PNG Haus Bung

TRIBUTE BY NCD GOVERNOR POWES PARKOP Sir Michael Thomas Somare, hundreds of thousands of words have been published and 100’s and thousands more have been spoken about you since your passing but none of them were really quite adequate. Words cannot adequately describe all you have achieved and the sense of loss we are all feeling at your passing. Sir Michael Thomas Somare lived a life of sacrifice for a greater cause and service towards bettering a young nation, as flawed as it may seem then to our colonizers, but a nation he nonetheless believed in, loved, honored and eventually freed. This courageous visionary man who brought independence and freedom which we have enjoyed for the past 45 years is no ordinary man. A country may be filled with ups and downs, differences in political ideologies and legislative products but it’s foundation will never be weaken if it was laid right from the start. Grand Chief was the master architect and engineer who got it right from the beginning. Despite all that we have witnessed, his vision and his deep love for our country remained steadfast and remains the rock of our nation Today as a nation, we have lost a great grand chief who understood the institution of independence and democracy, glorified its overwhelming responsibilities and discharged his duties with passion, humility, love for God and family, respect for traditions and pasin tumbuna and inspired everyone, from the young to the old, all the same. Grand Chief was all of that and more. He was a man filled with a joy of giving. Giving love, giving advice, having faith and most importantly, giving forgiveness for he knew, the diversity of our cultures meant that differences could not be avoided. Forgiveness and understanding were his greatest traits that we all can learn from. He was a husband to one, a father to many. He is a role model and a legend of our times, the Great Grand Chief. A humble man full of love, strength of character and such an encouragement to us all. In life and now even in death, you have united us all. I remember the day in 2010 when he invited me up to his house at 4 mile hill and himself and Lady Veronica were sharing their insights and visions for the development of our capital city. This was the capital city he chose, so naturally he had deep concerns about its welfare too. After talking about the entire City, he then told me to look down the hill pointing to all his neighbors who were not looking after their yard, no landscaping and some were a mess. You got to fix this Governor. Help our people to change their attitudes and their mindsets, and I told him I would do my best. He envisioned the capital city and its people to live healthy, wealthy, smart and wise, as outlined in the vision 2050 that he himself helped to create. That conversation further strengthened my visions and plans for our city. It was a great privilege and honour to enter Parliament during his time as Prime Minister and although I was in the opposition, we all admired him and he had the greatest respect for everyone. He was resourceful and optimistic especially about Papua New Guinea and its future. Many thought and fought against the idea of Independence. But freedom is a birthright of everyone. And while our freedom was ruled and governed by someone else, our Grand Chief returned that freedom back to us and today we are free in the glory of the uniqueness of who we are as a nation of a 1000 tribes and 860 languages. For that I am truly grateful. We are all grateful! I join the people of our capital city in saluting you and thanking you Grand Chief for your life, your passion, conviction, dedication, confidence and faith in our ability to build a nation and unite us all as one people, one nation and one country. We thank you Grand Chief for the legacy and lessons that you have left with us. To alway be friendly; to be peaceful and promote peace; to alway have faith and believe in God; to live purposeful and useful lives, to promote Unity of our country and our people and to see our diversity as an asset and not a liability. But most of all you taught us to live our lives serving the highest good of all. These are values and virtues we will hold dearly. Grand Chief you a legend and legends never die. You will live forever. To Lady Veronica, Bertha, Arthur, Sana, Micheal Junior and Dulciana, all grandchildren and extended family, do not fear that your husband and father and grandfather will just be a figure in our history books. Many people are working to make Grand Chief’s memory alive and as for me, as Governor of NCD, I have already told the Prime Minister, that we will give the land next to the parliament at the Independence Boulevard to be turned into Somare Peace and Unity Park. This will be the most appropriate memorial to be created in his honor as the Sana of our country. Together with the National Government, we will construct a statue of the Grand Chief that will hold a deep meaning to his aspirations to our country. He will be forever remembered and immortalized for generations to come. On behalf of the people of NCD, my family, I extend our deepest condolences to the greater Papua New Guinea family for the loss of our Founding Father the Great Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare. Thank you for giving us the Papua New Guinea that we will treasure and honor for the rest of our living generations. Bamahuta Grand Chief, Emau, Aioni, Pupyo, Wakai Weh, Pupe Oh, Paiye, Kalau Nau ki piram Topalangat, O mem, Odi nugal ee, Siman Guan, au wooh, Ari Nam nufan bini Paramount Chief, Kukurai e kol Asi, Kune wa, Wa wa wa wa! Thank you and God Bless Papua New Guinea Co-host of National Haus Krai and NCD governor Powes Parkop

Athletics PNG’s Kerowagi based distance training squad for the World Cross Country Championshipsand Pacific Mini Games next year had their first competition last weekend at the National SportsInstitute in Goroka. The athletes were really looking forward to their first trip out of town after three months of solid training. George Yamak was in very good form and with Siune Kagl and Israel Takap having returned to school in East New Britain , Yamak had too much pace in the 1500m for the rest of the field and was a runaway winner in 4min 15.3 secs. There was however a great battle for second between Abel Siune , Wilford Baia and Aquila Turalom, with the WNB athlete prevailing. Yamak also won the 3000m in 9min 32.6 secs , though this was a closer race with Wilford Baia finishing right behind Yamak in 9min 33.4 and 10000m specialist Dilu Goiye third. In the womens events the standout performer was Cecilia Kuman who won the 1500m in 5min 36.8 secs and set a good pace on the heavy track in the 3000m before fading in the last kilometre, leaving Anna Toby to fight it out with Mary Kua. Kuman was the SP Junior Female Athlete of the Year in 2013 following her resounding success at the 2012 PNG Games in which she totally dominated the distance events. Kuman dropped out of the sport in 2015 after not making the team for the Pacific Games. She is however a native of Kerowagi and jumped at the opportunity to get back into running again when the programme was established. Athletics officials were also pleased to see 2015 Games representative Mary Kua showing improved form , finishing second in both 1500m and 3000. The next competition scheduled for the athletes is the Athletics PNG Grand Prix Series in Port Moresby during the first term school holiday. However with the current situation caused by the pandemic, organisers are braced for some possible interruption to the calendar.

The State Funeral of Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare is currently underway at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium in Port Moresby. Main celebrant at the of the Holy Mass and State Funeral is PNG Cardinal and Archbishop of Port Moresby His Eminence Sir John Ribat. The theme of the State Funeral is "One nation, One people of God." Today also has been set aside as a public holiday endorsed by the Government of Papua New Guinea in honour of the Late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare. Below are pictures from the State Funeral. More updates and pictures to follow.

The State Funeral Program of late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare is now underway at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium in Port Moresby. A record crowd is seated within the arena including delegates while a huge crowd in the hundreds waiting outside the stadium have been refused entry as the stadium reached its full capacity. The casket came in a motorcade from the Funeral Home at Erima and escorted into the venue by the joint forces from the Royal Papua New Guinea constabulary, PNG Correction Services and PNG Defense Force. The casket of Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare now lies in the main arena on a special built alter before the crowd, as Cardinal and Metropolitan Archbishop of Port Moresby His Eminence Sir John Ribat leads the funeral service.

A TRIBUTE AND CONDOLENCE MESSAGE During Parliamentary Funeral Service of the late founding father Grand Chief Right Honourable Sir Michael Thomas Somare GCL GCMG CH CF SSI KSG PC ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ by Hon Samuel H Basil, MP Member for Bulolo Deputy Prime Minister Minister for Commerce and Industry Mr Speaker Kindly through you, let me acknowledge the presence of Our Honourable Prime MinisterFellow MinistersColleague Members of Parliament Let me also warmly acknowledge the presence of His Excellency Sir Bob Dade, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth Second’s Representative as our Head of State; and Chief Justice, Sir Gibbs Salika and our Justices of the Supreme Court and National Court As Member for Bulolo, Parliamentary Leader of United Labour Party, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Commerce and Industry: I am humbled to rise today and to speak on this occasion especially amid the dignified presence of this august and solemn assembly. It is not often that one stands in the shadow of earthly greatness. We are gathered here to honour the greatest leader our 45-year-old sovereign state has ever produced. The amazing thing is that this greater leader we honour today is the spearhead, in securing the independence of the Sovereign State of Papua New Guinea. He is the principal leader and the driving force, our champion, even our hero, in building the many institutions that we now enjoy and often take for granted. It was then Hon Michael Thomas Somare that led the team, and the process, from the House of Assembly in 1960’s to Self Government in 1973 and then to independence on 16th September 1975. The historical record of the achievements of the Grand Chief, Right Honourable, Sir Michael Thomas Somare, GCL GCMG CH CF SSI KSG PC is attached and has become an important litany over the last two weeks since he left us bereaved on Friday, 26th February 2021. When I was informed about the sad news of our founding father’s passing, I was among East New Britain people being graciously adopted into one of the Tolai clans or “vunatarais” … of the Matupit people. Noting his birthplace, and his own adoption into another of these Matupit “vunatarais”, there were many solemn whispers using his Tolai name: “ToPalangai has gone to join our forefathers”. But Mr Speaker, let me reiterate: Sir Michael was not just a national leader, but a global leader, a leader of leaders. He can stand tall with the likes of Lee Kuan Yu of Singapore, Mahatma Ghandi of India and Nelson Mandela. But to us, Papua New Guineans, this Sana from Murik Lakes, Angoram, our founding father, is incomparable. He is the only one. He stands apart. He is special. He is dear to all our hearts. And rightly so. Let me place on record, my thanks and that - I am sure - of many Papua New Guineans… to my brothers and sisters from East Sepik: Thank you for sharing your son, your father, your leader with us all Papua New Guineans. Many forget that Papua New Guinea, with its 800 plus languages, home to one sixth of the total 6,700 languages globally, is possibly one of the most linguistically diverse countries in the world. Each of the language groups are comprised of our many varied tribes and clans. Each is a nation on its own. Sir Michael, and other founding fathers, did not just have to contend with the colonialists. They had to deal with the many domestic, diverse and multi-ethnic, multi-linguistic differences; and the natural suspicions … that come with new initiatives. They had to contend with wide ranging illiteracy - with the uneducated as the majority; And they had to contend with advanced self-determination sentiments of Bougainvilleans… and Papuans. But their collective efforts, led by the founding father who lies before us, is why we seat in dignity; is why we seat in solemn respect in this Supreme Democratic Institution – the National Parliament as: Members of the Executive Government;Members of the Legislature withJudges from the Judiciary arm of Government. Mr Speaker, The Hansard Records of this Honourable House will show the many embarrassing clashes, debates, near physical fights as well as the progressive decisions on policies and legislations made by, and in this, National Parliament. I recall some instances … when I was directly involved. Two that come to mind, with sadness and great regret, were with Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare: Once, during the intensity and heat of the moment, I used some insulting words to then Member for Angoram Hon Arthur Somare. That naturally drew the ire of Grand Chief obviously as a father who traded back with threatening words. Both exchanges, while covered by parliamentary privilege, were regrettably unparliamentary. Another, arose when I was part of this House in 2011 that referred to the Grand Chief as a “Stranger in the House” based on a Parliament vote after his return from Singapore. I recall he had been bed-bound for nearly five months. That vote by Parliament on his ousting – and his Prime Ministership - were later ruled out by the Courts. I want to assure this Honourable House – and the general public - that Grand Chief and I later reconciled and made our peace, together with the Member for Vanimo-Green Hon Belden Namah, who was my PNG Party Parliamentary Leader when those events occurred. The fruit of that reconciliation is shown in two ways: by the Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare’s handing over of the Pangu Pati flag – when I sought his blessing – to resurrect that National Iconic Party in 2017. And in campaigning side by side with the Grand Chief in East Sepik for his daughter and my then Pangu Pati candidate, Ms Dulciana Somare-Brash in 2017. Ms Somare continues to be one of my valued advisors as I served in the: Ministry of Communications, Information Technology and Energy; Ministry of Treasury; Ministry of National Planning; and now asDeputy Prime Minister and in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry Mr Speaker, I want to re-state that: Grand Chief Sir Michael’s association with Bulolo and even down to my own Buang LLG, descends down historical memory lane to Moneyau – where Pangu Pati was born as the first political party of our country. It extends to strong ties and friendships with many Morobe Leaders including Boyamo Sali, Jerry Nalau, Titi Christian, and three-term Bulolo MP, Hon Mathew Bendumb. It embraces Sir Michael’s three terms as Prime Minister with support from Bulolo and Morobe MPs together with many Momase, Islands, Highlands and Papuan MPs. One of the things, I noticed is that the Sir Michael, not only was a national leader and global leader. He had a personal touch - with an extra large heart - that forgives and let bygones be bygones. He has rightly and truly earned and deserving of the title “Father of Papua New Guinea”. This should therefore be immortalised in our historical records. With those few words… on behalf of: the ULP MPs representing the districts of Kagua-Erave, North Waghi, Lufa, Markham, Sumkar, Rai Coast, Kiriwina-Goodenough and their people;the unions affiliates and members nationwide,the Department of Commerce and Industry and the Commercial Statutory Authorities;my own Bulolo people, my family and staff: I extend again our heart-felt condolences to Lady Veronica Somare, Bertha, Arthur, Sana, Michael jr, Dulciana, and all the extended family members. I salute the Grand Chief Right Honourable Sir Michael Thomas Somare; Thank you, Sir. Farewell. And rest in God’s eternal peace.

Eighty-four new cases of COVID-19 were reported on Wednesday, bringing the total number of COVID-19 cases in PNG to 1,819. Seventy-two of those new cases were reported in the National Capital District. The isolation ward for patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) at the Port Moresby General Hospital is full and many hospital staff are among the many already sick with COVID-19. Long-time staff and senior gynecologist at the hospital Professor Glen Mola has posted on social media appealing to the people to listen and take heed of the health measures in the Niupela Pasin, saying the hospital COVID-19 ward is full. "Patients are dying of COVID-19 every day. We are trying to look after COVID-19 patients in other wards because there is no space in the COVID ward,” Professor Mola said. Prof Mola said in the maternity wing alone, 20 percent of women presenting with pregnancy problems or are in labor are testing positive with COVID-19. Furthermore, he said while health workers are attending to patients they themselves are getting infected with COVID-19. Last week, 10 of them had to be isolated and if this trend continues it could lead to serious problems such as the closure of the hospital which will lead to chaos. Similar comments by other hospital staff were made, including those at the Accident and Emergency. They said the cases being seen are more serious than what they saw last year. Papua New Guinea reported 84 new cases on Wednesday 10th of March, 2021, increasing the total confirmed cases to 1,819. The total confirmed number of deaths remain at 21. Of the 84 new cases, 72 are from the National Capital District. The other 12 cases reported from: Morobe – 2; East New Britain – 1; EHP – 3; and Enga which reported 6 cases. The total confirmed cases for all the provinces that have so far reported cases are now as follows. · NCD – 830 · Western – 324 · West New Britain – 197 · West Sepik – 159 · Morobe – 55 · Madang – 43 · Autonomous Region of Bougainville – 39 · East New Britain – 39 · Eastern Highlands – 27 · Western Highlands – 24 · New Ireland Province – 23 · Central – 20 · East Sepik – 15 · Enga – 10 · Jiwaka – 8 · Southern Highlands – 3 · Milne Bay – 2 · Hela – 1 The Controller of the National Pandemic Response and Police Commissioner Mr David Manning has appealed to people to adhere to the New Normal or Niupela Pasin. These includes wearing facemasks at all times in the public, avoiding crowded places, practicing physical distance by standing or sitting 1.5m to 2m from the next person, covering your cough and washing hands often. If there is no water, use sanitizers if you have them. Mr Manning has also appealed to people to avoid going out of the home if they are feeling unwell as they could be infected and pass the infection to others. Globally, the total confirmed cases has reached 116,874,912 by Wednesday, of which 2,597,381 have died. The new deaths reported on Wednesday 10th of March was 6,573.

This news just in! 84 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of COVID-19 cases in PNG to 1,819. 72 of those new cases were reported in NCD. The isolation ward for patients with COVID-19 at the Port Moresby General Hospital is full and many hospital staff are among the many already sick with COVID-19. The other 12 cases reported from: Morobe – 2; East New Britain – 1; EHP – 3; and Enga which reported 6 cases. Keep practicing your safe hygiene measures, listen to the news on this station and follow our news website pnghausbung.com for more on this story.

The Office of the Public Solicitor (OPS) has reformed its operations to improve citizens’ access to justice. Despite disruptions caused by COVID-19, the office took on more than 3300 active cases in 2020 – more than double the number it handled four years ago. Figures compiled by the OPS show its lawyers opened 1274 new civil cases, 948 new criminal cases and 99 new land files last year alone. Additionally, OPS has enhanced its legal aid service to increase citizens’ access to justice regardless of their financial position. These changes were made possible following an extensive restructure undertaken over four years, with support from the Papua New Guinea-Australia Partnership. This boosted efficiency and directed more resources to frontline services, such as legal aid. Public Solicitor Leslie Mamu said it was rewarding to see the significant improvement in the service provided by the OPS. “Since 2017, the Office has undergone a difficult process of reform, but we are now seeing the fruits of all that effort,” Mr Mamu said. “The OPS has an essential role to play in PNG’s legal system to ensure that people everywhere can access legal advice and support they need. The data show that this Office is now better placed to meet this need. Providing legal aid is about providing all citizens with access to justice.” Under these reforms, more lawyers and staff have been hired, specialist areas such as family law and a Land Division have been established and a centralised case database developed. All 19 provincial Branch Offices and Legal Aid Desks have been re-opened and a dedicated network connecting provincial offices with OPS national headquarters has been installed. Reforms to improve the quality and accessibility of legal aid are part of Australia’s support for more accountable, legitimate and responsive law and justice agencies and services in PNG.

The government of Papua New Guinea (PNG) this week signed off on the regulatory approval needed for the COVAX Facility to bring in the COVID-19 vaccines to PNG. The National Department of Health with support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF is now preparing to receive the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine and is making detailed plans for its deployment and use across the country. The AstraZeneca vaccine is one of two vaccines granted Emergency Use Listing (EUL) by WHO. It has beengranted approval for emergency use by stringent regulatory authorities of United Kingdom, EuropeanUnion and Australia. It is currently being used in Europe, UK, and India and millions of doses have beensafely administered. The full treatment regimen is 2 doses separated by 8 weeks to 12 weeks’ time. It isadministered by injection in the arm. PNG will receive a total of 588,000 doses of the AstraZeneca (AZ) vaccine before end of June 2021 from the first allocation. The vaccine will be shipped to PNG in two shipments: the 1st shipment of 288,000 doses is expected to arrive sometime between end of March to April and the second shipment with the remaining 300,000 doses will arrive between May and June of this year. These vaccines will be used to vaccinate health care workers and other essential workers that constitute ~3% of the total population. The tentative date of vaccination will be end of April or beginning of May. Frontline essential health workers would be vaccinated first, with the initial allocation of vaccine by the end of June, followed by the most vulnerable including those with co-morbidities and older persons in the second half of the year. “We are requesting every province to determine the number of these essential workers in their provinceso a distribution plan can be made for the vaccine once it arrives,” said Secretary for Health, Dr OsborneLiko. “Once this phase is completed then we will move to the second phase, in the second half of the year,in which we vaccinate the most vulnerable including those with co-morbidities and older persons”.Dr Liko said: “It must be emphasized that even with the vaccine, we must maintain and strengthen publichealth measures that work like: face masking, physical distancing, frequent handwashing, respiratory andcough hygiene, avoiding crowds, and ensuring good ventilation.” As long as the virus is circulating, everyone remains at risk. The challenge is to ensure everyone understands that the risk is not over. The NDOH has cautioned that COVID-19 is going to remain for the foreseeable future and decision-makers and the public must remain vigilant, as well as follow Niupela Pasin protective measures in order to protect themselves and others.

Papua New Guinea reported 49 new cases of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on Tuesday 9th of March, increasing the country’s total number to 1,741. The cases were reported in five provinces including Jiwaka which reported eight new cases of which three are males and five females between the ages of 20 to 60 years. Five cases were showing symptoms of COVID-19 at the time of testing. Morobe reported two new cases of which one is a male and the other is a female, ages 52 years to 58. All two cases were showing symptoms of COVID-19 at the time of testing. NCD reported 30 new cases of which 17 are males and 12 females between the ages of ten years to 70. Nineteen cases showed symptoms of COVID-19 whilst 11 were asymptomatic at the time of testing. Western Highlands reported eight new cases of which six are males and two are females between the ages of 38 years to 53. All eight cases did not show symptoms of COVID-19 at the time of testing but swab samples returned otherwise. West New Britain reported a single case. A 25 year old female from Talasea district was showing symptoms of COVID-19 at the time of testing. The country’s COVID-19 cases as a result stands at 1,741 with 21 known deaths. Eighteen provinces including the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB) have reported cases. The distribution of the cases is as follows: Provinces                 Confirmed Cases NCD                               761 Western Province           324 West New Britain            197 West Sepik                     159 Morobe                             53 Madang                            43 AROB                               39 East New Britain               38 Western Highlands            27 Eastern Highlands             24 New Ireland                       23 Central                               20 East Sepik                         15 Jiwaka                                 8 Enga                                    4 SHP                                     3 Milne Bay                             2 Hela                                     1 TOTAL                           1,741 Globally, the total confirmed cases of COVID-19 has reached 116,521,281 including 354,629 new cases reported on Tuesday 9th of March. The global death toll is 2,589,548 of which 7,020 were reported in one day.

9 year old Oliver Alexis Kassman, may have had little to no memories of the Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, but he knew at heart that the man the whole country was mourning, had to be someone highly respectable and above reproach. Little Oliver heard of the idea of lighting and raising lanterns on the night of the state burial to honour the Late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, but had a totally different approach; and thought, what a better way to farewell the founding father, whom he has never met in person, by planting trees during the national haus krai period. Oliver is the last from a family of five, and attends Gordon's International School in Port Moresby. He resides at Gereka just 13km outside of Port Moresby with his parents. He developed a hobby of growing and selling Okari (Terminalia kaernbachii) trees during the first lock down the country went through, in the hope it would help pay for his schools fees later on in the future. It’s not usual that to see little kids in our community engage themselves in such activities to help sustain livelihoods and also to keep them busy apart from school and hanging out with our friends especially at an age of nine (9). Hailing from a mixed parentage of Central, Philippines and Indonesian, the idea came to him during the initial COVID-19 lock down when he was taken out of school for his safety; that triggered the idea to start up his small SME. Oliver’s dad, Mr Edward Kassman said for the sake of the environment, planting a lot of trees will be beneficial because it will in return provide us with food, shade and most of all breathable oxygen. Oliver started selling his nursery plantings in October last year and his reason for growing these trees is to make the yard cooler to provide shade and also the nut is edible which little kids enjoy. When asked what he wanted to do with the money that he saved, little Oliver proudly said apart from paying for his fees, he wanted to build a big house for his mum one day. Oliver has big dreams and hopes he can be able to travel the world one day to learn more about planting, nurturing, safe guarding and most importantly how he can grow his business. Oliver is selling his Okari Trees for K1.00 and interested customers willing to help him by purchasing a tree can contact his Dad (Edward Rsj Kassman) on Facebook.

At the close of nomination last week Thursday 4th of March 2021 at 4:00 pm, saw a total of 42 candidates nominated to contest the Moresby North West Open electorate By - Election. Eleven (11) nominees contested under a Party banner while the rest as independent candidates. Amongst the male contestants was a lone female candidate and former Community Development Secretary Anna Kavana Bais who was endorsed under the People’s party political banner. The order of draw was deferred to 18th of March 2021. As result the candidates are not allocated with their Box numbers, hence they must not host any campaign until their box number are assigned to them on the  18th of March. The reasons behind the deferral was because of the recent upsurge of Covid – 19 cases in the city and the reverence to late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare as the nation is at two weeks of mourning. The final total number of candidates that nominated at the close of nominations on Thursday 4th of March 2021 at 4:00 pm are as follows:  Name of CandidateGender (M/F)Political Party Endorsement & NameProfession /Occupation1KOROWA POKEYAMCHRISTIAN DEMOCRATIC PARTYTEACHER/LECTURER2BENJAMIN MICHAEL LOIMINDEPENDENTSELF EMPLOYED3JOHN ENDEMONGO KUAMINDEPENDENTSELF EMPLOYED4SEGIE OTIOMINDEPENDENTICT MANAGER5THADDEUS KAMBANEIMNEW GENERATION PARTYACCOUNTANT6PHILIP WARINIKIMINDEPENDENTLAWYER7ANNA KAVANA BAISFPEOPLES PARTY INCSELF EMPLOYED8MARTIN PIASONMINDEPENDENTACCOUNTANT9WALTER YANGOMINAMINDEPENDENTEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR10FRANCIS NIEL TANGAMNATION'S INTEREST PARTYSELF EMPLOYED11EMMANUEL ISAACMINDEPENDENTLAWYER12TOGARO ASIBAMOUR DEVELOPMENT PARTYSELF EMPLOYED13ANDREW KULAI.TAMBIRIMINDEPENDENTSELF EMPLOYED14KAPI MALIPUMINDEPENDENTCONSULTANT15PETER APAMINDEPENDENTGRAPHICS DESIGNER16WANPIS HENRYMINDEPENDENTSELF EMPLOYED17GABRIEL PEPSONMINDEPENDENTFORMER DIPLOMAT18RONNEY TENGEREMINDEPENDENTCHAIRMAN19MICHAEL BADUIMINDEPENDENTSELF EMPLOYED20NISIA LIMBAOMINDEPENDENTSTUDENT21LOHIA BOE SAMUELMPANGU PARTYMANAGING DIRECTOR22LAPAN LIMS MIRUPASIMINDEPENDENTGENERAL MANAGER23JACKSON KIAKARIMINDEPENDENTSELF EMPLOYED24JOE TONDEMUNITED LABOUR PARTYSELF EMPLOYED25NEWMAN PILYO FREEMAN MAEOKALIMINDEPENDENTSTUDENT26MICHAEL OKIMINDEPENDENTECONOMIST27ROSS ORO MIVAMINDEPENDENTCONSULTANT28LESLIE ALUMPNG PARTYSELF EMPLOYED29SIR ARNOLD AMETMALLEGIANCE PARTY INCONSULTANT30VINCENT CHARKLIN.A.PINGIMINDEPENDENTACCOUNTANT31JENOP SAMOMINDEPENDENTSELF EMPLOYED32CYRIL REMBAME AMEMMELANASIAN LIBERAL PARTYLAWYER33PAUL PETER MASTAMPEOPLES RESOURCES AWARENESS PARTYLEGAL PRACTITIONER34PALA BOND GAUDIMINDEPENDENTGEOLOGIST/PASTOR35SENGOL A PARKOPMINDEPENDENTSELF EMPLOYED36ANDY NENTIPAMINDEPENDENTSELF EMPLOYED37LEO MAURICE UARI LEVOMINDEPENDENTMANAGING DIRECTOR38BOB SIAPEMINDEPENDENTSELF EMPLOYED39ZECHARIAH YAKAPMINDEPENDENTPETROLEUM ENGINEER40DARRYL KAMENMINDEPENDENTLAWYER41JOSHUA ENOCK TAMI BUIMINDEPENDENTAIRCRAFT ENGINEER42ENOCH LEPATUMINDEPENDENTCIVIL WORKS SUPERVISOR Polling for Moresby North West By – Election starts on 15th May and ends on 29th  May, while counting will be for 21 days starting before 31st May. Writ will be returned on or before 10th June 2021 to officially conclude the by-election. Meanwhile, with the alarming surge of new Covid-19 cases in NCD (706) thus bringing the national total of confirmed cases to 1670 as of 7th March 2021, I strongly appeal to the public, especially candidates, supporters and voters to strictly observe all Covid 19 measures at this time. A Covid – 19 officer will be included in the polling team to ensure voters follow precautionary measures during polling. In addition PNGEC and National Control center (NCC) for Covid 19 had held consultation on how both parties can work together to train officers and deliver Covid 19 safety awareness messages to voters during this election period. “I will issue specific instructions to the Returning Officer, Assistant Returning Officers and Temporary Electoral Workers (TEWs) to abide by the mandatory requirements in wearing face masks, observe and apply physical distancing, personal hygiene and keeping crowds to no more than 100 persons during the election process.”