Marie Stopes Papua New Guinea (MSPNG) has extended its support to the family and friends of its employees, transporting them from their homes to facilities in Port Moresby to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The initiative was launched to support the government’s ‘Sleeves Up’ COVID-19 vaccination campaign. MSPNG Country Director Dr David Ayres said “our staff has been 100 percent vaccinated since July, and that has definitely helped us weather this third wave. But we think we can do more to protect our families and friends.” “We know that many people remain hesitant about getting vaccinated, and this small contribution might help them make the decision to get the shot that could save their life.” MSPNG started its first pick up and drop off for families on Wednesday, 20th October 2021. Natasha Kedamwana, an accountant from the Auditor General’s Office (AGO) of Papua New Guinea, was one of the first people to embrace this service. “Employer of the year!” she excitedly said. “I have never come across an organisation providing this kind of service for family and friends. For a while I was thinking of getting vaccinated, but with work and stuff I didn't have the time to get it. Transportation is difficult because of where I live.” She said it was coincidental that her office went on lock down the day she saw a Facebook post from her sister who works with MSPNG that the transportation service was available. “I quickly communicated with her to put my name down on the list,” she said. “I want to protect myself and the people around me. At first, I had doubts about getting vaccinated but upon reading and watching what is happening around the world, and facts about this deadly virus, I came to an understanding that I should get vaccinated.” “I think it is very kind of Marie Stopes PNG to be reaching out to the wider community that way. Helping people get vaccinated goes a long way. You help one person, you're also helping a family, community, and the country in keeping each other safe.” More family and friends are scheduled to be vaccinated this week.

Japan's Princess Mako has married her college sweetheart Kei Komuro - thus losing her royal status. Under Japanese law, female imperial family members forfeit their status upon marriage to a "commoner" although male members do not. She also skipped the usual rites of a royal wedding and turned down a payment offered to royal females upon their departure from the family. She is the first female member of the royal family to decline both. The couple are expected to move to the US - where Mr Komuro works as a lawyer - after marriage. The move has drawn inevitable comparisons with British royals Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, earning the newlyweds the nickname "Japan's Harry and Meghan". Like Ms Markle, Mr Komuro has come under intense scrutiny since his relationship with Ms Mako was announced. He was most recently criticised for sporting a ponytail when he returned to Japan. Some tabloid newspapers and social media users felt his hairstyle - seen as unconventional in Japan - was unbecoming of someone set to marry a princess. There was also a protest on Tuesday against the couple's marriage. In a press conference on Tuesday, Ms Mako said she apologised for any trouble brought to people by her marriage. "I am very sorry for the inconvenience caused and I am grateful for those... who have continued to support me," she said, according to an NHK report. "For me, Kei is irreplaceable - marriage was a necessary choice for us." Mr Komuro added that he loved Ms Mako and wanted to spend his life with her. "I love Mako. We only get one life, and I want us to spend it with the one we love," said Mr Komuro according to an AFP report. "I feel very sad that Mako has been in a bad condition, mentally and physically, because of the false accusations." Princess Mako left her Tokyo residence at around 10:00 local time on Tuesday (01:00 GMT) to register her marriage, bowing several times to her parents, Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko. She also hugged her younger sister before she left, news outlet Kyodo reported. There has been excessive media coverage around the couple over the years, which has caused the princess to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, the Imperial Household Agency (IHA) had earlier said. Her relationship has been met with controversy in the country. On Tuesday, people were pictured protesting against the marriage in a Japanese park. Many slogans appeared to bring up financial issues around Mr Komuro's family - specifically his mother. The former princess got engaged to Mr Komuro in 2017 and the two were set to wed the following year. But the marriage was delayed following claims Mr Komuro's mother had financial problems - she had reportedly taken a loan from her ex-fiancé and not paid him back. The palace denied the delay was linked to this, though Crown Prince Fumihito said it was important for the money issues to be dealt with before the couple got married. According to the BBC's Tokyo correspondent Rupert Wingfield-Hayes, the real reason for the animosity towards Mr Komuro seems to be among some conservative Japanese who believe he is not a worthy partner for a niece of the emperor. Mr Komuro - who has received a job offer from a top New York law firm - comes from humble origins, and local tabloids have spent years digging dirt on his family, including the allegations against his mother. SOURCE: BBC NEWS

Paradise Foods Limited has re-committed its K150, 000 per annum sponsorship with AFL PNG to sponsor the Smart Start Niukick Program for another 3 years. AFL PNG Chairman Ekonia Peni and Paradise Company Interim Group CEO Ben Wong virtually signed the contract between the two parties last Wednesday. The virtual signing was witnessed by PFL Group Manager Marketing, Roger Harwood, Sponsorships & Promotions Manager Nicola Ani and virtually by Pacific AFL Development Manager Ben Drew. Wong said Paradise Foods is happy to continue its sponsorship of the Niukick Program as it is a professionally run sport that spoke to 80,000 children in the country in 2019 and 18,000 more since the outbreak of COVID-19. The Smart Start NiuKick program is run throughout the country in schools, communities, churches focusing on kids aged between 7 – 15yrs teaching basic skills for the sport and also on basic hygiene habits, following the Niupela Pasin measures. A significant change to the Sponsorship is the change from the emNAU Biscuit brand to the Smart Start Breakfast Biscuit brand. Paradise Foods Group Manager Marketing Roger Harwood said that this made sense as the brand speaks to the same target market. Pacific AFL Development Manager Ben Drew thanked Paradise Foods Limited for their continued support of the Niukick Program and looks forward to getting the Smart Start Niukick Program into many communities throughout Papua New Guinea.

Papua New Guinea top referee David Yereboinen will leave for Qatar tomorrow to attend a FIFA seminar. The 30-year-old is among the 52 fellow match officials from around the world who have been selected to take part in the FIFA Referee Seminar from 1-5 November 2021. The seminar is part of the preparation programme and selection process for the upcoming FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and Yereboinen says his inclusion is reward for the hard work and commitment he has made to excelling as a referee. The PNG top referee is a regular face at OFC tournaments – he also once officiates as a fourth official at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland in 2019. Yareboinen, who was added to the list of prospective referees for Qatar 2022 in March, says he is keen for his journey to act as an example for his fellow match officials in Papua New Guinea. If successful in being confirmed for Qatar 2022, Yareboinen will become the first Papua New Guinean referee to officiate in the FIFA Men’s World Cup. “It’s a blessing I’d say to be selected to attend the seminar, it was really hard to get up there but through commitment and hard work towards what you want to achieve,” Yareboinen said. “In refereeing we need to stay focused and not give up hope as opportunities are there for the taking. He said he was privileged and blessed to go out there and represent the country and his fellow referees. “I would like to encourage my fellow referees in the country to do not give up, knowing there is a pathway to reach big events and ultimately your full potential,” he says. “Refereeing is all about respect; we respect the players and in return they respect us. Anything is possible, if you believe in yourself, stay committed and focused you can reach your dream.” PNGFA head of referee Jimmy Warai say it is great to see a representative from PNG attending the seminar. “It is an honour to have one of our local referees selected to participate in the FIFA Seminar as part of the referee selection process for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. “It shows the potential our referees can achieve, if we continue to work hard,” “David has set the pace and I encourages everyone to follow his footstep to achieve your dream,” Warai said. The FIFA Referee Seminar will be held from 1-5 November in Qatar. SOURCE: PNGFA

Cities are responsible for some 70 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions with transport, buildings, energy, and waste management accounting for the bulk of urban greenhouse gas emissions. In supporting this global call for a carbon-free World, starting with our Nation’s Capital, Port Moresby Nature Park’s nursery houses hundreds of tree seedlings, ready for planting. The Park through its Trees4Life initiative supports the nation’s capital by supplying tree seedlings, creating more green spaces for residents to enjoy in the future. Since 2020, the Park has provided over 10,000 tree seedlings for planting around the city. It is a collective responsibility by all citizens to ensure the future of our natural environment and you too can help us play your part by creating more ‘Green’ to reduce carbon emissions into the environment by planting trees or maintaining the natural environment that you have around you now. The ‘Trees for Life’ initiative is supported by the global NGO Cities 4Forests and One Tree Planted, the Sir Brian Bell Foundation, the British High Commission, Rotary Club of Port Moresby and Skal Port Moresby. With continuous environmental issues affecting many societies today, the work of Port Moresby Nature Park will be even more important as we advocate, protect and conserve PNG’s Wildlife and Natural Environment.

A special custom ceremony to release the name of the late Miriam Tinkoris to be used on the newly built Tinkoris Medical Centre was held on the 23rd of October at Ngosngos-Nokon ples, in the Matalai LLG of Namatanai District. Son and New Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan was present alongside his clans men to witness and accept the transition of his mother’s name into immortality through the naming of his peoples Medical centre after his dear mother. “Our Clan Koris gave birth to your mother, if it wasn’t for her you would never be born. We now officially hand over the use of her name to your Government. This stone represents our clan handing over the name Tinkoris for you to use,” said clansmen Daniel Tuagon. Sir J gladly excepted the ceremonial gesture from his mother’s clan stating with the Medical Centre named after his mother her spirit would look after anyone that sought care and attention there. “ You will now all be in safe hands because my mother will be watching over you and taking care of you when you visit the Tinkoris Hospital. Thank you for releasing her name to all of New Ireland,” said Sir J. Pigs and garden food along with mis and money were also presented to the clan as a token of appreciation. Sir J will be travelling to Rabaul on Friday 29th October in preparation for his mother’s 47th death anniversary. This will be after he attends to the official launch of WASH Program duties on Djaul Island on Thursday. Sir J has never failed to visit his mother’s gravesite since her passing on the 30th of October 1974. His mother, Miriam Tinkoris Chin hailed from the Matalai LLG in the Namatanai district of New Ireland province. She had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She died around age 64. He attributes his political character and endurance to her, stating she is the reason he continues to serve this Country and Province.

“Oro! Oro! Oro! thank you Marie Stopes for visiting this part of the province,” Lianne chanted in her local vernacular. The mother from Aba village in Oro’s Tamata LLG was ecstatic to access family planning services after having 13 children with her husband Ben. Lianne’s story represents that of so many rural women, men, youths, and adolescents who are faced with limited or no access to contraceptives resulting in unplanned pregnancies and the high maternal mortality rates in the country. “I was using herbs to assist my husband and I control and space our children, but that did not work,” she says. The nearest health facility is Manau Health Centre, however there are no family planning or reproductive health service providers on-site, so women in the area often have many children close together. This is a worry for women like Lianne because of the physical demands of birthing all the children and the difficult realities of providing for them. “My husband and I are subsistence farmers and we do not have any other means of income to support all our children with their basic needs,” Lianne says. When Lianne and Ben heard that Marie Stopes outreach team in Lae would be visiting their village, they knew they had the opportunity to seek help to not have any more children. Marie Stopes rural multi-day outreach programs are supported through the PNG-Australia Partnership to provide family planning services to remote areas. From January to June this year, Marie Stopes have reached over twenty-thousand people, offering a wide range of short-term, long-term and permanent methods of contraception to help prevent or space pregnancies. They have also reached over 350,000 people through the distribution of information education and communication materials. The outreach team were stationed at the elementary school in Aba village and used an open-air classroom to deliver family planning services to the villagers. “We walked for one and a half hours to this village for me to get this implant,” says Lianne. “We were very happy that the Marie Stopes PNG team visited our village to provide family planning service in our area.” The implant is one of the family planning methods that helps to prevent pregnancy for 3-5 years and can be removed at any time. The contraceptive takes about five minutes to implant in the upper arm and is nearly 100 per cent effective in preventing unwanted pregnancies. It is one of the family planning methods Marie Stopes offers that empowers women and families to make informed decisions about when and how many children they want to have.

Opposition leader Belden Namah has urged Prime Minister James Marape and the Covid-19 Pandemic team to immediately stop the campaign of terror and confusion they have unleashed upon the country and the people. He said the government must give clear, practical and affordable advice and guidance to the people and must establish evidence and science-based response to the pandemic. The opposition leader is adamant vaccination is not the cure against Covid-19 and that most people will not get vaccinated given the country’s resources, capacity and terrain so PNG cannot achieve herd immunity within a short timeframe. In a media release, he said the government must not lead the people down an impossible herd immunity dream that cannot be realised. Mr Namah pointed out that vaccinated people are still getting infected and are infecting others and still dying from Covid-19. “The most irrational part of the vaccine drive is that 99.8% of those who catch the virus will not surrender to it, this was the situation until the latest variants like Delta came on the scene,” Mr Namah said. “The pathogen being vaccinated is mutating so fast that before the kind of numbers to ensure herd immunity is reached, the vaccine might already be useless to the freshest variant.” Mr Namah recommended the only real, most practical and affordable measures are the strict observance of Niupela Pasin protocols and application of home remedies. The Opposition Leader strongly maintained that Vaccination must be voluntary and not compulsory adding peoples’ rights and freedom must be respected at all costs. He added that now with the Government House which represents the Head of State and the Judicial Services representing the Judiciary as the third arm of government have announced NO JAB, NO JOB policy officially, it appears the last supports of the National Constitution are gone. “Universal human rights as proclaimed in this sacred document now stand suspended.” Namah further stated, if the government wants a NO JAB, NO JOB policy then he will call upon all government and private sector workplaces to shut down for a month to ensure that the policy is carried out properly.

The Micronesian Center for Sustainable Transport’s (MCST) Project Cerulean at the University of the South Pacific's Marshall Islands Campus - RMI USP – has been shortlisted for the International Windship Association's (IWSA) 2021 "Wind Propulsion Innovation Awards." The awards recognise cutting-edge projects, technological innovation, and the advancement of wind propulsion as technically and commercially viable solutions in the shipping industry. These awards are intended to highlight positive decarbonization projects that are currently underway in the shipping industry. The MCST’s Project Cerulean is shortlisted for the “Small Vessel Sector Award”. The Project demonstrates that viable sea transport options exists to provide more equitable, efficient, and comprehensive transport services to connect the remote populations widely across the Oceania. Marshall Islands Campus Director, Dr Brad Carte said “this is a fantastic accomplishment for MCST and USP” and expressed his gratitude to the entire Project Cerulean Team. Voting for the awards is now open to the public and will continue until Sunday, 7 November 2021. The virtual awards ceremony will be held during the the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow on Thursday, 11 November 2021 at 0900-1030 (UK time). Staff and students are encouraged to vote for RMI-USP's Project Cerulean in the "Small Vessel Sector Award" category. The Small Vessel Award is sponsored by MARIN. The shortlist includes projects spanning the globe from Costa Rica, to the South Pacific, Australia and Europe and they are; Advanced Wing Systems, Blue Schooner Co, Ecoclipper, Grain de Sail, Project Cerulean and SAIL CARGO Inc.

PNG Football Association president John Kapi Natto paid tribute to the outgoing president of Manus Soccer Association Jack Nawi Changau for his loyalty and undivided support for the past 20 years. Nawi’s reign was ended after Manus Soccer Association Congress elected new Philip Kulwaum as new president last Friday. Kapi Natto said Manus was part and parcel of new PNGFA executive going forward and thanked him for his undivided support. Despite losing his seat, Mr Changau will continue as an PNGFA Executive Member until his term is experience PNGFA president also took the opportunity to congratulate new president Kulwaum. “It truly demonstratic the democracy of election by clubs without fear or favour and PNG is ready to work with you and should time allow. “I will meet up with you and your new executive Once again congratulation from me to you on behalf of PNGFA Executive Members,” he said. Kulwaum expressed the same paying tribute to his predecessor Jack Nawi Changau for taking charge of football in trying times for the last 20-years. Mr Kulwaum while assuming the new position said he will not change much but would ride on the vision and platform created by the outgoing president. He gave assurance that he would follow Mr Changau’s dream and vision which include throwing his support behind John Kapi Natto as president of PNG Football Association. He said he was well prepared in advance before putting his hands up to contest the president seat. East Lorengau FC president Mark Lowap and Peter Punau, president of Pombrut Football Club in Manus Soccer Association also shared the same sentiment as their president Kulwaum. Lowap thanked Mr Changau for taking the soccer this far but committing his personal time, resources and energy to see soccer in Manus is floating about the trouble waters. Punau, a lawyer by profession thank Changau for his services and welcome the new president Kulwaua as Manus soccer starts a new journey. Lorengau Town Mayor Joseph Kimas also thanked Mr Changau for his tireless effort in keeping and taking soccer this far. As representative covering Ward One to Ward Seven in Lorengau Urban LLG, Mr Kimas said he has been supporting soccer under former president and will continue to do so under the newly elected president Kulwaum. “We have a lot of competitions. Manus will go through a lot of competition with under PNGFA so we must prepare for it,” he said. He called on the new executives of Manus Soccer Association not to forget the referee. The outgoing president Mr Changau in his parting words thank everyone for staying behind him in good and bad time of soccer in Manus. “I leave soccer president position with heavy heart and in great sadness but I will remain as member of football family. “I am still around if you need me,” he said. He thanked his immediate family, his wife and children for standing behind him and pushing him to bring soccer Manus to where it is now.

Close to 3000 Manam islanders are in need of medical support, food, and clean water after their food gardens and water sources were destroyed by ash fall when Manam volcano erupted last Wednesday. A team from the Rabaul Volcano Observatory accompanied by Iabu LLG President Kenny Boli carried out an assessment on the extent of damages caused. The report once compiled will be given to the local member and the provincial administrator. Around 7 am last Wednesday Manam erupted spewing ash with scoria of about 1-2 km above the volcano. This is the aftermath. Although there were no casualties reported, houses, food crops, and food gardens were destroyed and water sources contaminated. The islanders' immediate need now is clean water, food, medical support, and temporary shelter for families whose houses were destroyed. The villages most affected by the light-moderate ash fall that was accompanied by scoria are from Madauri to Baliau. It’s been five days since the team from RVO went to the island to assess the extent of damages caused. But another team comprising health, education, law and order, disaster, and other relevant government bodies need to go in and assess the situation. The recent eruption has brought to light the plight of Manam islanders living in the care centers for over 17 years following the major eruptions of late 2004 to early 2005. These displaced islanders are still waiting for the government to resettle them to the hinterlands of Bogia on the mainland. Picture courtesy: John Seach

SP PNG Hunters are pleased to announce the re-appointment Scott Barker as CEO for the 2022 season. Barker has completed his first Intrust Super Cup season as General Manager, guiding the Hunters through a challenging year which saw them move operations to Queensland because of Covid restrictions. PNG Hunters chairman Mr Stan Joyce CSM was pleased Barker would remain at the helm noting that his work during the 2021 season positioned the Hunters well for a strong 2022 return. “We are delighted to reappoint Scott Barker after working closely with him through this 2021 season. I congratulate him on the appointment,” Mr Joyce said. “It wasn’t an easy year due to the challenges of Covid but Scott and his team ensured that the Hunters took a positive step forward, leaving us well placed to continue that journey in 2022. “With coach Matt Church already reappointed along with Scott, we now very much look forward to the next season.” Hunters board member and Asia Pacific Rugby League Chief Operating Officer Jeremy Edwards also welcomed the re-appointment. “I was fortunate to work closely with Scott throughout 2021 and saw his professionalism and dedication towards the Hunters,” Mr Edwards said. “Scott has a very strong rugby league background. We are fortunate that he brings that expertise to the Hunters. “It’s been great to watch the development of the Hunters through this year and we look forward to that continuing in the next season." Barker has spent just over two decades working in professional rugby league at all levels of the game. This has included time with the Broncos, Dragons, Knights, Queensland Maroons, France, Kangaroos and England. Before Barker joined the Hunters, he consulted to the National Rugby League, analysing emerging trends in the game. “I am genuinely honoured and excited to be reappointed to this role and to continue the work we started this year. I thoroughly enjoyed working closely with Chairman Stan Joyce, PNGRFL CEO Stanley Hondina and also day-to-day with Jeremy Edwards,” Barker said. “This has been a very challenging year for many reasons but also a very enjoyable and rewarding year for me personally. I can’t speak highly enough of the commitment shown by the Hunters players and staff to be away from home for eight months. “I’d also like to sincerely thank our sponsors and fans back home who made a tough year a lot more enjoyable through their continuous and passionate support. “We’re very much looking forward to a bigger and better 2022 season.”