The 2024 Youth National Soccer League (NSL)- Southern Conference for the under-seventeen boys and girls is into its second round of matches at the Sir John Guise Stadium. Competition Coordinator, Leo Jakanduo said they will be playing through the four (4) conference with the Southern Conference already in progress, the Northern, NGI and Highlands conference to kick start this week for both the under- seventeen boys and girls. They have officially registered six (6) teams thus far comprising of a Southern Region Conference team consisting of six boys and six girls, although Mr. Jakanduo added that there are still some interested teams registering. He added that the teams selected in the Northern Conference are from the city and going as far as 9mile. “The competition will run until December. Because we have six teams each, we are looking at twelve (12) rounds and the semi- finals and grand final to be in December.” Jakanduo further stated, “The competition, we are trying to build the opportunity for the younger ones to come and play and expose their talents for the OFC selections that is coming up next year. So, by starting off this competition, these are the players will be scouted.”

Prime Minister (PM) James Marape has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Japan's newly elected Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba, following his successful election as the leader of Japan’s governing Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Prime Minister Marape also took the opportunity to express his gratitude to outgoing Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida, for his unwavering support and contribution to strengthening the bilateral relationship between Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Japan during his tenure. Prime Minister Ishiba, a former Defence Minister, is set to officially assume office this week after winning the LDP leadership election last Friday, where he secured 215 votes to defeat his opponent Sanae Takachi, who had aimed to become Japan’s first female prime minister. The election was prompted by outgoing Prime Minister Kishida’s decision not to seek re-election as LDP President. “I extend my sincere congratulations to Prime Minister Hon. Shigeru Ishiba on his election. I also convey my deepest thanks to outgoing Prime Minister Fumio Kishida for his exceptional support to Papua New Guinea during his time in office,” Prime Minister Marape stated. Reflecting on the strong ties between the two nations, Prime Minister Marape highlighted the recent 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM10), held in Tokyo from July 16 to 18, 2024, as a key moment in deepening the Japan-PNG relationship. In addition to attending the summit, Prime Minister Marape held a productive bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Kishida. “We had a highly constructive bilateral discussion with Prime Minister Kishida, which yielded meaningful outcomes for both Japan and Papua New Guinea. I am confident that these achievements will continue to benefit both our nations as we move forward,” PM Marape remarked. Looking ahead, PM Marape expressed his optimism about further enhancing the longstanding partnership between Japan and PNG under PM Ishiba’s leadership. He underscored Japan’s significant contribution to PNG’s development over the past 49 years, noting the over K6 billion in grants and development assistance that PNG has received from Japan “Japan has been a steadfast partner to Papua New Guinea for nearly five decades. Not only is Japan one of the top importers of our produce, but they have also provided invaluable development assistance. It is crucial that we continue to build on this foundation of mutual respect and cooperation,” PM Marape said. As PNG approaches its 50th independence anniversary next year, PM Marape highlighted the shared commitment between PNG and Japan to forge a new chapter in their relationship. He expressed hope for a transition from aid dependency to enhanced trade relations, aligning with PNG’s broader development goals. “With Prime Minister Ishiba, I look forward to exploring new frameworks for collaboration, particularly as we celebrate PNG’s 50th anniversary of independence. Our expectation is that our relationship will evolve beyond aid dependency, with a greater focus on increasing trade and economic engagement,” he concluded.

The National St John Ambulance (NStJA) yesterday officially opened the newly constructed wing of the National Ambulance Education College at Baruni in Port Moresby city. The state-of-the-art facility was made possible through the generous support of ExxonMobil PNG (EMPNG) and coordinated through the National Department of Health (NDoH). The new wing boosts the Ambulance Education College’s capacity by 50%, allowing up to 45 students to train across two classes simultaneously. This modern facility features high-fidelity simulation rooms, practical training spaces, and a simulated ambulance, creating a realistic environment for ambulance students to develop lifesaving skills. The College serves as the foundation of every ambulance officer’s training, where they acquire essential skills and knowledge before embarking on their careers as professional ambulance officers in NStJA stations around the country. NStJA Commissioner, Mr. Matt Cannon also revealed that the College trains registered nurses in advanced ambulance care as part of the Ambulance Clinician Response program, equipping them to deliver high quality care to the most critically ill patients in Port Moresby, Lae, Kokopo, and Mt Hagen cities. It is also where ambulance doctors, HEOs, specialist nurses, and paramedics receive advanced training in life support, critical care, and aeromedical retrieval. “The National Ambulance Education College is the heart of our training programs. It is here that every Ambulance Officer and emergency ambulance professional begin their journey. We deliver recruit training, ensuring that our recruits learn the foundational skills necessary to become competent and reliable emergency responders”, said Mr. Cannon. The College will also serve as the home of the soon-to-be-launched Motu Koita (MKA) Ambulance Cadet program, designed to inspire and prepare young people from the MKA area to become the next generation of nurses, doctors or emergency medical professionals. As the first facility of its kind, the Ambulance Education College is accredited by the Medical Board of PNG to deliver this vital prehospital and ambulance training. EMPNG is also contributing to NStJA by donating ambulances as part of NStJA’s annual fleet management program. Once in place, these new ambulances will be immediately deployed to respond to emergencies in MKA, Central Province, and NCD. Dadi Toka Jnr, Chairman of the Motu Koita Assembly and Deputy Governor of the National Capital District (NCD) commended the development. "This new wing is more than just walls and flooring. It represents a commitment to ensuring that the people of PNG receive the best possible emergency ambulance care," he said. "Through this facility, we are not just training ambulance officers, we are preparing them to serve the community with excellence, professionalism, and compassion. Importantly, we are also preparing the next generation of ambulance officers, nurses and doctors through the Ambulance Cadet Program, which is being pioneered in the Motu Koita area.” ExxonMobil PNG Planning and Contribution Supervisor, Ms. Belinda Gurra said through strong partnerships and shared values, they can archive such outcomes. She further stated that they are proud to support the amazing work the NStJA does and believe that their collaboration witnessed today with the educational centre and the new ambulance will significantly strengthen emergency response capabilities and community health initiatives across NCD, Motu Koita, the Central province and the nation as a whole. Meanwhile, Dame Jean Kekedo, Chair of National St John Ambulance Council emphasized the broader impact of the facility, saying: "This expansion is a key step in enhancing our national capacity to respond to emergencies. The skills learned here will save lives in every corner of PNG, from the highlands to the coast."

The fighting in the Porgera Valley of Enga province has seen a lot of people displaced and services disrupted including the hospital in Porgera, however, with the two-month State of Emergency (SOE) in place, this vital service is now being provided from the provincial capital, Wabag. Wabag town will now be the main centre for all medical supplies to be transported to the Porgera valley to provide medical services to the people needing it after the hospital there had to close its doors. This was revealed by Acting Health Minister and Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources Jelta Wong when PNG HAUSBUNG had a chat with him yesterday. He said under the SOE they have started moving medicines up to Porgera and are prepared to overcome any challenges that may arise. Minister Wong stated that the health team will work together with the person in charge of operations on ground in Porgera to coordinate the supply of all the medical supplies sent from Wabag. He also said that the safety of the health workers is paramount, and they need to prioritize their safety as well when they are on ground carrying out their duties. “We as the health department, we really need to ensure the safety of our emergency workers, and we need to work together with the police and army, where the security aspect of things come in.” Meantime, the minister was unable to confirm the number of casualties and deaths due to not having the information on hand.

President of the Allies Football Club has called for an appropriate chain of command after a series of unethical events took place last week that had them removed from PNG Football Association’s sanctioned tournament, the Southern Region Club Championships where the top two women’s and men’s teams will take part in the National Club Championships. Allies FC President, Joy Mataenge said, last week Thursday’s (September 19th) game was called off by the referee after getting consent from both captains from Allies FC and Hekari FC to end the game some minutes before full-time. Mataenge said, they had some issues to sort out with Hekari but were going to raise those issues afterwards. A few minutes before fulltime, the referee called the game after getting consent from both captains on field after a player from Hekari collided with their goalkeeper. “After their player collided with our goalkeeper, she couldn’t get up so eight people had to carry her off the field and then the players walked to the technical area to then take the field. The referee called for the two captains and asked to call off the game. The two captains gave their consent and said ‘OKAY’ for the game to be called off.” “After the referee blew the whistle, to us that means game over, so we walked off to go and see our player who was laying on the side of the field after the referee blew the whistle.” Mataenge stated that, while the team walked off after the whistle was blown confirming that the game was over, their opponent saw it as the Allies team walking out of the match, stating it as a ‘Match Abandonment’. “They were leading, and we accepted the defeat from Hekari. But it was reported in one of the papers that we protested. But we did not protest.” While trying to smug off Thursday’s incident and continue into the competition on Friday 20th September, Allies FC were told by the officials that they were not supposed to take the field and play and their officials were not supposed to go to the bench. “When our girls started taking over and leading, they told our coach that he was not supposed to sit at the bench because he instigated the ‘Walk Off’ on Thursday.” She said after the ladies played and won the game; the games officials sent one of their representatives to inform them that they were disqualified from the competition after taking second place on the ladder as per the games officials email. Allies FC Captain Calista Maneo expressed disappointment at the match officials at the way they relied on the message to inform the club that they are officially out of the competition. Maneo voiced her displeasure with the match officials for not going through the right process to notify the team that they are now officially eliminated from the competition. “As a captain, we are not happy at the way they carried this out. They should come and tell our management and coaches and sort out the issue in a right way. But no, they just sent one person to-go-come and tell us players and management that we are out of the competition, and we are not happy about this.” Mataenge further stated, “I saw that the MA president was with them (match officials) which was not supposed to be the way. She is the owner of a club playing in this competition. So, she should have stayed away and let PNGFA make the decision.” Mataenge said decisions were made prematurely and attempts to appeal were not entertained therefore proper investigations and negotiations need to take place before such decisions are made.

The Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) has launched one of the latest high tech Cannon Cardiac Catheterization machines to do invasive treatments and reducing the need for patients to travel overseas to seek treatment. According to PMGH Invasive Cardiology-Intervention Cardiologist Dr. Wesong Boko, with the advanced Cannon Cardiac Catheterization machine, they were able to do 1, 327 procedures. He said, they carried out coronary angiogram procedures (heart), cerebral angiograms (brain), peripheral blockage in the legs and in certain cases, they were able to detect the tumor and cut off the cancer cell's blood supply. "Through Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited (KPHL), the machine was acquired at the cost of K5million, and Papua New Guineans don’t need to travel overseas to seek cardiac treatment," Dr. Boko announced. PMGH CEO, Dr. Paki Molumi, mentioned that lifestyle or non-communicable diseases (NCD) in the country are increasing exponentially as Papua New Guineans adopt to a Western lifestyle diet and moving away from the traditional food to modern processed foods, compounded by the lack of exercise, smoking and alcohol intake. “The country is faced with a risk of losing our educated elites to non-communicable diseases (NCD) which will be detrimental to our development aspirations as a country.” “The top five leading NCD in hospital admissions, both death inpatient and on arrival to the emergency department of PMGH and around the country, are stroke and heart disease, cancer and chronic kidney diseases,” said Dr. Molumi. Dr. Molumi stated that some of the expected outcomes from KPHL's investment of K5million for the new Cannon Cath Lab machine will improve efficiency, meaning more patients will be served, and they will be able to perform Neuro intervention procedures including stroke reversals, interventional procedures reducing hospital stay, and with it, cutting cost for hospital and the patient. This will then lead to a reduction in the need to travel overseas seeking interventional cardiology and other organ angiography procedures. Meantime, Prime Minister Marape who commissioned the new machine, thanked the hospital and KPHL’s Managing Director Wapu Sonk for this great collaboration that’s saved thousands of lives. He said, instead of losing millions of kina elsewhere, they were able to save 1, 327 lives. KPHL Managing Director Wapu Sonk thanked the government and the hospital for working collaboratively with KPHL and mentioned that they will continue to support the cancer and cardiac services in both the Angau and PMGH hospitals for the people. “We should be at a level where our people should not spend thousands of kina overseas like in the past. So, thank you for the government direction and thank you to the people who have been working here supporting the program, and this shows the cooperation that we have to provide essential services for our people.” Mr. Sonk further stated, “We are just here to help and follow government directions and if it means that we have to continue to support, then we will do so.”

The new Waigani National Court Complex (WNCC) in Port Moresby city will be officially opened in 2025 as part of events to celebrate the country’s 50th Independence Anniversary. Prime Minister (PM) James Marape revealed this on Monday 23rd September when stating that the K440million state funded state- of- the- art facility, promises to be a cornerstone for justice in Papua New Guinea (PNG) as it symbolizes not only the country’s progress over the past 50 years, but also its commitment to strengthening its legal infrastructure for the future, and the government’s commitment to law-and-order. “In 2025, as we celebrate 50 years of independence, we will also open the new Waigani National Court Complex. This will be a momentous occasion in the history of Papua New Guinea and will be a huge boost towards addressing our law-and-order problem,” Marape announced. The Prime Minister made this announcement following a high-level meeting with Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika and Chief Magistrate Mr. Mark Pupaka, where he received their 2025 National Budget estimates. Chief Justice Salika provided a comprehensive update on the progress of the WNCC, underscoring the significant advancements made on the project. Stage one of the project, which includes arrivals, registry, and administration buildings, was successfully completed in June 2023. Stage Two, which focuses on the completion of the court buildings, holding cells, and Judge’s chambers, wrapped up in May 2024, with minor works continuing through the end of this year. Sir Gibbs outlined the transition phase in 2025, saying, “The Judiciary will then enter the transition phase into the new building, comprising the final fit out of the Data Centre and commissioning of all ICT networks and infrastructure. This will be followed by organisational training and systems operations familiarisations, and a phased decanting process into the new building.” He added that 2025 would also see several key operational milestones, including the set-up of an Interim Facility Management team, the fit-out of the café and catering facilities, the establishment of a temporary library, and the purchase of critical equipment, furniture, and fittings to ensure the complex is fully operational. “With the main construction contract generally completed by the end of this year, 2025 will see the Judiciary begin the transition into the new building for operation later next year,” Sir Gibbs said.

Students in the Western Province, who will sit for their exams next month, have been urged not to get involved in illegal activities that may interrupt them during their preparations for the national examination week. Following the resumption of term four academic period this week, Western students are reminded to prioritize their studies for better future. Western Provincial Education Advisor, Mr. Charlie Buia said all schools have prepared their students well and they are looking forward to sit the exams next month. “Grade 10, Grade 12 and Grade 8 students you have only one week left so focus on your exam. Teachers have done their part so it is up to you individual to do your best.” he said. He encourages students, saying that the future of the province and country as a whole lies on their hands, therefore should refrain from much social activities and roaming with peers at this time. “What you do today will determine your future. Doorway into tertiary institutions, Upper Secondary and high schools, lies on you.” said Mr. Buia. Grade 10 students attending Olsobip, Ningerum, Aiambak, Balimo Day, and Morehead high schools and Grade 12 students attending Tabubil, Kiunga, St. Gabriel Technical, Mougulu, Awaba and Daru secondary schools have been urged to maintain good behaviours and do best in their exams. Mr. Buia has also encouraged parents and guardians to support their children during the exam period so that students can sit and do their exams well.

The SP PNG Hunters are tremendously proud to announce that their very own Hunter #92, Judah Rimbu, has been crowned the 2024 QRL Hostplus Cup Player of the Year. Rimbu’s received the Petero Civoniceva Medal on Friday 20th September at the Queensland Rugby League Awards in Brisbane’s Town Hall, besting a host of NRL talent including the likes of Trai Fuller, Jake Clifford and Tom Chester. Rimbu’s journey with the Hunters began in 2021 when the club was forced to relocate to the Gold Coast due to the COVID pandemic. Since then, he has amassed 69 appearances in the QRL Hostplus Cup to quickly establish himself as a senior member of the SP PNG Hunters playing group. Rimbu has displayed wonderful utility value since making his debut four years ago, proving himself an eager learner, a keen student of the game and a wonderful clubman during a challenging growth period for the club. Closing out the 2024 QRL Hostplus Cup regular season as the club’s first-choice hooker and a key contributor in their finals campaign, Rimbu’s scintillating form this year has come as no surprise to those who have followed his journey. From a total 23 games this season, Rimbu posted 16 tries (fourth most in the QRL) and assisted another five to comfortably rank as one of the most productive attacking players in the competition. An average 82 running metres (and 91 tackle busts; fourth most in the QRL) per game is testament to Rimbu’s contributions in yardage, while his 726 total tackles (also fourth most) at a 94% efficiency speaks to Rimbu’s tireless efforts on both sides of the ball. SP PNG Hunters CEO Scott Barker was pleased to see Rimbu recognized by his peers. “On behalf of the SP PNG Hunters, I’d like to congratulate Judah on his outstanding 2024 campaign,” said Barker. “While the Hunters' success this year has absolutely been a whole-club effort, Judah has been pivotal to that success and we’re pleased to see him recognized today.”

The Wamp Nga Mt Hagen Eagles came from behind and ended a twenty-six-year drought after defeating the Kroton Hela Wigmen 28-20 this afternoon at the Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby city. Before both rival teams kicked off, a wonderful entrance from the Mt Hagen Eagles let loose a collection of the eagle birds soaring into the sky. As both teams displayed an effortless game of rugby league in front of an electric crowd, supporters cheered their hearts out as the teams battled it out on the field. The Mt Hagen Eagles battled the first half tirelessly with a number of try attempts but were only successful with a try at the very last minute. As the Wigmen displayed what could have been another four-year title, the boys played off their hearts and strength and showed good sportsmanship on the field. With just four minutes into the first half, the Wigmen put their first try with a power defence break from Woodie Kawagie followed by another try just ten minutes after, from Terence Wenim with both unsuccessful conversions, resulting in the scores 8-0. Still with the thriving spirit, Wigmen's captain Solomon Okari side stepped with a great dummy run and with assistance from Kaupa Sipa, the team got another touchdown followed by successfull conversion. In the last dying ten seconds of the first half Wingti Raima put the Eagles first try with a successful conversion. Leaving the score at first half, 14-6. Only putting one try in the first half, the Hagen Eagles came in the second half with more strength and power and put their first try of the second half through Siki Kondon. The Mt Hagen Eagles break gave them the much-needed momentum for the team which saw Eagles Sakias Komati with another great comeback try followed by his on-point conversions, taking the score to 16-20. While the Wigmen tried their very best in the last minutes, the Eagles sored too high for the Wigmen with another try from Wingti Raima followed by another try just five-minutes after from Bengi Ben with all successful conversions. The Mt Hagen Eagles claimed the victory after 26 years with an eight-point difference 28-20 at full time. Mt Hagen Eagles Sakias Komati ran away with the man of match award.

The inaugural women's rugby league competition the 'Santos Cup' saw the Bitangor Goroko Lahanis crowned as champions after defeating the minor premiers, the Central Dabaris 8 to 6 in an epic footy grand final showdown today. The first 30 minutes of the match saw both teams hustle it out under the raging heat at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby to a half filled stadium. Both the Dabaris and Lahanis tried the hard yards to see only two tries from the Lahanis and one try from the Dabaris side. A nice step from Dabaris number four, Joan Kuman resulted in the first try for her team, followed by a successful conversion from Solima Philip. With four minutes left on the clock, Lahanis did their best but were unsuccessful with a couple of try attempts. Coming back from the halftime break, the Lahanis went into victory mode with a come back and secured their first try in just twenty-five minutes with a solo effort from the captain herself Delilah Ahisa, and followed through with an unsuccessful conversion, leaving the Dabaris still in the lead with 6 to 4. Securing their spot as the champions for the Santos Cup, Lahanis Egi John showed off a great step and run to put her team in the lead. Even though they missed another conversion, the ladies were hailed winners of the Santos Cup with a final score of 8 to 6 at full time.

Northern Governor Garry Juffa unequivocally condemns the brutal attack on the Popondetta General Hospital staffer, Marina Kambakle, a nursing sister who has served Oro tirelessly since 2016. On the same afternoon another key worker pharmacist Presley Aku and Heo Rose Kona were also held at gun point by faceless cowards on the outskirts of Popondetta town. Governor Guffa said such animalistic acts of terror toward our health worker are not only an affront to the principles of humanity but also undermine the essential services that these professionals provide to Oro and Papua New Guinea. Health workers, teachers and public servants who work in Peri urban and rural must be protected and respected with the highest regard as it is incumbent on all of us in the community against egregious violation of their basic human rights. “I will also be making a special case to the Commissioner of Police, the Office of the Attorney General and Line Agencies to make stern provisions in law to deliver the harshest punishment for those who challenge our unsung heroes in the health, education and public service delivery space,” said Governor Juffa. “I have made a call direct to our Provincial Police Commander Ewai Segi and head of the provincial Security Council Trevor Magei to give every priority to apprehending the culprits who carried out these inhumane faceless aggressions on our health workers. I will not rest until I see these culprits behind bars and justice is carried out on behalf of the silent majority of health workers, especially in Oro.” Juffa reassure all the health workers in Oro and particularly those at the Popondetta general Hospital, that his government is committed to ensuring the health workers' safety is reviewed and necessary actions will be taken immediately to address some of administrative greys coming out of this nasty experience. “My call to the Police commissioner is clear and precise and want decisive remedial action taken against those responsible for yesterday’s attack on our health workers.” He added, it is imperative that the police act swiftly with their investigations and are thorough to delivering a finality to those who caused this grief. “Additionally, I have directed my office to immediately review the current security measures at the Popondetta general Hospital and all health facilities throughout the province and report back on remedial action to prevent future reoccurrences.” “Finally, my heart and prayers are with the families of those staff attacked and to all our unsung heroes of the Northern Provincial Health Authority, your cry will not go unheard, and I assure you all, together we will fight to bring justice to their doorsteps,” said Juffa.