The New Ireland Government after meeting with acting Provincial Police Commander Maurice Itoro, the Police Mobile Squad Leader, Business community representatives, community leaders of affected areas, the NIPA administration, the Law and Order Committee and the Namatanai Open MP Walter Schnaubelt over the past two day has instructed for the enforcement of the full force of the Law without Discrimination. “We are now at war with the criminals, we will not tolerate any Raskolism. Whether they are from New Ireland or outside provinces it does not matter. But you must treat them humanly when making arrests,” said Sir J. Sir J said all of New Ireland must join hands together to clean up the whole of New Ireland moving forward. “We must support the work of the Riot Police, they are here to carry out a mission. We must not let a minority of trouble makers take away the rights and freedoms of the rest of our law abiding citizens.” The business houses have been guaranteed security and urged to resume normal business hours. A curfew will be implemented with proper timing to be confirmed. However Governor Sir J instructed it should not be prolonged to more than 10 days so rights and freedoms of all people living in New Ireland are not infringed. Director for Law and Order, Edward Wesley, said according to intel received most of the big criminal elements don’t stay in one place for long and are always on the move thus the need for the curfew. It was found that there is a need to clean up the police force locally as they have become compromised and not able to carry out their duties effectively. Also highlighted was the issue of customary landowners selling their land cheaply to settlers from outside provinces. Governor Sir J has instructed for the Vagrancy Act 2011, in force since 2012 as legislated by the New Ireland Assembly to be implemented. “When you reside in New Ireland, You become a New Irelander. There is no need for you to practice regionalism because this also creates another set of problems including disunity. Those repatriated will cease to enjoy all government subsidy and other assistive policies such as free and subsidized education, Old and Disabled pensions, roof over heads and Solar lighting.” The Law and Order Committee has been instructed to come up with a precise Rules of Engagement to kick start operations. “Leave no stones unturned until we rid New Ireland of these killers and criminals. Governor Sir J officially addressed the Mobile squad, Kavieng  police and correctional services officers in the afternoon at the Peter Torot Hall. “It is incumbent on us as leaders and custodians of the peoples trust to ensure the viability and enforcement of the Rule of Law is felt and owned at all levels of communities through the maintenance of Law and Order. I expect professional conduct and discipline from all facets of the Law and Justice Sector. Stick to your Rules of Engagement. Your integrity, dedication and professionalism to your code and this cause is pivotal to making New Ireland Province peaceful and safe again. I take this time to thank you for taking up this challenge and responsibility in working with my government to eradicate New Ireland of ‘undesirables.’

At its meeting today, the Board of NASFUND Contributors Savings & Loans Society Limited (NCSL) considered and accepted the Society’s audited financial accounts for the 2020 financial year. Chairman, Ian Tarutia, on behalf of the Board, announced the following results: • Total Assets increased by 11.3% to K 256.8 million • Net Asset Value increased by 14.3% to K 29.2 million • Revenue from core business increased by just over 10% to K 27.6 million • Total Revenue increased by 13.9% to K 32.2 million. • Increase in operating Expenses by 17%. (excluding Interim Interest Payment to Members and Loan Provisioning) to K 15.9 million. • Net Income increased by 9.5% to K 13.2 million (after expenses including interim Interest Payment to Members and Loan Provisioning) • Sound General Reserves increased by 17.4% to K 17.8 million, • Interim Interest Payments to Members increased by 17.4% to K2.5 million. • Total membership increased by 9.2% to 133,869 members. • Members Savings increased by 11.2 % to K 219.5 million. • Net Loan portfolio increased by 9.5% to K 122.0 million • Total number of loans processed increased by 23 % to 134,327. During the year NCSL paid an interim interest of 1.2% to members savings. After statutory reserving of 20%, NCSL will pay an additional 4.8 % or K 9.8 million in interest to members. This is a total of 6% for the 2020 year equating to K 12.3 million which NCSL members will benefit from.NCSL’s final interest crediting rate of 6.0% is above the average crediting rate of 5.5% paid to members over the last 5 years and maintains the wonderful record of healthy returns on members’ funds deposited with NCSL. The interest payment will be made to members’ savings accounts. Mr Tarutia said, “The Board was pleased with the overall results given the challenging environment during 2020 brought on by COVID-19.” The main drivers of profitability and balance sheet growth were on the back of an increase in the lending portfolio and increased transaction numbers which resulted in a higher fee income. In addition the introduction of new lending products, 1:5 higher loan ratio, Motor vehicle and SME loan assistance have proven a hit with members. NCSL continues its focus on growing its electronic banking footprint, aligned to its vision of becoming the best e-Bank in the country and has invested in upgrading its information technology environment to ensure that its system is able to maintain optimum performance with all transactions performed in a safe environment. He further mentioned that the second wave of COVID-19 in 2021 will provide a lot of challenges to the country and cause disruptions to business activities, slowing down business growth and stifling new investment opportunities in the economy. While this would provide challenges for NCSL, he was confident the Board’s risk and growth strategies would hold NSL in good stead throughout 2021.Mr Tarutia commended the CEO Vari Lahui for his leadership and praised management and staff for their hard work and contribution to the 2020 results. He also acknowledged and thanked valued members for their confidence and continued patronage over 2020.

Members of the PNG Defense Force have been called out to assist the municipal authority enforcing the ‘Mask Port Moresby’ campaign in the city starting today as the Covid-19 surge in tightening its grip.   It is a joint initiative by National Capital District Commission, in collaboration with NCD Health Authority, disciplined forces especially police and defense, and Pacific Corporate Security (PCS) Services, to reduce widespread community transmission of Covid-19 pandemic.   City Manager Bernard Kipit commended them for this collaboration so the widespread community transmission of Covid-19 is mitigated.  Mr Kipit warned that if city residents do not want the Pandemic Controller to inflict another strict measure, they must just mask themselves.   Defense Force Warrant Officer Jacob Maninga said his colleagues, PCS security officers and NCDC Urban safety officers set up roadblocks at strategic locations to ensure everyone is in mask.  “We are helping NCDC to enforce Covid-19 protocol in making sure everyone wears face masks in the city,” he said.   Maninga said that wearing mask is now mandatory in the city and everyone has to adhere to it. “It is all about the people listening and abiding by the protocols and nothing more. “We will be at the three (3) hot spot locations, Manu Malahoro market, Gordons and Waigani in the next 28 days enforcing the public to wear mask. “In the morning, it is bit challenging as most of the people have their mask in their pockets, but we have reminded them to wear it at all times,” he said. “We are not here to chase people out from their daily activities. But, we are here to make sure you wear masks at all times. We do our part so you do yours. Thus, we can protect ourselves from contracting Covid-19 virus,”   “Covid-19 is already here and we are serious now. Wearing mask is for the good of your health,” he added. 

The staff of Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) will receive the much talked about Astra-Zeneca COVID-19 vaccine by Monday next week starting off with the CEO of the Hospital Dr Paki Molumi. The 8000 doses of Astra-Zeneca vaccines arrived in the country from Australia this week which aims to vaccinate all frontline health workers. Dr Molumi will be the first person out of the 1600 staff of PMGH to receive the vaccine followed by other team leaders down the line. “The vaccines will begin with myself as the CEO of this hospital, my directors, the managers, senior doctors, senior nurses and senior staff of the corporate service of this hospital." Dr Molumi said this order of vaccinating the senior staff of the hospital can give assurance and confidence to the rest of the staff to do the same. “The vaccine will protect them, and even if they get the disease, the severity of COVID-19 infecting them and killing them will be less.” “That will give them the confidence to continue to stand in the frontline and provide service for the health care of this country.” He said this is not only about protecting the staff of PMGH, but to show other health workers and the rest of the country to prepare to receive vaccines which will also help the hospital by putting less stress on the hospital staff. “When you put less stress on our services, we will continue to stand up and provide normal services.” “Apart from TB, we malaria, we have diabetes, we have heart disease and other life style disease that we have to mange.” Dr Molumi said in the past three weeks, the hospital has diverted a little bit away from the other services in the hospital and focused on COVID-19 but with the vaccine, they hope to focus also on other services in the hospital. Meanwhile the hospital has been carrying out seminars to advocate to some of the staff who may still have doubts about the vaccine following misleading information on social media platforms about the Astra-Zeneca vaccine. “As management if we do not try our best to clear those doubts and educate them on the need and the importance of this vaccine, then they will not come on board.” “That is why the management has taken this approach to educate each individual in this hospital so that they volunteer to get the vaccine.” Dr Molumi said, the hospital vaccination programme is not mandatory and it is the staff personal choice whether to be vaccinated or not, however he hopes the entire hospital staff is vaccinated. Dr Molumi believes 40% of the PMGH staff will be the first ones to be vaccinated by next Monday.

Milne Bay has now recorded TWENTY- SEVEN (27) POSITIVE COVID19 CASES so far, including THREE (3) COVID19 RELATED DEATHS but who had underlying health comorbid conditions that predominantly contributed to their deaths. All are over 45 years old. Eleven (11) of those are new cases and reported only this week alone starting from the weekend. Most new cases are isolated and monitored in the Alotau General Hospital COVID19 ward. Other mild cases and asymptomatic are self-isolated and continue to adhere to protocols and monitored by the health team. The Provincial Government renovated COVID-19 ward at the Sanderson Bay is also being made available to soon take in and accommodate new cases should the situation worsen. "It is obvious that despite the COVID-19 messages, awareness and advocacy, and issuing of compliance measures, most people do not seem to adhere to the messages. As the Provincial Controller and Provincial Administrator, I would like to reiterate that it is critical that we all must adhere to the COVID-19 measures and protocols that have been disseminated to the public through various mediums including social media, radio and even public awareness," said Mr Ashan Numa. "We all need to do our part and comply with these measures for our own wellbeing and that of others. There are many who may overcome the virus if they contract it because of their good health and age. However, there are others who are elderly or have underlying issues and are very much vulnerable." "These include our health workers, who are now under so much pressure to attend to COVID-19 cases as well as attend to other illness and diseases that still need to be cared for. These are the people we must consider as well as yourselves and your families during this time by doing your part in adhering to the COVID-19 measures." "There are also reports of stigma faced by COVID-19 infected people and our health workers, most likely out of fear. This shows a lack of knowledge and understanding of the virus, which causes confusion and raises unfounded basis for fear." CEO for PHA, Dr Mamadi, clearly explains and sums it up in his own words. “COVID-19 is in Alotau and we can say Milne Bay Province. It is important not to fear. It is also important that any information that we receive is factual. Public Health Interventions are the most important measures in controlling and taking charge of COVID-19. We will continue to see and experience COVID-19 in the community. It is now upon us to take charge of our own situation. It is not anyone’s fault that COVID19 came to Alotau." "Last year it was in Wuhan, China but now it is here in Alotau. We do not have to fear but we must ensure that together as a community we are safe. Public Health Interventions must be a Must for us All. Take Care and God Bless.” Dr Mamadi said. "We have just gone through the first week of the National Government’s Isolation Strategy. And it is slightly encouraging to see that everyone is making the effort from business houses, markets, bus stops and public and private offices, but we need to do more to fully comply." "If compliance is not adhered to and we see numbers of cases rise even further come next week, stricter measures will need to be enforced. We do not want added restrictions but if the situation does not improve we will need to do it for everyone’s sake." Picture source: Ashan Numa FB page (MBP Provincial Administrator/Provincial Pandemic Controller)

SP PNG Hunters coach Matt Church says the high standard of the Digicel Cup is alreadyproving a benefit for his team as they prepare for their Intrust Super Cup clash with theIpswich Jets tomorrow. The Hunters surprised the competition last weekend with they almost toppled WynnumManly Seagulls in a stirring fightback in the opening round clash at Bycroft Oval at RunawayBay. The Hunters return to Bycroft Oval at 3pm tomorrow to take on a Jets team that fell toTownsville Blackhawks last weekend. The Hunters had been expected by some commentators to struggle early after a challengingpreparation including 31 days in quarantine, preventing them from playing any trialmatches. But Church says the impressive form of the likes of debutant prop Samuel Yegip lastweekend proved that the Digicel Cup had helped the Hunters prepare for this season.Yegip’s debut performance carried on from his man-of-the-match effort in the Digicel Cupgrand final last season when he ploughed through the Lae Snax Tigers’ defence in the 77thminute to win the premiership for the Hela Wigmen. With the game on the line, Yegip tucked the ball under his left arm and barged 15 metresstraight ahead, past four tacklers and into Digicel Cup history with a stunning try.“One of the upsides of not playing Intrust Super Cup last year (because of COVID) was thatour squad played in the Digicel Cup and it proved to be a really good competition,” Churchsaid. “Samuel Yegip is a great example of that. He was very good for us against Wynnum Manlyand he was able to step up to this level because of his hard work for the Hela Wigmen. “He runs straight and hard for us and he’s one of the promising players making their waythrough the system in PNG to go on to higher levels. The Hunters program is a key step onthat path.” Church is looking forward to a return to warmer weather this weekend with temperaturesexpected to reach 30 degrees following the end to a few cool and miserable days of rain.The Hunters have a strong record against the Jets, winning eight of their 12 matches overthe years. However, the Jets have won the last two clashes between the teams with theirwell-known attacking style of football. “We know that they’re predictably unpredictable so we don’t expect that to change thisweekend,” Church said. “They will chance their arm in attack and we have to work together in defence to defusethat. “But we continue to spend most of our planning on our own tactics. We’re still coming offthat time in quarantine so we’re going to keep getting better as the season continues.“The players feel good and they’re ready to go for this second game.” SP PNG HUNTERS: Terry Wapi, Rau Kobale, Brandon Nima, Jokadi Bire, Brendon Gutuno, WatsonBoas, Charlie Simon, Epel Kapinias, Wartova Puara Jnr, Samuel Yegip, Ben Kelly, Keven Appo, Ila Alu(capt). Interchange: Edwin Ipape, Sylvester Namo, Mark Piti, Judah Rimbu. Coach: Matt Church.IPSWICH JETS: Jayden Connors, Peter Gubb, Ben White, Jordan Carriera, Richard Pandia, JoshCleeland, Julian Christian, Tyson Lofipo, Kierran Moseley, Nat Neale (capt), Tyler Coburn, ZacHetherington, Blake Lenehan. Interchange: Ono So’oialo, Hugh Sedger, Todd White, Timote Paseka.Coach: Keiron Lander. Match officials: Jacob Whitehouse, Ben Watts, Matt Colclough.Kick-off at 3pm, Saturday 27 March 2021, Bycroft Oval.

World TB Day is observed on March 24 each year to raise public awareness and understanding about one of the world’s top infectious killers - tuberculosis (TB) and its devastating health, social and economic impact on people around the world. This date marks the day in 1882 when Dr Robert Koch announced that he had discovered the bacteria that causes TB, which opened the way towards diagnosing and curing this disease. TB remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious killers. Each day nearly 4000 lose their lives to TB and close to 30,000 people fall ill with this preventable and curable disease. Drug resistant form of TB is major contributor to deaths from antimicrobial resistance globally. In 2019, about 0.5 million people fell ill with drug-resistant TB. Papua New Guinea is among the top 30 countries with high burden of TB, TB/HIV co-infection and drug-resistant TB. Papua New Guinea reports about 30,000 TB cases every year. TB continues to be the leading cause of death in PNG.  The theme of World TB Day 2021 in Papua New Guinea – ‘The Clock is ticking. END TB’ – conveys the sense that we are running out of time to act on commitments to End TB in PNG. This is especially critical in the context of COVID-19 pandemic that has put End TB progress at risk, and to ensure that our people continue to have access to quality TB prevention and care services.  Amidst COVID-19 pandemic we must continue our fight against tuberculosis. Hard won gains are now under threat. People with active, untreated TB are far more likely to die than COVID-19.  The risk of death in TB patients approaches 50% if left untreated and may be higher in the elderly or in the presence of co-morbidity.   The advantage for TB is that we do have treatments that work, including for drug-resistant forms of TB.  Continue taking TB treatment every day. DO NOT miss a dose and follow medical advice. You must complete your treatment to be cured. Minimize your exposure to COVID-19:  wear mask, keep physical distancing, frequently wash your hands, and limit time spent in crowded or enclosed places.   Everyone has a role to play in ending TB – individuals, communities, businesses, governments, societies. We must continue to save lives and end preventable TB deaths.

The close of nominations for the 2021 SP Sports Awards is nearing and the Organising Committee iscalling out to the public to submit their nominations before April 7th. Chairlady of the SPSA Organising Committee, Nancy Gah, said since the SP Sports launch in February, nominations have been slow in coming in. “We have received nominations only from Port Moresby thus far. We encourage the public plus athletes andnon-government organisations involved in sports in the provinces to submit their nominations. The SP SportsAwards is for all Papua New Guinean sports teams and athletes.” said Gah. “The Awards is about recognizing the efforts and successes of our athletes. But we also have categories forthe media, NGOs involved in sports, athletes living with disabilities and our hard working sportsadministrators and coaches. “Let us not forget that sports plays an important role in our communities. It is through sports that we are ableto put PNG on the world map. Sports also unites our people, no matter our age, ethnicity, gender and trialswe face in life. Hence this year’s theme “Excellence through Adversity”. “Let’s continue to drive positive messages through the SP Sports Awards.”The SPSA Organising Committee is calling out to sports federations, clubs, the media and general public tosubmit nominations. The 12 categories are;  People’s Choice Award Male Athlete of the Year Female Athlete of the Year Team of the Year National Performance of the Year Community Sports Initiative Junior Male Athlete of the Year Junior Female Athlete of the Year Best Sportsperson with a Disability Sports Official of the Year Sports Photo of the Year Stan Joyce Award “I’d like to highlight a category that was introduced in 2019. That is the Stan Joyce award. The Stan JoyceAward will recognize organizations that provide outstanding support through their continued partnership andcollaboration with sport in PNG. This award will go to corporate companies under the criteria of: LongevityCreativityImpact in the Community andAchievement “This will be a bi-annual award," said Gah. Nominations close on April 7th 2021. Those who wish to obtain a nomination forms are available at the SP Brewery Offices (Port Moresby, Lae,Goroka and Kokopo), PNG Sports Foundation Office, Sir John Guise Indoor Complex and the PNG OlympicCommittee Office at Lahara Drive Boroko. Forms can be downloaded from the PNG Olympic Committee website www.pngolympic.org.

Cricket PNG announced the resignation of National Coach and High Performance Manager Joe Dawes this week. After an extremely successful tenure in charge of our national teams over the last three years and the development of the high performance department it is unfortunate news for Cricket in PNG. Dawes has led a highly successful period for Cricket PNG with the Barramundis qualifying for their inaugaural ICC T20 World Cup later this year in India, regaining One Day International status and competing in the Cricket World Cup League Two 50 over competition through to 2023.He also oversaw the Lewas improvements with them also on the verge of qualification for their own World Cup debut. Dawes explained “after ten years travelling the world with my cricket roles it is time I spent some time at home helping my family, COVID has highlighted the need to be close and probably brought my decision forward. It was a difficult decision, I have a great relationship with all the players and staff at Cricket PNG, it will remain a life long connection with all of them and the country as a whole” “I’m proud of what we have achieved in my time, not only with on field success, the enjoyment also comes from seeing individuals develop both players and staff, you become very close, I have no doubt they will continue to succeed. The department is in great shape we have implemented many systems and programs as a platform to success,the culture and work ethic is world class, they will continue to do PNG proud in the future.” He went on say “the World Cup in India later this year will be difficult to watch, it is extremely disappointing not to be able to share this experience with the boys but I will watching from home, I will be sad but supporting filled with pride” Cricket PNG CEO, Greg Campbell, “ It is always difficult to say good bye to a highly valued team member and friend, but we understand the circumstances and wish Joe well with his future endeavors. Joe’s record of success is plain to see, he leaves CPNG in great shape, his professionalism, people management skills and high performance systems are second to none, his legacy will continue. The Board and management thank Joe for his outstanding service” “We have done an extensive search for a suitable replacement, Joe has been heavily involved in this process. We will announce the new CPNG coach early next week once all formalities are complete, Joe will continue to assist in a smooth transition over the next couple of months. We are both confident in the decision and expect continued success under the new coach”. Some of the senior Barramundis, Captian Assad Vala, CJ Amini and Norman Vanua were asked their thoughts on Dawes departure. Assad “ Joe will be missed, he helped me in my leadership role, he brought structure, professionalism and honesty, we all became better players” Amini commented on the individual relationships Joe had with each player and the values installed and at times the “brutal honesty” delivered by Joe and his assistants as needed, he is well respected. Vanua also feels his game went to the next level under Dawes “ he taught me to toughen up, game management and leadership skills, and gave me clear roles in the team, I definitely improved as a player” The Barras expressed that all the team and the Lewas are sad to see the coach leave but that what Dawes has installed in them and the HP staff will continue, he has helped us all and now we must look forward to continuing these efforts with our new coach.

The Waigani Committal Court has found sufficient evidence today to committ the accused Bhosip Kaiwi's murder case to the National Court. Bhosip Kaiwi was charged with the murder of his partner, late Jenelyn Kennedy who died on the 23rd of June 2020. On the 25th June 2020, the accused was arrested and charged with willful murder however, this charge has since been downgraded to murder charge. Magistrate Tracey Ganaii said she found the medical report to be supporting the key element in the charge, intent to cause grievous bodily harm. The matter is expected to return to Court by the 16th of April 2021 under section 96 of the District Court Act.

Controller of the PNG COVID-19 National Pandemic Response David Manning has issued a new direction on the use of Panbio COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Diagnostic Test (Ag-RDT) for COVID-19. Mr Manning has authorised the Port Moresby General Hospital, all Provincial Health Authorities and all private health facilities and hospitals to use Panbio COVID-19 Ag-RDT to test suspected case of COVID-19. Certain conditions have been placed on this authorization including: 1. Testing to be limited to the following classes of person: a. Persons who have been symptomatic as per the case definition (Measure 8), for seven (7) days or less; and b. Close contacts. 2. Ag-RDT is not to be used for mass testing or screening of asymptomatic people, except in accordance with the Measures; 3. All tests are to be confirmed by RT-PCR or GeneXpert COVID-19 tests; 4. All positive test results must be immediately confirmed by GeneXpert COVID-19 test if possible or RT-PCR; and 5. All persons who test positive shall be isolated and treated as a positive COVID-19 case until confirmatory test is received according to paragraph 4. This direction was issued on March 23 and remains in effect until further notice.