Almost 700 city residents clad in courageous red t-shirts gathered today at 5.30am for the Walk & Yoga For Life 2023 Launching. NCDC Active City Development launches Walk & Yoga for Life 2023 to open the 2023 activities for the year and to start the year’s programs with the first event, Walk for Love, from 5:30am to 8:30am from Ela Beach to Sir Hubert Murray Stadium. [caption id="attachment_36506" align="aligncenter" width="1068"] Photo Courtesy: Active City Development Program[/caption] The Walk for Life is a simple way for people of all ages to get involved by actively demonstrating support for the value of human life – and a desire to make a difference in the lives of women, men, youth and children in the community. By walking, each person is helping the NCDC and its program ACDP advance its mission to cultivate a community that values a healthy, happy and safe life. “I am happy to acknowledge on this 9th year of Walk & Yoga for Life; I see both old and new faces joining our walk today. Special mention to our Governor of NCD Powes Parkop for believing in us and always supporting our work, Communities & Community Leaders, Sporting Codes; Weightlifting, Boxing, and Rugby 9s Reps and Dr Sevil Huseynova, WHO Country Representative for Papua New Guinea who has joined us today.” shared Founder & Director of ACDP, Ms Fazilah Bazari. [caption id="attachment_36507" align="aligncenter" width="1068"] Photo Courtesy: Active City Development Program[/caption] Returning to work after medical leave, the Governor of NCD, Powes Parkop, shared how grateful he is to be alive and reminded everyone of his three key learning from his recent experience, “(1) Health is very important, Health is Wealth, (2) Respect doctors and medical advice and watch your diet, (3) Stay fit, healthy and well all the time because it will come useful when you least expect it or need it, and lastly I am ready to contribute back to my nation!” Morning walkers were also entertained by Southside Crew, Poly Crew and Sing Sing Group’s energetic performances. [caption id="attachment_36510" align="aligncenter" width="1190"] Photo Courtesy: Active City Development Program[/caption] ACDP also takes this opportunity to launch its 2023 Active City Events Calendar – Major Local and International Events. City residents are encouraged to start the year right with the Active City Events Calendar, packed with activities to help POM residents live healthy and happy lives. Be sure to check out the calendar and block your dates in your phone or diary of all the major activities planned for this year. All activities are open to all at no cost or minimal cost.

The Kepo brothers dominated the field yesterday when Hekari United FC played against Lae City FC in the 2nd Leg of the National Play-off’s for the OFC Champions League. 25yr old Freddie Kepo, 27yr old Ati Kepo and their older brother Kolu Kepo have been playing soccer for as long as they can remember. The trio play the striker positions; however, Kolu also plays defense when he is needed. The Kepo brothers were part of their village’s soccer team that took part in the Hekari Central Cup when they were scouted to join the club. They live in the village and come into the city for training camps and when they play. When asked what they did during their free time, the boys conduct coaching lessons for youths in the village. The eldest of the Kepo brothers, Kolu, said that they are lucky to have a family who show up at their games to show their support. Hekari United Team Owner and Manageress, Mrs. Vonnie Kapi Nato had nothing but praises for the trio. “The Kepo brothers have been with the club for about 5 to 6 years and they are a great blessing to our club.” “They have amazing heart for the club and the team and the passion they have for soccer is just amazing.” “I know the Kalo people are very proud of their 3 sons on our team and I am also proud of them.” Meanwhile, Kolu had this advise to give for the youths, not only the boys but the girls as well back in the village, to always listen to their parents and set goals and work towards them. Anything is possible if you put your mind to it. He added that they look forward to the OFC Champions League in May.

“Being a tradeswoman is not an easy job. I am a woman performing tasks that were done by men for a long time. So instead of trying to beat men, I work alongside them so we collectively achieve our team targets.” These were 33-year-old Patricia Olen’s words, who currently works as a Programmable Logic Control (PLC) Electrician with Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML). Patricia joined OTML through the Company’s Apprenticeship Training Program in 2011 after completing her Diploma in Electrical Technology at the Don Bosco Technological Institute in Port Moresby. In 2015 after completing her training program, Patricia found herself back at home after OTML operations were impacted by the El Nino-induced drought and some staff including trainees had to be sent home. However, in 2016, having had a stint with OTML previously through her training, Patricia re-joined OTML after applying for her current job at OTML’s Power Service Department. Patricia’s role includes maintaining the hydropower service’s equipment where she conducts preventative maintenance inspections, service and repairs on the equipment, attends to breakdowns, and ensures equipment availability at all times. Her team also does the inspection and servicing of standby generators around the site. “I didn’t know electrical technology involved more than just my fascination for lights.  I was drawn to lights and how they came in a myriad of colors,” Patricia said. Tabubil has always had a tradition of decorating houses in the town during Christmas and it was a grand time for Patricia as she loved viewing the sight of so many mesmerizing colored lights that literally transported her to many-a-fantasy worlds. Patricia was born and raised in Tabubil as her parents were employed with the Company. Her mum worked as a purchasing officer at the Supply Department and later on with the ICT Department.  Her dad worked at the Finance and Marketing Department and later on joined the Ok Tedi Savings and Loans Society, currently the Mining and Petroleum Savings and Loans Society Limited. Along with her three siblings, Patricia started her primary education at the Tabubil International School completing Grades 1 to 6.  She then moved to the Coronation College in Lae to complete her Grades 7 and 8 and finally completed her upper secondary education at Cameron Secondary in Milne Bay Province where she is originally from. Patricia said, “I am indebted to Ok Tedi as the Company more or less supported my parents to educate me and my siblings to an exceptional level, ensuring we secured jobs after completing our schooling.” “I am also blessed and privileged to have completed my apprenticeship training and transition into a working environment here with Ok Tedi because I honestly don’t know how I would have fared had I joined another company,” she added. Patricia accorded her successful learning journey and growth to OTML’s training programs, great systems, policies and the team support and camaraderie she shares with her teammates apart from the support she gets from her family. According to OTML’s Vision 2025, the Company aims to have 20% of female representation in the workforce by 2025 as well as to have 25% representation of women leaders throughout the business. The Company’s People Strategy includes gender diversity as one of its focus areas and has initiatives, programs and facilities in place to achieve these targets. Since 2021 OTML has invested K127.9 Million on the education and training of graduates, apprentices, trade trainees, schools and university scholarships of which women candidates are a part of. Patricia has come a long way from being an apprentice, having learned a lot, and experienced many wins and challenges but is immensely thankful for doing what she loves doing in her role.  She is also humbled knowing that she still has room for improvement and further growth in her career going forward. “I have learnt so much from everyone at OTML including my trainers, and supervisors that supported me during my apprenticeship program, and my current colleagues and team. I appreciate all their input in my personal and professional development. “There are days when it takes longer to fix equipment or complete tasks but every accomplishment evokes tears of joy for me.  I tell people all the time that I want to be great, not just good, but great; and in time I know I will be,” she said. “I am not telling my story to inspire you to follow my career path.  I am simply telling you to follow your own dreams, do what inspires you whether it is in Science or the Arts, but do it to the best of your ability.  Every day may not be smooth sailing, but you have an opportunity to do better than what you did yesterday and that is all that should matter to you! “Look at me, I did not have an idol, I simply adored lights and their magical connotations! And I made sure I found out what made those lights magical!” Source: OKtedi.com

Hekari United FC will now be representing Papua New Guinea (PNG) in the OFC Champions League in Vanuatu in May after defeating Lae City FC in the final leg of the OFC National Play- offs  with two goals to nil yesterday in Port Moresby. The boys played hard in first half and both teams remained at nil all. During the second half, Hekari United player number 26, Yagi Yasasa scored the first goal in the 83rd minute to give Hekari the lead. Then Hekari number 7 Joseph Joe, kicked a goal in the 88th minute to give Hekari a further lead, 2-0. The boys from Lae tried to fight back; however, they missed a few goals due to the kicks being too high or the Hekari goal keeper stopping their attempts. Hekari United FC owner and Manageress, Mrs. Vonnie Kapi Nato said that she couldn’t be any more prouder of the boys. “For them to win today, they deserve it as they work so hard.” “It was a big transition that I took, I told my senior boys to stay out and help the younger ones.” “Most of my players are my Hekari children from the Hekari Football Academy.” Mrs. Kapi Nato thanked their sponsors for always supporting them and the teams win is also their win. She also thanked Lae City FC for putting up a good challenge for the boys. Hekari United FC is now one of the first teams to qualify for the OFC Champions League. The team will now start preparing themselves for May.

A teenage girl has been rescued 248 hours after last week's devastating earthquake in Turkey. 17-year-old Aleyna Olmez was pulled from the rubble in Kahramanmaraş, a southern city near the epicentre. Her uncle tearfully told rescuers "we will never forget you", as he hugged them one by one. Aleyna survived, injured and in freezing weather conditions, for 10 days. But rescues like hers are becoming increasingly rare. More than 41,000 people have died in Tukey and neighbouring Syria from the 7.8 magnitude earthquake. Neither country has revealed how many people are still missing. Aleyna was gently prised from the ruins of a flattened apartment block, Turkish broadcaster TRT Haber reported. "She looked to be in good health. She opened and closed her eyes," Ali Akdogan, a coal miner who took part in the rescue, told AFP news agency. "We have been working here in this building for a week now... we are happy whenever we find a living thing - even a cat," he added. But the celebrations did not last long. Shortly after the rescue, Turkish soldiers ordered people to leave the scene, because teams were finding corpses that would soon be carried out. In the same city, three women and two children were found alive on Wednesday. Meanwhile the United Nations (UN) launched a "flash appeal" on Thursday for $1bn in aid to help the victims in Turkey. The funding will help 5.2 million people over the next three months and allow aid organisations to "rapidly scale up" their support, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in a statement. And in Syria, the UN said that more than 100 trucks loaded with aid have crossed into the north-west of the country, since the Syrian government agreed to allow the UN to use two more border crossings. The aid included tents, blankets, heaters, food, medicines and cholera testing kits, the organisation said.     Source: BBC News

South Sydney's representative stars stole the show on Saturday afternoon in Mudgee, as the Rabbitohs won an entertaining Charity Shield game 42-24 over the Dragons. Blues representatives Damien Cook and Cameron Murray combined to do much of the damage through the opening 40 minutes, setting up three of their side's four first-half tries, while Latrell Mitchell, Cody Walker and Jai Arrow all scored to give the Rabbitohs a 26-0 lead at the break. Up 32-0 early in the second half, the Rabbitohs looked on track to run up the biggest winning margin in Charity Shield history, before a much-improved effort from the Dragons saw them outscore South Sydney 24-16 in the second half. It didn't take long for St George Illawarra's weaknesses to be exposed in the 36-degree heat at Glen Willow Oval, and along with their leaky defence a major concern will be the confidence of young fullback Tyrell Sloan, who in between some good moments on attack made four errors at the back. Despite the end scoreline, South Sydney coach Jason Demetriou, who rested most of his big names for the final 15 minutes, will likely look back with some concern at a sloppy second half which saw his team make six errors and give up four tries. The win sees the Rabbitohs reassume the overall lead in the Charity Shield standings, with 18 wins to the Dragons' 17, and five draws between the two sides.     Source: NRL.com

Australian Foreign Minister Senator Penny Wong, in an official press conference, announced the return of the Visa Processing Centre for Papua New Guinea from Fiji to Port Moresby and aims to approve 75% of incoming visa applications within two weeks, in what is described as another major milestone in Australia-PNG relations. In addition to this achievement, both the Papua New Guinea and Australian Governments have stamped their commitment in finalizing the Bilateral Security Treaty by April 2023. Senator Penny Wong emphasized the close relationship between both countries and the need to work more collaboratively with each other to strengthen regional cooperation and stability. “We’re neighbours, we’re friends, we’re partners, in our relationship we’re equals.” “Firstly in relation to the security treaty, when the two Prime Ministers met, they charged Minister Tkatchenko and I with finalizing that bilateral security treaty and we’re pleased that we’ve exchanged draft texts, we’re in the process of working through that and we will be doing a lot more work in the coming weeks and we are pleased to see this progress, to see this is as a natural progression of our security partnership.” “The second thing I want to indicate is that last night and today we had a very frank and open discussion on visa related issues and ministers recognized that the quality of timely visas were an important underpinning of our bilateral ties so we have agreed to open in country visa processing to Papua New Guinea, I know this is something that the prime ministers discussed, and in particular, it’s something that Deputy Prime Minister Rosso is keen to progress with his counterpart Richard Marles.” “We are also establishing a joint high-level ministerial working group (between Australia and PNG) to oversee these changes and continue work with visa related issues,” Senator Wong said. Minister Tkatchenko said, “The return of the visa processing centre will allow our Papua New Guineans to have direct access to apply for visas going to Australia and we greatly appreciate the approval of that today and with that we will work together with foreign affairs and immigration in ensuring that Australians coming into Papua New Guinea can come in a shorter period of time.” “This ministerial forum has been very very productive, we’ve also had our colleague ministers have their bilateral meetings (with their Australian counterparts) to sort out other long outstanding issues as well.” “The bilateral security treaty is a work in progress, remember this not just about policing and defence, it’s also about many other security issues like climate change, bio security, gender equality and many others, we will work together to achieve the deadline for the benefit of Australia and the benefit of Papua New Guinea,” Minister Tkatchenko said.

Fuel and lubricant distributor, Puma Energy, has been forced to restrict the supply of its products due to the continuous unresolved foreign currency constraints.  The company in a statement said the restriction has impacted Puma’s ability to source crude oil or finished products, resulting in the company having to resort to the option of restricting supply like for fuel products. This means that the fuel supply and other products supplied by Puma at service stations will be restricted.   However, the company stated that it will continue to support all emergency requirements during this period.   Puma Energy will continue to work with all relevant regulatory authorities to address this dire situation as quickly as possible, so that full supply can be restored as soon as possible.   The company management went on to apologies to its customers for the inconvenience caused and urged them to be patient as they move to resolve this issue at hand. 

Volunteers in the Hawke's Bay town of Waipawa say they're blown away by the community recovery effort following Cyclone Gabrielle. The Waipawa Municipal Theatre is an official evacuation centre, but volunteer Sara Corbett says it has become the place to go for people seeking help - including many who had been left with nothing. She says the centre was also acting as a distribution hub for the huge amount of kai people had donated, as well as other items such as blankets and kitchen goods. "We've got all businesses working together really, heaps of people down at the local camp grounds and set up in the middle of the streets that are mostly affected, and they're just out just helping out at whoever's house doing whatever needs to be done, until it's done." She says there are many strong leaders within communities who have come to the fore. Meanwhile, people delivering essential supplies in the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle are being threatened, as the death toll from the storm continues to rise. Speaking at today's official government update, Emergency Management acting director Roger Ball said he had received concerning reports of threatening behaviour towards delivering and restocking essential supplies. "Please, I do understand the stress that many of you will be going through, but it's absolutely essential that the people delivering supplies are able to do their job without anybody hassling them. Otherwise it's going to take far longer to get everything restocked." Meanwhile, police are investigating a death in the Hawke's Bay region in the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle. The body was found this morning and police believe the death was related to the cyclone. That brings the death toll from the storm to nine, including a child and two firefighters. Police deputy commissioner Glenn Dunbier said today police did not have any confirmation of further bodies of cyclone victims, despite rumours being rife in the community.   Source: Radio New Zealand

The Sea Eagles continued their impressive pre-season form and put one hand on the Pre-Season Challenge title after a stylish win over the Roosters. Last year's grand finalists Parramatta welcomed back Mitch Moses and Clint Gutherson as they proved far too strong for the Knights in the early game. The main takeaways The Sea Eagles had nine offloads, one short of the 10 they needed for a third bonus point which would have wrapped up the Pre-Season Challenge title. The Bulldogs, Sharks, Warriors and St Helens are all on 14 and need the full 15 points to join Manly on top. In the event of two teams finishing equal on 29 points a countback procedure (see below) will be used to decide the winner, starting with points differential. The Sea Eagles' differential is + 14, the Warriors are +36, Bulldogs +16, Sharks +12 and St Helens +12. The Roosters went in without Luke Keary, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Sam Walker and Joseph Manu and then lost Joseph Suaalii to a head knock. With Tom Trbojevic on track for Round 1 and Tolu Koula, Reuben Garrick and Kaeo Weekes in outstanding form the Sea Eagles backline is in good shape. Source: NRL.com

Commissioner of Police David Manning has welcomed the outcomes of bilateral security discussions taking place in Canberra this week, that he said will improve the day-to-day safety and security for communities in Papua New Guinea. This includes support at the front-line of community policing operations through better training in modern policing methods, and the use of new technologies that can be deployed effectively in Papua New Guinea. Commissioner Manning said from a security perspective, particularly under the leadership of Internal Security Minister, Peter Tsiamalili in taking an assertive ‘PNG First’ stance, the relationship with Australia has evolved and the views of PNG being properly taken into account. Commissioner Manning said, “For too long PNG took whatever assistance was offered, and often this did not work with the logistical and geographical challenges we face in Papua New Guinea. “Now our security counterparts in Australia are listening to us and respect that we know what we need to improve security in our country, and this is a positive outcome of these discussions. “This is important that we advance the interests of PNG while at the same time contributing to sub-regional security, as such providing support to Australia and our other partners in the Pacific. “From this Bilateral Security Treaty PNG is seeking training to be provided for our police personnel to improve skills and to enhance transparency in police operations. Less lethal force “This includes training in the use of less-than-lethal force to deal with hostile situations. Using tasers, pepper spray and similar means are effective in stopping a violent offender as the next step before the use of firearms, but they can only be used by properly trained police. ICT “In the upgrade of the information and communications technology required to strengthen our police force, we are looking for support to improve the use of digital technology in investigations and prosecutions. “Our police stations must be better able to exchange information on suspects, criminal gangs and other people trying to operate outside the law. “We cannot rely on systems and processes that have not changed much since Independence, and this includes the digitisation of paper records and the creation of databases that can be accessed throughout the country. “It is important that the ICT support we receive can be used effectively throughout our provinces, and adapted to the challenges we face in remote and rural areas. Forensic capabilities “This bilateral agreement will also enable the RPNGC to take our forensic capabilities to the next level, so that we can more effectively process evidence that is presented in court.” At an administrative level, the Commissioner said Australia will assist in closing the skill-gap throughout the middle management structure of the police force around the country. AFP presence in provinces “The PNG-Australia Policing Partnership will be enhanced in the areas that have been identified by the RPNGC and that includes having AFP Advisors work with provincial police commands. “The majority of crimes occur outside Port Moresby and Lae, and this is where the policing partnership can be effective in improving standards and administration that is needed for improving law and order. Family Sexual Violence “As part of this support Papua New Guinea has sought technical support to assist in strengthening the RPNGC Family and Sexual Violence Unit. “Gender-based violence is a serious problem in both of our countries, particularly in Australia’s indigenous communities as well as in urban areas. The RPNGC can draw on the experiences of Australian State and Federal police in dealing with gender-based violence both at the root causes, and also in the administration for the prosecution of abusers.” Border security Commissioner Manning said in terms of border security, the Bilateral Security Treaty will strengthen the capacity of the RPNGC and other security agencies to intercept and stop the illegal movement of drugs and guns. “Border security is a major challenge with international criminals seeking to use PNG for transporting drugs into Australia, and for the smuggling of weapons from Australia into PNG. “We will see an increase in joint operations between police and security elements in both countries and the enhanced sharing of relevant information.” Overall, Commissioner Manning said the Bilateral Security Treaty is a positive advancement for the people of both countries, and for the RPNGC it is now a matter of working with security counterparts to finalise details for implementation. “I thank my Australian counterparts for the way they have engaged in discussions at a policing level. We must now work carefully in the delivery of these improved support arrangements to ensure they will work in the PNG law and order context. “Some of these joint initiatives can be implemented almost immediately, while others will take some time to ensure that they will be effective and make a real and tangible contribution to the enhanced security of both countries,” Commissioner Manning concluded.

Meeting with NCDC City Manager & Directors on Top 10 Priorities NCD Governor, The Powes Parkop, who had a recent medical emergency, is back to work yesterday. "I want to humbly take this time and opportunity to thank everyone who has assisted me in helping me to recover from these difficult times and moments in my life. I want to also thank all your good wishes, and I am touched by your thoughtful messages," said The Governor. "I am grateful to be alive. I thank God for giving me another chance to continue to serve the people of NCD equally to serve our nation. As I always said, in the city, let's rise as One People, One City, heading towards One Future." he continued. Following his return to work today, an urgent meeting was called to get updates from the City Manager, Directors of NCDC and Senior Managers. Besides receiving updates, Governor Powes Parkop reminded everyone that serving the city and its people should be our main focus. He outlined the Top 10 Priorities moving forward and discussed and recorded each item's deliverables and timeline as shared by the Directors in charge. To mark Governor's safe return and good health, City Manager, Mr Ravu Frank, shared a few words. And as a form of appreciation, a meaningful Lakatoi was presented for Governor's continuous sail-safe journey ahead for our city Port Moresby. After the meeting, the powerful Governor expressed pleasure and noted a lot of work to be carried out, "I am happy that we have a clearer roadmap for a Clean and Safer City for now – these will be our main focus priorities for the next few weeks, and we will tackle the rest once all the strategies are in place for implementation." added Governor Parkop.