Border officials said Djokovic failed to provide appropriate evidence to meet the entry requirements to Australia, and his hopes of defending his Australian Open title later this month now appear over. Novak Djokovic has been denied entry to Australia by the country's border force and faces deportation after his visa was cancelled amid a row over his medical exemption from COVID vaccination rules. The tennis star's hopes of defending his Australian Open title later this month now appear over. Border officials said the world number one failed to provide appropriate evidence to meet the country's entry requirements. [caption id="attachment_18171" align="aligncenter" width="895"] A protestor holds signs outside Park Hotel, where Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic is believed to be staying[/caption] The 34-year-old Serbian player had been held up for several hours at Melbourne airport by a visa error and was ultimately refused entry. But court documents show that his lawyers are planning to appeal against the decision. Djokovic, who has repeatedly declined to say whether he has been jabbed against coronavirus, confirmed on Tuesday he had received an exemption to compete in the nation's top tennis tournament. But on landing in Melbourne, Victoria, late on Wednesday local time, the 20-time Grand Slam winner was waiting for permission to enter the country after his team had reportedly applied for a visa that does not allow for medical exemptions for being unvaccinated. The sportsman, left stranded at the airport, has now been issued a letter by the Australian government saying his visa was denied and he would be deported. He is currently believed to be quarantined at the Park Hotel in the city. During a news conference, Prime Minister Scott Morrison told reporters: "On the issue of Mr Djokovic, rules are rules and there are no special cases. "It's been our government's strong border policies and particularly in relation to the pandemic, that has ensured that Australia has one of lowest death rates from COVID anywhere in the world. "We will continue to make the right decisions when it comes to securing Australian borders in relation to this pandemic." Djokovic was 'left in room guarded by police' The border force said: "Non-citizens who do not hold a valid visa on entry or who have had their visa cancelled will be detained and removed from Australia. "The ABF (Australian Border Force) can confirm Mr Djokovic had access to his phone." Before the announcement, Djokovic's coach Goran Ivanisevic posted a selfie on Instagram from the airport lounge with the caption: "Not the most usual trip from Down Under." Border officials had earlier contacted government officials in Victoria to sponsor Djokovic's visa. But they refused to do so and he was forced to wait for hours. He was questioned by border officials, and his father Srdjan said his son spent time alone in a room guarded by police outside. Outrage in Serbia The Serbian president, Aleksandar Vucic, criticised the "harassment" of the country's sporting star, saying he had spoken on the phone to him and offered his support. Mr Vucic said: "I told our Novak that the whole of Serbia is with him and that our bodies are doing everything to see that the harassment of the world's best tennis player is brought to an end immediately. "In line with all norms of international law, Serbia will fight for Novak, truth and justice. Novak is strong, as we all know." Djokovic falls foul of Australia's notoriously tough COVID border rules Mr Morrison earlier said the tennis champion would be "on the next plane home" if he was unable to provide "acceptable proof" for a COVID vaccination exemption. Rules in Victoria, where the tournament begins on 17 January, state players must be double-jabbed against COVID. Australians had called the decision to give the top tennis star a medical exemption to enter the country "a slap in the face" after they endured months of harsh lockdowns. Djokovic has not made public on what grounds his exemption had been granted. But a possible explanation is that he contracted coronavirus for a second time at some point in the last six months, having previously caught it during his Adria Tour event in Belgrade in 2020. That would negate the need for vaccination, according to rules published last year by one of two independent medical panels involved in the decision to grant him an exemption. Only 26 people connected with the Australian Open applied for a medical exemption and just a "handful" - estimated to be around five - were granted, according to tournament boss Craig Tiley. SOURCE: SKY NEWS

A wanted crime suspect who was involved in a number of hold up incidents in Lorengau Town was apprehended by police in a dawn raid during the New Year period. Manus Provincial Police Commander Chief Inspector David Yapu said the suspect, Leeroy Passingan was recently involved in a hold up at City Pharmacy and at United Fuel where goods and a substantial amount of money were stolen. He is currently in police custody awaiting court appearance. In another incident, five suspects were also arrested and are in police custody for the murder of a man at Derembat village. Chief Inspector Yapu said the deceased was drinking with his friends at the village when an argument started and a fight broke out. “The suspects assaulted the deceased and he sustained head injuries where he was taken to Lorengau Provincial hospital and admitted there for two weeks but later died,” Mr Yapu said. Meanwhile in the other incident, a young man was cut on his leg with a bush knife by another man and later died from the injury sustained. The incident took place on Bipi Island and police are currently awaiting fuel supplies to carry out investigations.

An estimated K3million worth of files, infrastructure, health supplies and equipment were lost in a fire when the Central Provincial Headquarters in Konedobu, NCD went up in flames last night. Central Provincial Administrator Francis Koaba told PNG Hausbung that the damage is extensive with several of the very critical offices totally burnt out. “The offices burnt are the deputy provincial administrator corporate affairs, Human Resource office and conference room, health dispensaries, works office, the internal audit, pay office and the LLG and Liquor Licencing offices,” Mr Koaba said. “Along with those offices, we lost vaccinations and medications for all the health facilities in the province as well as all the personal files of the provincial administration staff.” He said the fire started around 11pm last night with its' cause still unknown as Fire Service officers are currently conducting investigations. Security guards on the premises speculated on a possible electricity fault and advised that they had also tried to contain the fire when it started. He says the administration is currently doing up an action plan in regard to their operations at this time. “We are trying to create some temporary work stations for staffs who are now displaced at work.” “In the meantime, our internal staff are advised to work from home,” Mr Koaba said.

Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) has commended the National Government for the increase in the Tax Credit Scheme (TCS) ceiling from 0.75% to 2% as announced in the 2022 National Budget. The change, along with strengthening production from the mine, will see a significant increase in annual tax credits from current levels approximating PGK25 million per annum to more than K100 million per annum over the life of the mine. The funds will be used to develop high impact priority projects in Health, Education, Law and Justice and Transport Infrastructure and Utilities in the Western and neighbouring Sandaun Provinces. OTML Managing Director & CEO, Musje Werror said the National Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Hon James Marape has recognised the need for more funds to be diverted to develop remote regions and has shown confidence in the public private partnership arrangement under the Ok Tedi TCS to deliver the infrastructure projects. Mr Werror added that OTML has spent over K300 million on TCS projects in these two provinces since the inception of the scheme in 1997 and there is much more to be done to improve and sustain the livelihoods of the people “We want to connect these two provinces by a road network from the North to the South and open up the region for the people to have better access to services and develop their local economies. This is the legacy that OTML wants to leave behind.” [caption id="attachment_18158" align="aligncenter" width="881"] Tabubil to Telefomin Road, one of the projects under the TCS[/caption] Other major projects being considered include the upgrade and sealing of the Daru Town Roads and airport extension, construction of a new District Court House in Kiunga, upgrade of the Kiunga District Hospital, refurbishment of the Aiambak Secondary High School, sealing of the Kiunga/Tabubil Highway, road link to Vanimo and Hela Province, construction of Atemkit/Kavorabip road and construction of the road from Alice Pit to the border. He said the new TCS projects will be aligned with the National & Provincial Governments priorities and will be managed through OTML’s projects and contracts management processes.

Governor of Enga Province, Chief Sir Peter Ipatas, has commended the National Government for its vision to re-open the world class Porgera Gold Mine this year under a new project framework. Sir Peter said, “The Marape Government has been bold and decisive in negotiating a new deal for the country and I am proud to say that Enga Province under my administration has firmly supported those efforts”. He made this statement after the Enga Provincial Executive Council (PEC) met over the weekend to formally endorse the new project framework proposed for the mine. The endorsement by the PEC is an important step forward toward reopening the mine this year and Sir Peter has called upon all Porgera landowners to unite and support the Marape Government’s new vision for Enga Province and the country as a whole. Sir Peter said that the Provincial Government is now looking forward to negotiating a new Memorandum of Agreement with the project partners and will work closely with the Marape Government to ensure that its vision for the mine is achieved in order to secure further prosperity for current and future generations of Enga province.

This is Joe Mitakaiva from Gulf province who is one of the many young men taken under the care of the City Mission PNG. 27 years old Joe resides at Vadavada settlement and has been involved in all kinds of criminal activities at an early age. After learning of City Mission PNG and the good work they do to empower youths from some of his friends who came through the programs provided by the organization, Joe decided he needed a change in the way he was living his life and turned to City Mission for help. City Mission PNG is an NGO organization that takes young boys like Joe off the streets and away from criminal activities and drugs. The organization trains and up skills many youths that come from broken families who end up on the street and contribute to the increasing number of crimes that happen in the country. Unfortunately, the organization does not receive direct funding from neither the government nor the department responsible - the Department of Community Development, Youth and Religion. A few business houses and individuals have assisted in cash and kind over the years which has kept this important organization operational. The organization received a kind donation today from the member for Kikori and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Trade Soroi Eoe who presented a cheque of K50, 000 to help City Mission with operational costs. Minister Eoe visited the center last year and realised that most of the boys there were from Kikori and he made a commitment to assist and that commitment was fulfilled today. Eoe said young people have the potential to do greater things and with the right kind of guidance and skills, they can contribute meaningfully to the country. The organization takes care of over 100 underprivileged young men from all over the country and the funding delivered today will be put towards new equipment that the center needs for the different life skills training programs offered.

The Ombudsman Commission of Papua New Guinea has expressed concerns on the recent decisions of Leadership tribunals. In a statement, the OC stated that while it respects the decisions the tribunals have made, it is concerned, especially on the tribunal’s failure to consider important evidences, laws and the application of the criminal test on leadership matters which concerns integrity issues. It stated that it may be possible that the tribunal overlooked some important constitutional provisions or failed to accept the facts on a “Prima Facie” standard of proof or has relied on a non-existing law or laws which have been struck down by the Supreme Court. The Commission would like to make it known that a leadership tribunal is not a criminal court and does not necessarily need to apply the strict rules of evidence where the test should be proof beyond reasonable doubt. Leadership Tribunals are quasi-judicial in nature and the tribunals ought to conduct an enquiry on the conduct of the person referred and not to apply the strict rule of evidence. Leadership Code matters are purely disciplinary matters that are referred based on Prima Facie evidences and the test should be a test based on a standard that is higher than the civil test and less than the criminal standard of proof. This has been the status quo over many years and the commission is concerned that the decisions have now changed the dynamics of the precedence which has been developed over many years. As far as the tribunals are concerned the commission has fulfilled to the best of its ability all requirements under the law to bring all the cases up to the level of the tribunal and it hopes that future tribunals consider the concerns highlighted. It added that regardless of whatever the outcome would be the commission will continue to fulfil its constitutionally mandated duties to ensure good governance and good leadership in Papua New Guinea. The Commission is currently assessing the recent decisions of the tribunals and would decide what cause of action it would take.

Late Central Bougainville MP Sam Akoitai’s body this morning lie-in-state at the National Parliament House as fellow MPs paid their last respect. Acting Parliament Speaker Koni Iguan received the pall-bearers and the casket of late Akoitai into the Grand Hall of the National Parliament before it was viewed by fellow colleague MPs including Prime Minister James Marape along with the Regional Member for Bougainville Peter Tsiamalili Junior. The casket has left Parliament for the funeral service to be held at the Sioni Kami Memorial Church from midday to 2pm. The casket and body of late Akoitai will leave for Buka tomorrow morning where the Acting Speaker of Parliament Koni Iguan will officially hand over the casket to the President of the Autonomous Bougainville Government Ishmael Toroama at the House of Representatives. Late Akoitai, 60 years of age died on December 17, 2021 after he collapsed at his home in Wakunai. He was first elected into Parliament in 1997 and held the ministerial portfolio for Bougainville Affairs under then Prime Minister Sir William Skate government and later as Minister for Mining, Environment, Conservation and Correctional Institution Services by then Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare. Photo credits: Parliamentary Media Services

Nambawan Super Limited (NSL) wishes to advise that all squatters on the NSL land Portions 2157, 2156 and 2159, including NSL members, are required to relocate to enable orderly redevelopment. NSL has previously informed its members on the NSL owned 9-mile land Portions that there will be no exceptions made for members or any other organization, group, or body illegally squatting on the land Portions. To ensure the best development outcome, and lot configurations, the site must be vacant. Major civil works will be required across sites to deliver power, water, drainage, and sealed roads. No services, such as power or water, are available on site. Delivering this infrastructure is key to future redevelopment so that all homeowners can have proper services available. NSL hopes that squatters haven’t illegally tapped into services, as this ultimately causes problems for water and power systems within Port Moresby. NSL sympathises with the members that will be affected, however, as the Trustee for over 208,000 hardworking Papua New Guineans we must remain committed to protecting the interests of the Fund’s membership as a whole. Through recent social mapping exercises, NSL has identified 210 members illegally residing on the NSL land Portions. Of the 210 members, our records indicate a small percentage applied for housing advance, and a very small percentage were successful in having a housing advance approved. Securing the titles for the land Portions at 9-mile has been a challenging process, ultimately delaying progress on the site and leading to confusion that resulted in squatters being misled. No housing advances have been approved since the Court Ruling of 2020 which had granted rightful ownership of the land Portions 2156, 2157 and 2159 to NSL. Since the Court Ruling, 24 members have applied and been advised that they were not eligible to receive a housing advance as their proposed site would illegally encroach on NSL land. Member’s that have applied for or believe they have received housing advances from NSL for construction or improvements made on the 9-mile land Portions should register their queries with the 9-mile Project Management Team (PMT) via email to 9mile@nambawansuper.com.pg or in person at the Project office on Portion 2157. NSL ensures that all our products and services offered to members follow the strict regulations established by the Superannuation (General Provisions) Act 2000 and regulated by the Bank of PNG. As such, NSL has systems in place to vet all applications for housing advances and other products to ensure that we are meeting the needs of our members while complying with statutory regulations. NSL’s primary objective is to provide members with superannuation services that aim to deliver real returns and create wealth for members to enjoy in their retirement. NSL is not mandated to provide housing schemes. However, recognizing the need for appropriate housing in PNG we do provide Housing Advances to our eligible members as a subsidiary service. At present, NSL is not selling any land at 9-mile, however, parties interested in purchasing land upon the completion of the redevelopment project should register their interest with the PMT. NSL also advises that it is not accepting deposits to secure land at this time and anyone found accepting deposits should be reported immediately to the PMT and/or the appropriate authorities. NSL will prosecute anyone who is continuing to sell Portions of NSL lands; all such activities are to cease immediately. The PMT is also continuing to provide valuable information and deliver awareness sessions for the benefit of the squatters. The Project site/office, located at Portion 2157, remains open for all enquiries and can be accessed from Monday – Friday, 8am – 4pm, and Sunday from 1pm – 4pm.

The Vitis Group of Companies very recently launched a new foreign currency exchange service in the city of Port Moresby, aimed at enabling ease for businesses or individuals wanting to change currencies. Vitis Group of Companies General Manager Dr. Sergey Mosin, said the foreign currency exchange is a new product offered by its subsidiary, Malina Finance Limited, at the Mosin Plaza at Gerehu. He adds that to be part of market economy, businesses and population should have fast access to foreign currency for travel, trade, for business, or for tourism. This is what led to the company offering this product to its customers. “Exchange rates will be better if there is no monopoly by the banks. Countries with financial freedom are rich and countries with many restrictions and bad banking are not that well off, PNG is one of them,” he said. The foreign currencies offered at Malina Finance are the US dollars, Chinese Yuan, Australian Dollars, New Zealand Dollars, Philippine Peso, the Euro, and the British Pound. Meanwhile, Vitis Group of Companies includes various businesses running under it like Malina Finance, Zoya Travel & Tours, and Fortuna Pharmacy to name a few.

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you.  Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.  Isaiah 41:10 This is one of his favourite memory verses, and a great motivation that has kept him focused on his goals.  Especially his dream of representing Papua New Guinea in the ICC U19 Men’s World Cup. The 18-year-old has found sports as an avenue to keep him active and disciplined. Having been playing cricket for four years now, Junior says he dreamt of playing in the world cup and when that opportunity came to try out, he gave it his all.  In fact, he says, ‘mi pilai long wanpla niupla ragbi tim tasol mi kam aut and joined cricket because of the world cup.’ [I was a part of a new rugby team, but I had to come out…] Being young and determined to pursue his dreams came from a lot of encouragement from people around. ‘Femili, na frens blo mi, na ol bikpla ol players tu ol givim gutpla toktok lo mi. Ol tok: discipline yourself and you will become a good person.’ [My family, friends and even the senior players gave me great advice. They told me: discipline yourself…] Junior really has come a long way, especially after completing grade 8 and seeking alternatives for a brighter future for himself.  With all the invaluable advice and inspiration around him he was motivated.  ‘Role model blong mi long kriket em Norman Vanua ya bikos long bowling techniques blong em.’ [My role model in cricket is Norman Vanua because of his bowling techniques.] He adds, another person he looks up to is his older brother who represented PNG in va’a. ‘Mi hamamas,’ [I’m excited] he says about his first time leaving the country and his debut in the upcoming World Cup tour.  The young Hanuabada bowler urges his teammates to ‘work hard and sacrifice ourselves to play for our country and families’.  He also thanks them and his coaches for the training and support leading up to the World Cup.

The St John Ambulance Service was out in full force during the new year celebrations with 6 ambulance units on road and more than 28 ambulance officers, paramedics and clinical crews on duty from 6pm to 6am at the Ambulance Headquarters 3mile. A total of 36 cases and incidents were attended to across the city by ambulance personnel and paramedics. Over half of these were trauma cases involving alcohol related incidents of violence including a number of stabbings. 84% of the cases that St John attended on New year's eve were all related to trauma with majority of the incidents happening between 12:30am and 2am in the morning. CEO for St John Matt Cannon said they speculate that alcohol was involved in most cases of violence that occurred. “St John has always been busy with emergency operations in Port Moresby and the New Year." "We are greatly concerned about the availability of cheap high-strength liquor in NCD." "Our ambulance crews are seeing the violent effects of people becoming heavily intoxicated on such cheap, strong liquor." "St John Ambulance supports the call from ACP Anthony Wagambie Jnr, RPNGC and NCDC for a review into the sale of cheap, high-strength liquor in NCD, with an important view that we must protect vulnerable people in our community."