The PNG Sports Foundation (PNGSF) Chief Medical Officer, Dr Kapua Kapua, after reading Cricket PNG’s submission has confirmed that Cricket PNG is compliant with the lockdown measures in place if we play cricket at Amini Park as described. Cricket is a non-contact outdoor sport, where at no time are there more than 15 people on the field (11 fielders, 2 batters, and 2 umpires). A cricket field is a large outdoor space, the approximate size of two rugby fields, where it is rare for any player to be within two metres of each other, and even then, they do not touch. Cricket PNG is very thankful for receiving this confirmation from Dr Kapua and will restart training and playing for the Kumul Petroleum PNG Lewas on Friday October 8. At all times Cricket PNG will maintain strict Covid Safe protocols and will ensure there are never more than 20 people gathering on the field. There will be no spectators allowed at Amini Park, however, games will be live streamed on www.cricketpng.org.pg for fans to watch. Cricket PNG is committed to strictly observing the lockdown measures in place and is committed to helping the Government fight the battle we are facing with Covid. Cricket PNG staff and players are all vaccinated, and we encourage everyone in PNG that is eligible to be vaccinated to do so now. This confirmation comes at a critical time, as our fully vaccinated Kumul Petroleum PNG Lewas only have a few weeks left before they depart to represent PNG in Zimbabwe in their own World Cup Qualifying tournament. We are thankful that we have received confirmation that we can continue to play cricket at Amini Park while maintaining compliance with the lockdown measures.

Mr Fleming said BSP understands that with the growing customer base, expansion of the Arawa branch is necessary, to continue to effectively provide banking services to the people of Bougainville. The BSP chief, together with BSP New Guinea Islands Area Manager Ruby Patu, had a brief audience with Arawa Town Mayor, Member for South Bougainville and Minister for Communication & Information Technology (ICT), Honorable Timothy Masiu, MP, including the Business Arm of South Bougainville (BUSIBA) and discussed the expansion of the BSP Arawa Branch and the Buin Sub-Branch. Mr Fleming added; “the trip was timely as we are heading towards Christmas, the peak period of our operations, it was good to visit our AROB branches and acknowledge our staff for their tireless contribution in the region.” BSP’s remains committed not only through banking service delivery in the region but also through its Corporate Social Responsibility in the annual Community Projects. Buka Branch Manager Julie Warren and her team will hand over the branch’s 13th Community Project later this month. The branch will supply desks for Lonahan Primary School, located along the East Coast of Buka Island. “We hope to deliver the project in time for the Grade 8 Basic Examination. With this project Buka Branch will have assisted communities on the island with 13 projects worth K305,000 since 2009 and we are proud to be giving back to the communities through such worthy projects,” Ms Warren said. In June, the Arawa Branch came to the assistance of one of the oldest school in Arawa - Arawa Primary School (previously known as Bovo International School prior to the Bougainville Crisis) giving new desks for Grades 3 and 4 students along with a refurbished classroom. Since 2009, the bank has delivered 21 community projects worth K550,000 through its Buka and Arawa branches.

Yesterday's (6 Oct) announcement of Australia’s withdrawal from its offshore arrangements in Papua New Guinea (PNG) ought to be welcome news. Sadly, it is happening without confirmed viable long-term solutions for many of the individual refugees and asylum seekers it will affect. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has long advocated against policies under which states externalize asylum and protection obligations. We have noted on many occasions the harm done to those asylum seekers and refugees involved. We have also spoken of the grave risks to the global refugee protection regime when countries seek to shift their responsibilities onto others, typically developing nations where refugee protection standards are poor. In the case of Australia, we have advocated too for its offshore arrangements to be ended and more compassionate approaches to be found. Yesterday’s development will achieve neither. Indeed, we note with concern the recent Australia-Nauru MoU that instead extends offshore arrangements there. For the 125 people remaining in PNG from Australia’s offshore programme new uncertainty lies ahead. Among the stated choices they have been given, the option of moving to Nauru is not a long-term solution. The choice to return to their home countries to face risks there is no choice at all for any refugee. Meanwhile, the systems needed for long-term successful local integration in PNG are still undeveloped and largely absent. UNHCR appeals to Australia to work towards concluding its offshore programme and to recognize the plight of the individuals who for so many years have paid the price. Externalization is never an answer.

The 2021 National Examinations penned for this month by the Department of Education will go ahead as scheduled and there will be no delays despite the escalating cases of Covid-19 around the country. "I would like to inform all Head Teachers, Principals, Provincial Divisions of Education and stakeholders in  education that the National Examinations for 2021 will go ahead as scheduled by the Department," said Education Secretary Dr. Uke Kombra. He said the examinations must be held as scheduled to avoid any delays in the certification and selections and most importantly any opportunities for mal-practices such as cheating or selling and buying of examination information. "I am calling on every province to take full responsibility and assess the COVID-19 situation in the province and ensure that students are given all support they need to be able to sit the exams." Dr. Kombra said the academic year was nearly coming to an end and the national examinations are starting next week Monday, October 11. The published dates for the examinations are; Grade 10 (LSSCE) Exam Dates: 11 – 15 October (One Week), Grade 12 (USSCE) Exam, 18 – 22 October (One Week) and Grade 8 (COBE) Exam 25-28 October, 2021 (4 days). A total of 31, 817 Grade 12, 74, 982 Grade10, and 137,769 Grade 8 students are expected to sit the national examinations. This data includes a few students with special needs especially in grade 8 and 10. "I urge provinces to come up with strategies that will not jeopardise the education of our children, especially those in grades 12, 10 and 8 who have worked very hard to reach this level of education."

The PNG Sport Foundation will effective immediately close all its venues and services (except essential functions) across the country. This will be till the 30th October when it will be reviewed upon advice from the National Control Centre (NCC) and Controller. The PNGSF Executive Director, Albert Veratau, and PNGOC Secretary General Auvita Rapilla met with NCC’s Niupela Pasin team to discuss a reprieve for Sports on Friday last week. The closure of sporting competitions put an enormous strain on the sporting community. Many sporting competitions were in or nearing finals for the season. Sports development programs, representative activities and community sports initiatives amongst others were also discussed. For the PNGSF and other administrations, sports is their livelihood and a means of employment and income. The lockdown means we will have to lay off many of our sporting venue workers yet again. PNGOC Secretary General Auvita Rapilla also added that most sports were preparing for qualifying events, national championships and trials to select teams/athletes to meet Organising Committee deadlines for the Commonwealth Games and Mini Pacific Games happening next year 2022. PNGSF Pandemic Management Committee Chairman and Chief Medical Officer Dr Kapua Kapua was to continue negotiations with Niupela Pasin and the Deputy Controller, this week. However it became apparent over the weekend that the spread of the Delta variant was indeed of great concern. Reports of oxygen shortages, increasing COVID-19 infections, poor vaccination coverage, health systems struggling to cope, health worker shortages, and the increasing death toll, have put things into perspective. After careful consideration of the surge in affected provinces and feedback through health sources, it was decided that to pursue a reprieve would put the sports community at grave risk. This is not about having COVID-19 protocols and being compliant but rather the aggressive spread of the Delta variant in the community and the strain on health resources and subsequent death toll it is leaving in its wake. We all have our part to play in the community to keep it safe and healthy. The PNGSF was one of the first government departments in 2020 to react and shut its venues when the Pandemic broke out. PNGSF has been instrumental in the response with assisting the NCC and Provincial Health Authorities in several provinces with their response to COVID-19. It was decided then, as it is being decided now, that in the time of crisis where PNG lives are at stake, we will do what’s necessary to protect our sporting community and assist the Department of Health to prevent the loss of lives.

Wayne Bennett says Benji Marshall will bow out of the NRL alongside all-time greats like Allan Langer and Andrew Johns after a stellar 19-year career in the game. The man who Marshall credited for resurrecting his career twice, including in his final season this year, Bennett led the tributes to the veteran playmaker after he officially announced his retirement on Wednesday. Bennett, who reflected on Marshall's journey as a teenager who moved from New Zealand to Keebra Park High, to a premiership-winner at the Wests Tigers and retiring Rabbitoh, said the Kiwi would go down as one of the greats. "When you talk about the great players of the game whether it's the past or future he'll always be in that category of players, no doubt about that, none at all," Bennett said. "How do you define the greatest player of all time? I can't do that, but I can tell you he's in that category. "The influence he's had on the game and the way it's played, the players that have wanted to be like him are many. "I think that's the greatest legacy for players, is that young boys growing up and see him play want to be like Benji, Andrew Johns and Allan Langer – all those wonderful players I've seen in the last 20-30 years. "He'll be up there in those conversations. He's won premierships, World Cups and done everything the game can offer." Marshall's former clubs, Wests Tigers, St George Illawarra and Brisbane Broncos, also paid tribute to the 36-year-old's achievements throughout his career. He was awarded life membership of the Wests Tigers in 2013 before his brief stint in rugby union followed with stints at the Dragons and Broncos. His return to the Wests Tigers in 2018 was a celebrated homecoming but the club's decision not to re-sign him last year saw him finish his career in the red and green of South Sydney. "Wests Tigers would like to extend its congratulations to Benji on a magnificent career and his exceptional contributions to the club throughout his 14 seasons with Wests Tigers," his former club said. "The club wishes Benji, his wife Zoe and children Fox and Ever, all the best for the future." The NZRL paid tribute to Marshall with a tweet congratulating their international player #717. Source: nrl.com

The Papua New Guinea Rigby Football League (PNGRFL) and the rugby league family especially from Malaguna, Rabaul in the East New Britain Province are mourning the death of former PNG Kumul Harrison Patiliu.Patiliu aged 66, died at his Malaguna No.1 village in Rabaul on Monday October 4, 2021 after a long illness. PNGRFL Chairman Sandis Tsaka said late Harrison Patiliu was Kumul No. 10 and played in PNG’s first ever Test match against England on July 6, 1975 in Port Moresby. “Harrison Patiliu debuted in that game captained by Paul Chue alongside fellow Islanders Billy Wartovo, Robin Guere, Henry Kavanamur and the likes of Rod Pearce, Vai Karava, Elijah Emori, late Tara Gau and late Lohia Daroa,” Tsaka said. “He began his rugby league career in 1973 with the Rabaul Crusaders while a student at Malaguna Technical school in Rabaul.” In 1974, late Harrison transferred to Port Moresby to study at Idubada Technical college now Port Moresby Technical college and joined the Hanuabada Hawks rugby league club. “That year he represented Southern Zone to play against Highlands Zone in Goroka,” Tsaka said. He continued playing with Hanuabada Hawks in 1975 and was instrumental in Hawks winning the Port Moresby Rugby League premiership that year. “That good form earned him selection in PNG’s first national Kumuls team as a second rower in the first ever Test match against England on July 6, 1975 in Port Moresby,” Tsaka said. Late Harrison returned to Rabaul in 1977 and continued playing in the Rabaul league competition and represented New Guinea Islands zone on several occassions. On behalf of the PNGRFL Board, Management and staff, PNG LNG Kumuls Coach Michael Marum, all players past and present and the rugby league family throughout the country, we extend our sincere condolences to his wife Eva Patiliu, son Ephraim junior, daughter Nemika Patiliu and his five grandchildren on the passing of her husband, their dad and bubu,” Tsaka said. A funeral service was held today (Wednesday October 6, 2021) at Malaguna United church followed by burial at the Malaguna cemetery in Rabaul. PNG LNG Kumuls Coach Michael Marum represented PNGRFL along with former PNG Kumuls David Tamtu, James Kapia, Lucas Solbat, August Joseph and Chris Purkikil and presented a Kumul Jersey to the family. Rest in Eternal Peace……………Kumul #10 Harrison Patiliu

Three main issues are currently being experienced at the Goroka Provincial Hospital amidst the increasing number of COVID19 patients being admitted to the hospital. In an interview with PNGFM News, EHP Deputy Director Curative Health Mr Tony Basse says staff to patient ratio at the hospital is demanding at this time after more than 40 hospital workers were infected with the deadly disease. This in turn has affected patient care at the hospital. Mr Basse further says bed capacity has also run out as more and more people get admitted to the hospital on a daily basis, many coming in severely ill with shortness of breath. This then demands the need for sufficient medical oxygen supply to cater for them. “The hospital has lost two staff so far to COVID 19,” Mr Basse said. “A team from Port Moresby has arrived earlier this week and is helping out and we are also doing recruitment for more medical personnel to come.” “The provincial government has also assisted by organizing with the Goroka Sports Institute Director in providing the isolation facility at the stadium as the hospital has reached its’ capacity and can only care for the critically ill,” Mr Basse added. On the other hand, Mr Basse says support from the stakeholders and community has been exceptionally good with the providence of extra oxygen supply and food for the hospital workers. Mr Basse further added that there has also been an increase in the number of people coming to get vaccinated and it is very encouraging. “We have done COVID 19 tests in outside districts in the province and there is no exception that there is a wider community transmission in the province.” He says the only way to break this cycle is for the people to get vaccinated and keep on practicing the COVID 19 protocols in place. Photo credits: RK Honwah

The Central Music Association conducted it’s major and final Musical Awareness on Wednesday the 29th September, 2021. The event took place at the Scout’s Office in Konedobu and attracted participants from all over the Central Province. In it’s continuing efforts to promote the work of Central Province Artists and Promoters, CMA has visited Sogeri, Porebada, Kwikila, Hula and Hisiu Villages with the final campaign bringing together participants from Abau and Goilala. At each campaign event, CMA has been creating awareness on Copyright, Developing Music In Your District, and how to Promote and Market Your Music. Secretary of the Department of ICT, Mr Steven Matainaho was Keynote Speaker at the final campaign event and stressed the importance of a properly executed digital footprint. “PNG currently has a total of 1.1 million users on Facebook. It’s a steep curve so we will be reaching 2million and then 4million very soon,” Mr Matainaho continued to say that based on this increased activity, the whole process of commercial music now needs to be digitized. “From registering, to marketing and collecting payments, the whole process now needs to be online, “he said. Agreeing to this, Guest Speaker and Lawyer Mr Oala Moi said that Artists first need to firmly establish ownership of their work to fully gain its rewards. “There is the commercial side of Copyright, then there is the legal side of it. So if the commercial agreement is breached, legal then takes over the case to fight for you,” Said Mr Moi. The Central Music Association is a non-profit organization officially established in March of 2020, by a group of very well known Musical Artists from Central Province who have come together to ensure that their works of art and those not properly represented, are appropriately protected. CMA Interim President Mr Allen Kedea who has been steering the campaign said it was of great importance that Central Musicians unite together and create a proper database of information. A database that CMA is currently working on to have a successful system where the Artists are supported with strategic services, are properly accorded their entitlements and their art, as well as Cultural Art, are legally protected and promoted in the correct form. “60% of music in PNG is produced by two Provinces. East New Britain Province and Central Province. CMA acknowledges this and we want to capture where the artists are from, what language they are using and how we can best protect this content,” said Mr Kedea. CMA currently has amongst it’s list of members legendary Central Music artists; Francis Aihi, Gary Vaibua, Dika Dai, Dokona Manoka, Taita Maraga, Betty Toea and Hitsy Golou. The Association will embark on the next phase of it’s work with Workshops and Trainings beginning in November 2021.

NAC will be introducing Boarding Pass Scanning System (BPSS) at Mount Hagen (Kagamuga), Hoskins, Tokua and Nadzab airports in November 2021. This system will improve data collection and management at the 21 regional airports which have been one of NAC’s biggest challenges over the years. The introduction of the Boarding Pass Scanning System to the regional airports is an initiative of the current NAC Management to improve the current systems and processes in data collection and management to enable reliable and accurate data which is readily available for business planning, reporting and billing purposes. The scanning system which is designed and owned by NAC, will be installed at the entrance to the boarding lounge and passengers will be required to scan their boarding passes just as they do with the use of the Veripax System that is being used at the Port Moresby International Airport (Jacksons). Information including passenger name, travel date, port of departure and arrival, seat and flight number will be collected through the system and stored in a database for analysis and use. The system will be rolled out to other regional airports including Momote, Gurney, Girua, Buka and Vanimo in 2022.

The emergency ambulance service is seeing a significant increase in people calling for ambulances in Port Moresby and at our regional stations. We are attending to multiple COVID-19 cases. Please be patient with our control centre and ambulance staff. We are doing our best during these trying times. You can help us by: - Telling us if you have flu or respiratory illness when before we arrive at your house will alert our crews to wear PPE so they are protected. - Getting vaccinated now! The ambulance is FREE for all PNG citizens needing critical emergency transport to a public hospital. We are here to help. We are all in this together.

In light of recent measures being announced by the National Pandemic Controller, we have had to make a decision on the Festival Day. After consultation with different stakeholders and through various meetings with partners, we have decided to postpone the SP PapaGraun Annual Music Festival from Saturday 9th October to a later date in early November 2021. This time will allow us to properly look into enhancing what is already promising to be a showcase like no other! To our ticket holders, Market Stall and F&B Kiosk holder, we advise that your tickets are still valid, and your seats already secured, the sale of tickets will continue and momentum to the event still happening, albeit a bit slower, while we also work hand in hand with the Niupela Pasin Team, and the Control Centre to ensure safety and health protocols are in place. We thank all our Sponsors & Partners for their Faith in us to still deliver, and we look forward to this Big Showcase. We also thank our Artist for the support, patience and understanding too and corporation toward our new date. Continue to keep up to date via our socials as we work in the background toward us having this major event happen. Bungim Yu long PapaGraun!