The New Ireland Education Chief Executive Officer, Mr Apelis Benson has said that funding of education services has been a real challenge in the education sector in the province. “I am having difficulties securing allocated funds to subsidise activities such as training, inspections, examinations, refurbishment of schools, rations support for secondary school and even consistency in disbursement of Government Tuition Fee Subsidy.” “I therefore, ask all leaders to manage funds well and only fund activities that are relevant.” “Thank you to those leaders who are always supporting the Government deliver their responsibilities." Apelis said that funding for Provincial In-service training week for teachers are still pending and they have had to postpone the PIST to a later date. He said that there will be a formal circular sent out by week 3 to confirm dates as well as possible change of assessment and term dates. He thanked all teachers for their patience and reminded them that teaching and learning must be the core business of every teacher saying attendance and punctuality is important. He asked that all heads of schools for Grades 8, 10 and 12 must submit their budgets for the national examination as soon as possible and that includes the marking of the written expression exams as well. He added that Monday 24th July 2023 is a public holiday and schools will observe this public holiday and resume the next day.

The Prime Minister has expressed appreciation to the Department of Works and Highways for their outstanding efforts in nearing the completion of the Trans-National Highway Corridor Missing Link between Aseki in Morobe and Epo in Gulf. Prime Minister James Marape commended the dedicated teams of the Department of Works and Highways for their relentless work under challenging conditions, including continuous rain and rugged terrain, to establish this crucial road. He said that this accomplishment demonstrates the success of the Marape Government's flagship 'Connect PNG' programme. During his visit to remote Menyamya in Morobe Province earlier this year, Marape followed the route of the Trans-National Highway by helicopter. This experience further reinforced his admiration for the project and the teams involved. "I extend my commendation to Minister Solan Mirisim, Secretary David Wereh and the entire team of civil engineers at the Department of Works and Highways." "My government is fully committed to addressing key missing links like this, in order to facilitate the development and integration of all regions within our country." Prime Minister Marape hopes that people will be able to travel from Port Moresby to Lae and vice versa through the corridor when the country celebrates its 50 years of independence on September 16, 2025. The 'Missing Link' of the Trans-National Highway, spanning 159.8km, lies between Oiwa in Aseki, Morobe, and Epo in Gulf. With the Department of Works and Highways establishing two teams, Team Morobe and Team Gulf, significant progress has been achieved. Marape highlighted that during the 21 months, 64km has been completed. To finalise the Trans-National Highway Corridor Missing Link, a remaining distance of 95.8km is yet to be completed. Team Morobe is responsible for 49.2km, while Team Gulf will handle 46.6km. The Prime Minister expects this remaining work to be finished by December 2024.

The Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment will hold a special Parliamentary Hearing today to interview candidates shortlisted by the Department of Personnel Management for the position of Director of the National Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Secretariat. The position of Director is a crucial role that will guide the establishment of the first ever National GBV Secretariat. The Secretariat will be responsible for driving the implementation of the National GBV Strategy (2016-2025) and coordinating implementation across national government agencies as well as the provinces. The National GBV Secretariat was supposed to be established in 2017 but approval and recruitment of key positions has been delayed for many years. The Special Parliamentary Committee on GBV drew attention to this deficiency in its two public hearings and two Reports to Parliament. Recommendation 6 of the Special Parliamentary Committee’s 2022 Report stated that “The Government must urgently; (1) Ensure the SRC approves the NGBVS CEO position at an appropriate level to ensure a qualified leader an be recruited; (2) Task DPM with recruiting the remaining 10 NGBVS staff, who must have sufficient GBV qualifications to ensure they can effectively drive the implementation of the National GBV Strategy with government and non-government partners”. Applications for the position of Director and all other positions in the National GBV Secretariat were advertised from 1 May to 12 May 2023. The new Permanent Parliamentary Committee on GEWE held their first public hearings from 24-26 May 2023. They were told by the Department for Community Development and Religion that the recruitments had still not been completed by that time. The Committee strongly urged DFCDR to make the recruitments their top priority. The GEWE Committee Chair, Governor Powes Parkop, and Deputy Chair, Governor Allan Bird, have since been liaising closely with DPM and DFCDR to encourage them to prioritise the recruitment of the National GBV Secretariat Director. Recognising the important oversight role that the GEWE Committee plays, DPM has now invited the shortlisted candidates to appear before the Committee, as part of the vetting process. The vetting process will be undertaken by the Committee from 10am on 18 July 2023, at Parliament Haus. Shortlisted candidates have been invited to appear and they will be asked to present their vision for the Secretariat to the Committee, to indicate how they plan to implement the mandate of the Secretariat and work with stakeholders. The Committee hearings will be live streamed on the Committee facebook page, as usual. This will allow the public to hear from each candidate and to witness a more transparent and accountable recruitment process for this critical role. In addition to Chairman Parkop and Deputy Chair Allan Bird, the Committee has 5 other members, namely; Central Province Governor Rufina Peter; Wau Waria MP, Marsh Narewe; Alotau MP, Ricky Morris; Koroba Lake Kopiago MP William Bando; and POM NW MP Lohia Boe Samuel. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been providing technical support to the new Parliamentary Committee on GEWE as part of its Parliamentary Strengthening Project, which is funded by the Australian Government. This support aims to support the National Parliament, its members and its Committee to engage in more effective law-making, oversight and representation in the discharge of their constitutional mandates.

Broncos halfback Adam Reynolds produced a playmaking masterclass at Belmore on Saturday afternoon to guide his team to a 44-24 victory. Playing as well as ever in his 12th season in the NRL, Reynolds scored the game's opening try, laid one on for Kurt Capewell and put in pinpoint chip kicks to help set up tries for Ezra Mam and Brendan Piakura in a five-star display. On an emotional afternoon which saw club legend Josh Reynolds play his last ever game in NSW Cup, the Bulldogs brought the huge crowd into the game early when Jacob Preston stretched out to score in the third minute and Matt Burton converted for a 6-0 lead. Come the 14th minute and Reynolds stamped his class on the game when he put Piakura into a hole and accepted the return pass to score under the posts. A mistake by Kotoni Staggs from the kick-off gave the Bulldogs a chance to hit straight back but an intercept by Billy Walters on the goal line defused the danger. Broncos back-rower Kurt Capewell celebrated his return from a quad injury in the 19th minute when he powered over from close range courtesy of a sweetly timed Reynolds pass. The Bulldogs hit back in the 25th minute when Jake Averillo finished off a superb team try that featured offloads from Corey Waddell, Tevita Pangai Junior and Jacob Kiraz before the fullback finished it off and scores were locked 12-12. It took the Broncos just two minutes to take the lead back when Walters dived over from dummy half and Reynolds' conversion made it 18-12 to the visitors. Averillo made it a double in the 29th minute after some great lead-up work by Pangai Junior and Toby Sexton before the Broncos crossed for their fourth of the day through Deine Mariner. The Broncos lost winger Selwyn Cobbo to the sin bin in the 39th minute for running with a raised elbow into Sexton's neck as he hit the defensive line. Even down a man the Broncos were able to strike first after the break when Xavier Willison strolled over for a soft try to make it 28-18 to Brisbane. A clever grubber by Burton looked to have set up the Bulldogs' fourth try but Preston was unable to complete the putdown as he lunged at the ball. The Broncos then came up with a spectacular last-tackle play to put the result beyond doubt when Reynolds chipped over the top, Mariner toed the ball ahead and Mam scooped it up to score. Reynolds converted to make it 34-18. Putting the finishing touches on a great afternoon, Reynolds kicked over the top for Cobbo to regather and find Piakura in support in the 69th minute as the Broncos hit 40. A late try to Waddell added some respectability for the Bulldogs but they allowed the Broncos to have the final say when Herbie Farnworth scored from a Tristan Sailor grubber and the score finished at 46-24. Source: NRL.Com  

Newcastle have secured back-to-back wins for the first time in 2023 with a 34-18 victory over the Wests Tigers at McDonald Jones Stadium on Friday night. Knights star Kalyn Ponga brushed aside a rough night on the goal-kicking front to set up three of the side's seven tries and continue his purple patch of form since switching back to fullback. Wests Tigers didn't go away throughout the evening until a try to Tyson Gamble with seven minutes remaining put the Knights ahead by 14 to seal victory. The Knights survived a horror opening set when the Wests Tigers appeared to have scored from a Will Smith kick before the NRL Bunker ruled Jahream Bula had knocked the ball forward for Tommy Talau to go over. Newcastle ran in three tries in 12 minutes following the call to set up a 12-0 lead with Ponga setting up Greg Marzhew and Bradman Best on the left before Dom Young crossed on the right with the visitors' edge defence non-existent. Ponga's off night with conversions early was keeping the Wests Tigers in it until Daniel Saifiti - who spilled two balls earlier - crossed from close range in front of the posts. The visitors needed a spark to avoid being in for a long night with the youngest player on the park - Bula - the provider when he crossed on the right edge with a show-and-go play. Newcastle's 12-point lead narrowed further two minutes before the break when Api Koroisau pounced on a grubber kick that couldn't be cleaned up by Ponga and Gamble close to the line. Knights firebrand Jack Hetherington was sent to the sin-bin shortly after half-time for striking out at Will Smith with a slap after a high shot from the Wests Tigers five-eighth. Despite being a man down in the defensive line it meant nothing when Ponga crossed on the left edge with his side-stepping ways getting past three defenders to the line. Goal-kicking continued to prove difficult, however, and the joint venture made the home side pay some more when Isaiah Papali'i ran over Gamble to send Bula over for his second of the evening. For all the points Ponga wasn't making with the boot, he was returning serve with the try assists, coming up with his third of the evening to gift Young a second try out wide. The English winger was denied a third try in the 67th minute with Bula pulling off a try-saver to jolt the ball free as the Knights looked to stretch their lead further. Bula, who along with skipper Koroisau were among the visitors' best for the evening, couldn't deny Gamble the match-winner after Young broke away on the right edge before finding his five-eighth in support to finish the game. Source: NRL.Com

Stepping in to fill the void left by one of the game’s biggest stars, Tristan Sailor could be forgiven for being all at sea as fullback for the Broncos. The 25-year-old is just seven games into his career, the last two of those filling in for Reece Walsh in wins over the Warriors in Round 13 and Dolphins in Round 18. Given that Sailor hadn't played an NRL game since midway through 2020, there has been plenty to like about his composure at the back. "He had a hand in a couple of tries and was very safe at the back," skipper Adam Reynolds said after his side's latest win. "Defensively he organized our numbers and I thought he was fantastic. He has played two games for us and has done his job both times. "He doesn’t look out of place in first grade." Unsurprisingly, Sailor's strong form has seen him recently commit to the Broncos for another two seasons with the Western Suburbs Red Devils junior enjoying his time at the club where his father Wendell enjoyed a stories career. “I think the Broncos is such a prestigious club in its own right and then to have that sort of legacy behind is so awesome,” Sailor said. “You see Billy (Walters) walking around too, we used to hang out as kids, and he's got Hugo running around now, which is just unbelievable. It sort of shows that the Broncos has that legacy and it's filtering down through generations.” As for the best advice he had been given by his dad so far, Sailor said it was more of a mindset than anything skills based. “I guess he worked on fundamentals with me, but I reckon the best thing he ever gave me was confidence, because he's the most confident person in the world,” Sailor said. “I think I have got a sort of toned-down version of that, but I'm definitely confident with trying stuff.” Before making his club debut as the Broncos defeated the Warriors in Napier, Sailor had been starring in Queensland’s Hostplus Cup under the coaching of another former star Bronco. Sailor has been named a fullback again for Brisbane's match this Saturday's match against the Bulldogs, and also played at fullback for the South Logan Magpies over the weekend, scoring a try as his side defeated the Sunshine Coast Falcons. “I think that's laid a good foundation for me personally here, but Karmichael (Hunt), he's just taken all the boys on board,” Sailor told NRL.com of his Cup coach. “We have such a team mentality that we've only had two losses during the year and Karmichael's in that mindset where he just wants to build us in towards finals.” The Broncos are also looking to make their mark on the finals and will be keen to keep their winning momentum going coming off their bye when they take on the Bulldogs at Belmore Sports Ground. Source:NRL.Com

PNG’s Legal Training Institute (LTI), in collaboration with Australia’s Victorian Bar recently, completed its most recent course on Civil and Criminal Advocacy. The workshop was supported by the Australian Government through the PNG-Australia Partnership and provided LTI students with the practical skills and knowledge they need to be effective courtroom advocates in civil and criminal law matters. This year saw the highest number of students involved with over 150 participating, 50 percent of those being women. Chief Justice Sir Gibuma Gibba Salika opened the workshop and told the students “Listen and learn, the sessions will be intense so be prepared and learn as much as you can.” “You will take part in mock court room cross examinations, getting your facts right is important so know your facts well to present to the court, and actively participate in discussions.” The five-day training was facilitated by members of the Victorian Bar (Australia), the LTI team and the Papua New Guinea Law Society. The 14-member Victorian Bar team that travelled to Port Moresby for the workshop included retired President of the Supreme Court of Appeal of Victoria, Honourable Chris Maxwell AC KC, and retired Victoria Supreme Court Judge, Honourable Peter Riordan and 11 experienced barristers. During the week, students engaged in a range of activities, including interactive sessions and practical courtroom scenarios with accomplished trainers and legal practitioners. The experience provided participants with invaluable insights into case analysis, evidence presentation, effective communication, and persuasive techniques. Vavine Sere was one such student, identifying the practical court sessions as her main highlight. “I learnt so much during the practical court sessions.” “They gave us problems and we had to work out how we would present in court to argue our client’s case.” “Some days we acted as the prosecutor and some days as the defence, and we got good feedback from the presenters so that really helped me learn.” “It’s a lifelong skill that we must perfect, and this week has been a very good start for me.” The increased participation of women continues to strengthen the legal profession in PNG with a greater diversity in legal decision-making and representation. The week also highlighted the continuing strong relationship between LTI and the Victorian Bar with workshops being held annually since 1990 thanks to support from the Australian Government through the PNG- Australia Partnership.

The National Department of Health (NDOH) Secretary, Dr. Osbourne Liko is making a call to the public to report health workers involved in harmful practices such as penile (penis) injection with oil to increase its size. The NDOH through the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Nursing Council and Medical Board of PNG has said no health worker should be involved in such practices. This call came about after revelations were made by doctors at a recent panel discussion on penile fibroma or ‘cobra head’ hosted by UNFPA in Port Moresby, which revealed that the number of men suffering from penile fibroma are rising rapidly and putting pressure on the health system in the country. It was revealed that some health workers are charging between K200 to K300 to perform the penis injections with all sorts of oil on men. He said that the PNG Nursing Council and Medical Board of PNG are the two regulatory bodies of the health sector in the country that have both condemned this illegal practice and have appealed to those who have information to report to the regulating bodies. “The regulatory authorities have said that some health care workers are being paid to inject all types of oil into the penis of young men and boys in PNG.” “Such practices are dangerous and harmful to their bodies.” “The public must report any health care workers, such as nurses or community health workers who are performing the procedure to the PNG Nursing Council and Medical Board, so those who are responsible in causing harm to the males can be deregistered immediately according to the Medical Registration Act 1980.” Those who have information can report to the PNG Nursing Council on email: nursing_council@health.gov.pg or call the landline 3013799; and the PNG medical Board on email florie_kaupueina@health.gov.pg or call its landline 3013813.

The Koki community in the Moresby South electorate of Port Moresby city, now has a new police station to help them clamp down crime in the area that is notorious for ethnic clashes and riots. National Capital District (NCD) Metropolitan Superintendent, Silva Sika said that the opening of the new police station can now deal with law and order in the community. “You do not need to go to the town police station or the Badili police station to place reports on crimes in the area.” “You now have a police station at your doorstep.” Sika said that Port Moresby is the face of the country and right now, Koki and Badili are the worst with law and order issues and he is looking for ways on how to address this issue. Met. Supt. Sika said a lot of the youths just hang around at the bus stop and snatch bags and this has to stop. This is the picture that is painted for Koki. “Parents and guardians need to be responsible and take care of children and youths in their care. People need to change their mindsets; enough is enough.” “The number of deaths in Koki has increased a lot in the last few months and this is not good.” He said that with the new police station, he will be beefing up police presence in the area. He also wants the youths to get behind the effort and do something positive, so Koki can be a safe community once again. The new police station will have 6 officers per shift rotation and the cell can hold up to 20 people. It also has a proper changing room for the police officers to use when coming on for their shift. The police station will be under the command of Sergeant Vitus Karakuan. Meanwhile, during the opening, the Moresby South MP, Justin Tkatchenko presented a Laptop to the station commander for him to do his work and for keeping updated reports for Moresby south. Tkatchenko said that he was really happy with the station building and he hopes that this new facility will encourage the community to work together with the police to maintain peace in the community. He thanked the NCD Met. Supt. and the Internal Security Minister for their continuous support and hopes that they can continue to work together for a safe Koki.

The SP PNG Hunters couldn’t claim a win over premiership leaders Burleigh Bears in Round 17 of the QRL Hostplus Cup, falling short 30-22. Despite the end result though, the Hunters impressed going toe-to-toe with one of the competition heavyweights. The Bears played with an attacking mindset right from the get go, kicking short off the tee to regather and immediately apply some early pressure to the Hunters line. The Hunters defended the opening sets strongly but as fatigue set in Burleigh quickly took their advantage. After 15 minutes play time, the Bears led the Hunters 12-0. Despite being on the wrong end of the possession and field position stats, the Hunters threatened with their limited opportunities. They made half breaks in consecutive exit sets only for some desperate scramble defence from the Bears to force an error on three occasions, stifling PNG’s momentum. It looked like the Bears would extend their lead when a late offload was knocked forwards by a Hunters defender, but the home side muscled up on their own line to turn the visitors away. A huge shot from Rodrick Tai –who flew in from his center position to shut a Bears backline movement down –saved the day for the Hunters on this occasion. Having absorbed a mountain of pressure inside the opening 20 minutes, the Hunters impressed to keep the Bears to just 12 points and they finally got reward for effort in the 26th minute. Some astute rotations from Head Coach Stanley Tepend saw Casey Dickson and Sanny Wabo enter the fray and immediately make an impact on the game. With all the momentum and possession heading into the break, the visitors cracked under the pressure in the seconds before halftime to gift the Hunters a shot at goal after the siren. Morea nailed his assignment to level things up at 12-all after 40 minutes played. With 17 minutes left to go in the second half, the bears led 22-12. Down on the scoreboard and with time against them, the Hunters flexed their muscles and showed their class to claw themselves back into the contest. The SP PNG Hunters showed incredible resilience and patience under pressure to withstand the Bears attack for extended periods in both halves. They refused to make it easy for the visitors and brought the crowd to life in the dying stages with an inspired comeback. Although the end result is disappointing, this performance highlights the Hunters considerable improvements this season. While it’s easy to just look at the wins and losses column when gauging performance, Hunters fans must stay patient and trust the process. There are genuine signs this season that the Hunters are trending in the right direction and this narrow loss to the Bears is the latest evidence. With Junior Rop and Sherwin Tanabai due to return after the bye, the Hunters now look towards a final block of four games leading into the finals series. The Tigers, Dolphins, Blackhawks and Devils await the PNG based club as they aim to finish their 2023 campaign on a high. Burleigh Bears 30 def. SP PNG Hunters 22

SP PNG Hunters Head Coach Stanley Tepend was delighted with last week’s performance and is eager to host the Burleigh Bears on Saturday. “We’re all really looking forward to the challenge,” said Tepend. “We’ve been good the last few weeks and it’s a great test for us to go up against one of the competition heavyweights.” “They got the best of us earlier in the season and we’re excited for the chance to get some payback on home soil this weekend.” Tepend paid tribute to his team’s improvements over the last few weeks and is excited for what lies ahead. “I think the boys have done well to embrace the grind over the last few weeks.” “We’re playing with more resilience and are keeping calm and composed under pressure.” “It’s been good to see the players working together on and off the field, sticking to our systems and maintaining our discipline.” “We’re not training or playing any harder, we’re just doing everything with more smarts and awareness.” “The boys are starting to get a better understanding of what works for us and what’s required at this level.” Coach Tepend added, “The Bears will be a great challenge for us this weekend.”

BSP Financial Group Limited is continuing its support for the PNG Cancer Foundation Trupla Man Outreach Prevention & Education Program this year with another K20, 000. The Trupla Man Outreach Prevention & Education Program is focused on encouraging the conversation of health and lifestyle choices among menfolk with the aim of raising awareness on men’s cancer and cancer presentations. BSP Corporate Sponsorship Manager Amelia Minnopu when handing over the cheque said that the bank recognises the health issues faced by men in PNG and are grateful for the work that the PNG Cancer Foundation does in the communities. “The awareness is crucial, as we know that early detection can save lives.” “We believe our support not only will help people gain information and support they need to adopt healthy lifestyles but make important choices that help reduces cancer risk in communities and the country.” PNG Cancer Foundation Executive Manager Ms Priscillar Napoleon acknowledged BSP for the continued support saying that PNGCF is grateful that BSP continues to support and show good faith since 2019 for the foundation's core activities under cancer awareness, particularly the Trupela Man Outreach Program and the annual Pinktober Women's Health Awareness campaign in October. “We recognize BSP as a champion-advocate in helping us to build a bolder cancer prevention campaign in PNG.” “This year, BSP’s support will assist the foundation to conduct its schedule of the Trupela Man program which will include two public events and one school-based program within the next 12 months.” “The TMOPEP promotes our Mausgras campaign, usually observed throughout November each year, with the aim of normalizing the conversation of men's health and cancer awareness guided by the important message of making healthy lifestyle choices including the commitment to regular health checkups.” “Our awareness campaigns are backed by the WHO's finding that up to one-third of cancer cases can be prevented through healthier lifestyle choices.” BSP’s support to the PNGCF’s Trupla Man Outreach Prevention & Education Program is not only limited to the program but nonetheless, BSP staff annually supported PNGCF’s annual programs like the Women’s Health Awareness Campaign - “Pinktober” that runs yearly in the month of October and through fundraising breakfasts and wearing pink in the month of October to raise awareness on Cancer. The other support includes the Movember - Men’s Cancer Awareness Campaign.