Election Committee, any substantive information pertaining to the National General Elections 2022 is the responsibility of the Electoral Commissioner and or the Prime Minister if necessary. “I further confirm that I have not issued a statement or confirmation of any sort relating to election 2022 scheduling, nor am I privy to any official discussions on this matter,” he said. Secretary Pomaleu urged all citizens to refrain from releasing or publishing misleading information to the general public as this has serious implications.

Boana Lutheran High School in Nawaeb district, Morobe Province allocated a budget of K20, 000 for installing cooking gas cylinders for the school. The remote school, now running into its' fourth year since its' establishment in 2018. has ventured into means of cooking using gas stoves. School principle Issac Dambui said 4.5kg gas cylinders would be installed to 10 teachers houses and the nine 4.5kg gas cylinders would be installed at the students' mess. Dambui said already, two 4.5kg gas cylinders were being installed at the school mess. He stated that the overall cost is K20, 000 which was disbursed from this year's parental component fees. Dambui said for the cooking gas cylinders at the students mess, the school would continue meeting the cost of refilling gas at the cost of K6, 000 annually. And for the teachers they will have to meet the cost themselves. "An inventory stock form was created by the school to monitor gas cylinders installed at the school mess and teachers houses." "Whenever reports of damages or thieves are encountered, the school will always refer to the the inventory note to find out who was in charge of the stuff the last time when the incidents happened for the school to deal with them accordingly," Mr Dambui said.

“There is no better place in the world than the rugged terrains of Papua New Guinea to test the forte of a young boy or girl destined to fly.” Edward Matane, MBE, Santos Aviation Lead. Becoming an aircraft pilot is an ambition or popular dream for many young children. For a 4-year-old boy from Viviran village, East New Britain Province, this dream began in the early 1960s when he first travelled with his family in a light aircraft. From that moment on, his fascination of flying and all things aviation became a lifelong passion. As Edward Matane, MBE aka ‘Eddie’ or ‘Dude’ discovered, his passion became a vocation. “I loved watching pilots operating aircrafts in what was then, a tough operating environment but that set the scene for my future aspirations,” Edward said. At the age of 18 when most young people in PNG received their driver’s licence, Edward’s was a different kind of licence, one that would qualify him to fly. Initially, he flew Cessna 150s, 172s, Piper Tomahawks, Piper Cherokees, and a host of other twin-engine aircrafts. It is no surprise Edward has a pilot son - Captain Jay Matane, currently flying with Air Niugini. Although Edward expected a different pathway for this son, he knew sooner or later, he would one day catch the “aviator bug.” “I actually wanted my son to become an Electrical Engineer. I did not realise that having him grow up around aircrafts and even handling one at a very young age, he would choose this path. Two of Edward’s nephews are also licenced aircraft engineers, and so the family is renowned in the PNG aviation Industry. Today, Edward is the Aviation Lead for Santos and is based at Moro, the logistics hub for the Company’s sustainable oil and gas development and supply operations. Edward who has been with the company for more than 9 years, leads a 12-member team that ensures daily aviation operations which straddle the Southern Highlands, Hela and Gulf are well supported with aircraft safety and availability being key. The team also ensures Jet A1 fuel quality is maintained, medivac capability is available for Santos and the community and that the Moro airport runway and navaids conform to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority of PNG standards. Prior to joining Santos, Edward started his aviation carrier with Air Niugini in 1978 as an Aircraft Engineer. He then became a Flight Engineer before taking on various management roles. Some of his accomplishments include becoming the second PNG licenced aircraft engineer for F28 engines in 1980, becoming the first licenced F28 airframe and dual (both engine and airframe) engineer in 1981, attaining a flight engineer’s rating on the B707 in 1983 and the Airbus A300B4 in 1985. As a global citizen who values a healthy work-life-balance, Edward says he is fortunate that his Fly-In Fly-Out career with Santos allows him to spend equal time in the village with his family. Like many, Edward’s approach to work has been greatly influenced by his parents. He attributes his numerous achievements to their “strong disciplined work ethics and high moral standards”. Edward is the first son of late Sir Paulias Matane, former governor general, a senior statesman and a great Papua New Guinean writer. When sharing a few unforgettable experiences in his current role, Edward recalls the 2018 massive earthquake that shook the Southern Highlands and nearby provinces. Moro became a coordination point for delivery of emergency aid provided by a range of donors and NGOs, and food and supplies donated by the Company. “As a first responder, we sent in our helicopters and personnel with initial relief supplies to the hardest hit villages. The Australian and New Zealand Governments then deployed the first of their air assets, the C-130 Hercules with aid packages. Shortly after, we saw a large volume of air traffic as the Moro airfield became an active hub with over 2000 landings from more than 10 types of aircraft including the Dash 8s, ATRs, DH6 twin otter, the Super Kingair, Cessna Caravan, Bell212s, Air bus H145 helicopters and the Chinooks." “A proud moment was also when we organised the safe travel of many of our employees out of Moro a day after the earthquake. It was indeed an honour when the Company recognised the Aviation Team for their efforts,” Edward said. A career highlight prior to joining Santos was when he was part of a recovery effort that salvaged a severely damaged aircraft. “We rebuilt it, took it for a flight test and eventually had it discharged back to full operations.” On a lighter note, Edward reveals a hidden talent. “I am an excellent motorcyclist.” Outside of work, he enjoys nothing more than the company of his family and finds outdoor activities rejuvenating. Edward also enjoys watching rugby league and is a loyal supporter of the New South Wales State of Origin (Blues) team. He also shares his love of music. His favourite song is ‘While my guitar gently weeps’ by Santana. For Edward Matane, a man from Viviran village, East New Britain Province, there is no better place in the world than the rugged terrains of Papua New Guinea to test the forte of a young boy or girl destined to fly. I can also say, “be respectful to everyone regardless of who they are, maintain an unquestionable integrity at all times and always remain humble. With self-belief and passion, the sky really is the limit.”

Prime Minister James Marape has urged the people of East Sepik to go more into agriculture to boost the local and national economies. He made the call at Mengar in Wewak on Thursday (April 14 2022) when launching the K500 million Wewak International Port, funded by Korea in partnership with the Papua New Guinea Government. PM Marape said all the efforts of the people of East Sepik in agriculture would be wasted if there was no port to take their produce to international markets. He said his vision was to establish formal trade links with Indonesia, which he visited last month, and the new port would be a catalyst for that. Papua New Guinea, through East Sepik, is one of the largest vanilla producers in the world with a lot of that crossing the land border to Indonesia. “All the work we are doing in East Sepik in vanilla, cocoa and other agriculture produce will be wasted if this port is not built,” PM Marape said. “We already have a wharf in Wewak, however, we need something bigger and better to sustain the economy of tomorrow - consistent with our view that everyone must have money in their pockets. “I urge all the people of East Sepik to go into agriculture.” PM Marape said East Sepik was already benefitting from the K340-million European Union-funded Support to Rural Entrepreneurship Investment and Trade (STREIT) programme with a strong focus on agriculture and fisheries. Apart from that, the Government is pouring in millions of kina through agriculture price support programme, freight subsidy and other programmes. PM Marape thanked Mengar landowners for allowing use of their land to build the new port and pledged Government assistance to resettle affected villagers, including improved road access and electricity. He also pledged Government support for the local school at Mengar. “The economy, and the people, must benefit from this port which will be built over the next two years,” he said.  

Salamaua High School in Morobe Province is still providing boarding services for its students for this academic year. School Principal Norman Apul said despite the school loosing it's male dormitories last year to fire, it continues on to provide boarding services this year. He stated that more than 80 male students are still accommodated in campus though losing its two male dormitories during an arson case last year. Apul said students are accommodated in one of the incomplete building which is 75 percent complete. He added that only few students are housed at the school mess building. Apul is calling on  authorities from the Huon Gulf District and the Morobe Provincial Government to help fix its accommodation issues.

Transparency International PNG (TIPNG) is reminding all Members of Parliament to ensure that the transition from the 10th Parliament to the 11th Parliament occurs within the rule of law and upholds the Constitution. Actions by current MP’s will be subject to the Leadership Code while in office and the Organic Law on the Independent Commission Against Corruption should they leave office after the Elections. TIPNG has issued this statement following media reports that there will be no arrangement for a caretaker cabinet during the Election period commencing from the Issue of Writs on 28th April and ending with the Return of Writs on 29th July 2022. Whilst retaining a full Cabinet up to return of writs is not unlawful and well with the Prime Minister’s remit, TIPNG cautions that any significant decisions that may have a long-term effect and high cost on PNG, should be carefully considered. In the midst of the election season, it is difficult to ensure that all stakeholders are engaged, and that all systems and processes of government are adhered to, and not inadvertently breached. Parliament is scheduled to sit for a final session on 19th April 2022, just nine (9) days before the Issue of Writs. “It would further jeopardise the integrity of the National Elections if Members of Parliament rush through legislation that would be seen to secure funds for the Government to support their re-election campaigns. Any deliberate abuse of public office by incumbent Members of Parliament will not be tolerated by voters in the Election, such leaders should be voted out and also prosecuted for corruption by law enforcement agencies,” said Peter Aitsi, Board Chair of TIPNG in a media statement. “The people of Papua New Guinea expect our elected legislators to pass laws in the public interest and to demonstrate the highest standards of accountability.” “We should not have political opportunists take advantage of public trust and abuse it for their own re-election. These types of abuse of power will only compound the administrative challenges faced by the PNG Electoral Commission in delivering a free, fair and safe elections in accordance with the National Constitution and electoral laws,” Mr. Aitsi said.

China Railway Engineering Company (CREC) engaged by the National Government to work on the four lane road along the Okuk National Highway in Morobe Province claims PNG Power is causing delays towards the completion of road works between Yalu and Nadzab roads. China Railway said it is still waiting for the responsible contractor engaged by PNG Power to remove the power poles from Yalu to Nadzab roads so that it can go ahead with the road works. CREC's Business Development Manager Frank Lee said they only have 400 to 500 metres remaining before they can reach Yalu bridge. He said several notices were issued by the construction company to PNG power and it's contractors to remove the power poles in the middle of the roads. Lee stated that they are nearing the completion of the four land road but the delay is on the remaining power poles that need to be removed to work can progress. Picture sourced: PNG report

Ward Councillors in Morobe Province have applauded the current governor Ginson Saonu's initiative to fund the  wards in the province over the past three years. The councilors said for the first time, each of the 6 Ward Councillors in the province under third tier government received funding to implement projects. Sape Ward Six councilor said his committee had used the K5, 000 allocation to build a semi-permanent classroom in his ward area. Nanima LLG's Ward Seven councilor Simon Jacob shared similar sentiments saying his ward development committees have prioritized the funding on church building infrastructures and is optimistic that with this year's funding allocation they would prioritize  on school buildings. Most of the ward councilors said this is the first time ward councils have received a direct funding from the Provincial Government. The ward development grants of K5, 000 totalling to K2, 825, 000. 00 was expanded to more than six hundred wards since 2018. By Fredrick JEJERI (Lae reporter)  Picture source: Femili PNG 

Air Niugini advises that flights arriving into Port Moresby as of 1 am on Monday 18th April, will no longer require passengers to provide evidence at check-in of a negative PCR test, nor to complete the online health declaration form. The requirement to complete a rapid test on arrival in Port Moresby remains. It is recommended that passengers departing on international flights that then connect onto Air Niugini (i.e. departures from Europe, NZ, USA, China, Middle East, rest of Asia, etc) should continue to get a negative PCR test within 72 hours of departure until 25th April 2022. This is simply to allow time for this new advice to disseminate through the IATA airline check-in information system to all other airlines and their countries of origin.