The Opposition may have been unsuccessful in their Vote of No Confidence (VoNC) motion against Prime Minister (PM) James Marape on Thursday 12th September, but that does not mean it’s over for them. In fact, the Opposition is eyeing November 26th, when Parliament resumes, to bring about another VoNC against the PM. Leader of the Opposition, Douglas Tomuriesa, declared that they will continue to pursue the Vote of No Confidence until it is done correctly, even though they lost fair and square yesterday. “I thank the people of Papua New Guinea (PNG), our family members, friends and supporters," said the Opposition leaders when appreciating their support. "We will push through with the VoNC until we get it correct. And so, we got that corrected and the much-anticipated progress as come through and we have successfully brought a vote of NO Confidence on the floor of parliament.” “The result maybe disappointing for a lot of us but we can say that we are encouraged to see that whole Opposition was intact and voted for the VoNC.” He said that despite their defeat, they are still encouraged and ask the people of PNG to hold onto hope because there is still hope for them. For the following round, they will reorganize and fortify their positions. “Today (Thursday 12th September) as demonstrated that when the PM came in after the elections, he was voted in by 104 members of parliament, and today he has lost one-third of that number. He only mastered 75 votes and that gives us the encouragement that we are doing the right thing.” He stated that the rationale behind the introduction of the Vote of No Confidence (VoNC) is the multitude of challenges the country is currently facing. He underscored this point through the parliamentary speaker, urging the Prime Minister to cease the dissemination of falsehoods. The head of the Opposition then went on to ask why the Prime Minister called off the Parliament until November when there are so many crucial issues that need to be addressed for the country. Despite adjourning parliament, he stated that they have accepted their defeat and will reorganize to return stronger. He also declared that the Opposition stands strong with a total number of 34 members, two of whom were ill and unable to vote, bringing the deference to 32 votes in parliament yesterday for the VoNC. Meantime PM Marape, following him surviving the VoNC on Thursday, and supported by his coalition, said political disruptions hinder national progress. He said his government will continue its efforts in economic recovery, boosting police manpower, and infrastructure development. He also expressed gratitude for coalition partners and the democratic process, affirming his administration's commitment to national security and unity ahead of the country's 49th Independence Anniversary.

With the Vote of No Confidence to resume at 10am this morning, people have started gathering in front of the Parliament house entrance waiting for Parliament to resume. In the meantime, the Parliament floor of chambers is empty with only two parliament staff members distributing the agenda papers on the members desks.

Police personnel are already stationed along the routes towards Parliament. At the roundabout at Port Moresby Arts Theatre, National Library, National Archives, towards the back and front routes to Parliament Police are monitoring. Members of Parliament just arrived now to Parliament, in several coaster buses and in private cars. A tough combined police team, deployed from the Highlands, along with Court Sheriffs and Parliament security are manning the back route to Parliament along the roundabout near the Port Moresby Arts theatre. Other vehicles with no passes or employees from either the National Judiciary or Parliament are being stopped at the road check and traffic is being diverted as traffic started getting congested soon after the MPs started arriving. Court Sherif James Mike told PNGHAUSBUNG that once Court judges and staff or Parliament staff are identified, they are let through. Parliament is expected to resume at 10am this morning with the anticipated Vote of No Confidence.

The PNG Emergency Medical Team (PNGEMT) and the National St John Ambulance Service successfully provided medical support during Youth Festival on Monday 9th September, at Sir John Guise Stadium attended by over 20, 000 Catholic youths. Over 150 health and ambulance personnel were deployed during the Sunday Holy Mass and on Monday to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all participants. Dr Gary Nou, PNGEMT Lead for the Department of Health and health commander for the Papal Visit, stated that the health response went smoothly. As a joint deployment, members of the PNGEMT and the National St John Ambulance Service provided emergency medical services at the events. The agencies operated an Advanced Casualty Management Centre (ACMC) and nine first aid posts around the stadium to respond to medical needs. Over the two days, more than 100 pilgrims attending these significant events were assisted by the health team at the first aid stations and the ACMC. A total of 57 people referred to the ACMC where they were treated at the centre and four were then referred to the Port Moresby General Hospital. Dr Nou said it was a great partnership between the Health Department, NStJA, National Capital District Provincial Health Authority and Port Moresby General Hospital. "The collaboration between our teams was essential in ensuring prompt and effective care for pilgrims attending this significant event. We extend our gratitude to all staff and volunteers for their professionalism and dedication in safeguarding the health of the community." PNGEMT and NStJA thanks all attendees for their cooperation in making this a safe and successful event.

National Capital District (NCD) City Manager, Mr. Ravu Frank has commended the University of Technology for its commitment to producing high quality engineering training at the University. Mr. Frank expressed high commendation to Chancellor Sam Koim and Vice Chancellor Professor Ora Renagi for initiating a first ever professional accreditation program for engineering training in the country. The City Manager, a civil engineer by profession, made the remarks while welcoming members of Engineers Australia who were on transit to Lae on Tuesday 3rd of September 2024 for the accreditation review program. “On behalf of NCD Governor and the NCDC Board I extended a warm welcome to our visitors. Thank you for your presence in our city and may I wish you every success in your engagement with the Papua New Guinea University of Technology.” Mr. Frank said. The Engineers Australia Panel Members are in the country for an evaluation of the engineering programs at Unitech to determine whether PNGUoT produces graduates who meet international benchmarks to practice. The team will be assessing the quality of teaching, the relevance of the curriculum, and the effectiveness of student support services such as industry support. They will also review the qualifications and expertise of the Faculty Members to ensure that they are well equipped to deliver high quality education. Mr. Frank said the arrangement is indeed a step towards making our engineers to be competently qualified with added dignity to the engineering training at the University of Technology and the preparedness of students to meet the higher requirements at the completion of their studies. The City Manager stressed on the significance of the engineering profession to nation building and took time to appreciate the leadership of Unitech in particular the Engineering Faculty for advancing the accreditation process with Engineering Australia. “This is certainly a positive development for engineering in Papua New Guinea in value and dignity and I wish everyone involved every success,” Mr. Frank said. Thanking the City Manager for welcoming the visitors, University Chancellor, Sam Koim reiterated that it was a very important moment for them as well as for the country. “I believe your (Engineering Australia Panel) coming here and assessing us at the university is a very pivotal moment,” said Mr. Koim. He added that gaining the accreditation requirements of Engineering Australia would be a turning point for engineering studies in PNG many of whose budding engineers are going overseas for further studies. The trend can be reversed through this benchmark arrangement for appropriate international recognition and PNG could instead be attracting others in the Pacific and Asia “You have the experience and exposure to assess, so this current assessment is not just a formality, but it is a thorough evaluation that could potentially lead us to have a full accreditation under the Steve Washington Accord. “That’s something that we are looking forward to. So, I echo the words of the City Manager on the implications of this accreditation as profound and signifying our dedication to provide a quality education that meets the demands of a rapidly evolving world that we are living in,” said the Chancellor.

As the country gears up to celebrate it’s 49 years of Independence, the Yangoru-Saussia District in East Sepik Province is also preparing to host a big 49th Independence celebration on Monday, September 16. Local Member and Minister for International Trade and Investment, Richard Maru said: “This is a good time to reflect on the progress we have made as a country and as a district over the last 49 years. It is time to come together and thank God for His blessings over the last 49 years despite our sinfulness.” “We, the people of Yangoru-Saussia District have come a long way over the last 49 years including achieving many successes like being the leading cocoa producing district in the country producing over 14 metric tons annually and leading the province in quality education with eight High Schools with three Secondary Schools.” “We did not have a bank branch since independence but now we have two banks in the district (BSP and Women’s Microbank). In October our new Yangoru Mobile Barracks will be completed and ready to receive the first batch of 45 policemen and women who will be based in the district and operating from Yangoru, our District Headquarters. We now have a commercial chicken farm in the district which not only produces chicken meat and eggs, but from last week producing 10, 000-day-old chicks a week to support our local chicken farmers in our district and in the province with the price per box reduced from K500 at Lae to now only K270 (50% reduction) from our own Haripmo Farm.” Minister Maru stated: “We have done well in many areas of development; however, we still have serious law-and-order issues and challenges, and unreliability and lack of power supply system are major impairments to our development aspirations and to our ability to attract large investors to come and invest in our district. “This has not been helped by our inability to mobilize land for large-scale agriculture developments. These are challenges that we must overcome and we are hoping that apart from the chicken project, we will have our first oil palm project started before the year ends. We have so much untapped economic potential which we must, with God’s help harness to create much needed jobs and create wealth for our people.” Minister Maru said he will announce the new projects and initiatives for the district at the celebrations. “I appeal to all people of Yangoru-Saussia District to prepare for our 49th Independence celebrations at Yangoru Station on Monday, September 16, 2024. The Yangoru-Saussia DDA is hiring all our PMVs and buses to bring all our people from our four LLGs for the Independence celebrations at Yangoru Station,” said Minister Maru. “Our 50th Anniversary celebrations next year will be even bigger," added Minister Maru.

The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command recently hosted Papua New Guinea (PNG) for the Bilateral Defense Dialogue (BDD) to discuss and strengthen their defense relationship. The BDD serves as a forum for bilateral consultations between PNGDF representatives and USINDOPACOM to strengthen cooperation and advance defense programs that enhance relations between security forces, encourage greater regional military cooperation, and promote the common interests of both countries. The Dialogue focused on military cooperation, civil-military operations including disaster relief, and training and education opportunities, such as professional military education. Humanitarian assistance, along with support for ongoing health, sustainability, and economic programs in the region, is designed to build partner capacity to address these issues. USINDOPACOM forces recently completed exercise Pacific Angel 24, which focuses on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, laying a strong foundation for continued cooperation. The long-term partnership with PNG is based on shared values and mutual respect, underscoring the progress made to enhance cooperation and deepen both countries regional partnerships in the areas of the economy, security, health, and energy. This annual forum builds on persistent engagements and the U.S enduring commitment to PNG and the Indo-Pacific region. The BDD is a testament to the ongoing commitment to enhance defense cooperation, reflecting shared values and a mutual interest in promoting regional stability and security. This dialogue not only reinforces existing ties but also opens new avenues for collaboration in areas such as disaster relief and training, further solidifying the partnership between the two nations.

The Opposition Leader Douglas Tomuriesa strongly expressed disappointment over Prime Minister (PM) James Marape’s treatment towards Pope Francis’s visit to the country. “I am deeply disappointed and ashamed over the way His Holiness Pope Francis has been treated by Prime Minister James Marape over the last three-days during the Papal visit, and the lack of courtesy and respect shown by the PM.” “I join many of our citizens in expressing my embarrassment over how Mr. Marape has handled the Pope’s visit without any respect.” He said, “The Prime Minister continuously declares PNG as a ‘Christian country’ and prides himself on being a religious individual. So, it comes at a surprise to many when the Pope was continuously snubbed by the PM over the weekend since the Pope’s arrival on Friday.” Tomuriesa added, The Pope is the head of the Catholic church, the largest Christian church in the world and he is also a head of state. PNG not only being a Christian country, but a country that prides itself as a ‘friend to all, enemy to none’, the PM should be according to the Pope with the highest level of respect. “It was shameful to see that the Prime Minister failed on three occasions to meet the Pope and accord him respect.” On Friday, the Prime Minister did not welcome the Pope at the airport like he has done on many occasions to other world leaders. Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso had to step in. On Saturday, the Prime Minister again failed to attend the gathering at APEC Haus where I and many other Members of Parliament on both sides met the Pope. Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae had to step in on behalf of the State. Even Prime Ministers from our neighbouring Pacific Island countries were in attendance but not our own PM. “And yesterday (Sunday 8th September), the most disappointing display of all occurred when the PM missed his one-on-one meeting with the Pope at his residence in the morning. Per information reported, the organising committee said they were waiting for the PM to make his way but failed to turn up on time.” He further stated, “As a result, the PM had an impromptu meeting with the Pope at the stadium after mass which is very inhospitable and shameful. If Indonesia, a majority Islamic nation, can set aside their religious differences to show respect to an important global leader, then I don’t know why our own PM can’t do the same.” "I know the Pope will not be bothered by this disrespect as he is a very forgiving and loving man, but as a Papua New Guinean, I am utterly ashamed and disappointed. Mr. Marape has shown his true colours, and this blatant display of disrespect lets the country down."

The Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) Chief Executive Officer, Stanley Hondina, praised the efforts of the six (6) teams who participated in the inaugural National Women’s Competition, the Santos Cup, for their enthusiasm and commitment to the seven (7) week competition. “In a year of firsts, we as the PNGRFL are excited to see the talent and the elevation of the women’s game through the Santos Cup.” “The ladies have played their hearts out over the first five (5) weeks of competition, and we commend their performances and grit through this first season.” “I thank the East New Britain Gurias Women’s Team and the Mt. Hagen Eagles Women’s team their style of game and their contribution and participation this year, they will no doubt be back next year as better teams.” The Santos Cup regular season ended on the Saturday 31st August, seeing the Central Dabaris finish at the top of the ladder and the Lae Snax Tigers, Goroka Lahanis and Port Moresby Vipers following as 2nd, 3rd and 4th placed respectively. The Central Dabaris defeated the Port Moresby Vipers, 10 – 6 in a close match, whilst the Goroka Lahanis took out the Lae Snax Tigers, 12 – 6 at the Santos National Football Stadium, Sunday 8th September 2024. “I take this time to congratulate the Central Dabaris and the Goroka Lahanis, who will face off in the first ever Santos Cup Grand Final next Sunday.” “Your efforts and that of your staff and franchise, has paid dividends, seeing you make this Grand Final.” “You are the prides of your province. We look forward to seeing you take the field before your male counter parts in the “Big Dance” and wish you the best in your preparations.” The PNGRFL CEO, also expressed his gratitude towards the partners of the game who have invested and driven the women’s game to this milestone year. “We are indebted to the support of Santos, the Australian Government through PacificAus Sport, Kumul Mineral Holding Limited and Digicel, whose investments into women’s rugby league has seen the game evolve exponentially in the last four (4) years.” Hondina also congratulated the Kroton Hela Wigmen and Wamp Nga Mt. Hagen Eagles the on their progression to the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup’s 2024 Grand Final and thanked the teams for their commitment to the season. “The Digicel ExxonMobil Cup has grown leaps and bounds this year with the capture of data and proper monitoring.” “We are excited to see these two teams who have risen to the top, take the field next Sunday. Congratulation to the Eagles and the Wigmen and wish both teams the best.” The Kroton Hela Wigmen defeated the KMHL Enga Mioks, 20 – 12 in front of a packed Santos National Football Stadium for their Preliminary Final clash. The Central Dabaris will play the Goroka Lahanis on Sunday 15th September for the 2024 Santos Cup, ahead of the Kroton Hela Wigmen and Wamp Nga Mt. Hagen Eagle Digicel ExxonMobil Cup Grand Final at the Santos National Football Stadium.

The Kroton Hela Wigmen have pulled through to the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup grand final next week Sunday at the Santos National Football Stadium as they will take on the Mt Hagen Eagles. Both teams battled it out in the afternoon blazing heat to see Mioks add the first 2 points to the score board with a penalty goal kick. But coming from behind, Wigmen's Victor Ruling scored his sides first try after going through the video referee followed by a successful conversion from Pokari, putting them in the lead with 6-2 lead. With eighteen minutes left in the first half, Wigmen's Kaupa Sipa successfully put two consecutive tries followed by another try from his teammate Siki Konden with all successful conversions, taking them to a thrilling 20-6 at first half. Coming back from a much-needed break, the reigning champs Mioks tried to push through with several try attempts to level up but only managed to put their last try by Andy Tand, taking the fulltime score 20-12. Kroton Hela Wigmen's Coach Ian Yaro said, it was a tough journey for the team to make the top six and the grand final. "To come this far and make the grand final is just awesome, you know. And all credits to the boys for making it this far to the grand finals." With the team now set for the final series with the Hagen Eagles, coach Yaro said, discipline is one area he will work with the team before the Grand final. "We just got one of our players on record and will just have to wait and see if his going to make it through for the game, but otherwise, we got full players there that a ready and capable for the job." The Kroton Hela Wigmen will now face the Mt. Hagen Eagles in the 2024 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup grand final showdown at the Santos National Football Stadium at 3pm.

The Goroka Lahanis came out victorious 12-6 in the Santos Cup preliminary finals after putting up a good fight against the Lae Snax Tigers to secure their spot in the finals for this season. Leading in both half's, the Lahanis put up a strong defence with more try attempts then the Tigers. Although the Tigers tried their best to block all attempts, Lahanis Yolanda Taute showed great power by successfully putting the last try to secure their spot in the finals as they take on the Central Dabaris next week Sunday in the grand final match. Lahanis Coach Michael Moses expressed excitement at the ladies breakthrough and is optimistic for a greater celebration come next week.

Gerehu Police Station Commander Hanson Tokally confirmed that two police officers involved for the attack on a Gerehu Hospital senior doctor have been arrested with two other officers yet to be arrested. He said, the Police Commissioner has been told and is fully aware of this incident. Deputy ACP NCD/Central, Met.Supt - NCD, Supt CID, Commander Zone 2, PCC Gerehu and Internal Investigations Unit (IIU) NCD were physically present at the crime scene in front of the Gerehu Hospital. “The full details and identities of those policemen involved are known. Their full names as we as the incident reports have already been submitted to the Police at IIU office for further investigation.” “A known policeman, named with his Registration number named was a driver of a private white Toyota ten-seater, bearing the Registration number named at the time of the incident.” This policeman involved was officially transferred to Waigani Police Station from Gerehu after he was criminally arrested and charged for committing another offence 2 years ago. “Now, he is being arrested for being involved in this incident and is in Police custody with the other unattached policeman named.” “It is highly likely that others involved will also be arrested immediately and they will be terminated from the Police Force as per Commissioner's directive.” He said, other policemen involved are reservists, named. A medical doctor (victim) is also known. His statement as well as other evidence such as medical reports and witness statements will be taken by IIU police before making formal arrest and charge as usual. “A civilian man (currently unidentified) was seriously attacked somewhere in Port Moresby and transported by those policemen to Gerehu Hospital for medical treatment.” “The doctor (now victim) was the only medical officer on duty around 2:00AM on Friday 6th September, 2024. Little argument erupted when those policemen expected immediate medical treatment while the doctor excused himself and refused to help the patient (civilian) with medical treatment because he was drunk.” “Confrontation occurred between the security guards on night shift duty as they saw this and intervened.” “They confronted the policemen after the doctor was being seriously punched by another police officer.” “The security guards fought against the policemen involved and the fight broke into the hospital where other sick patients were being admitted. “ “After the doctor was being repeatedly kicked with safety boots and punched with folded fists, he sustained serious injuries to his head and face.” The police men escaped thereafter. IIU police were called in with the police bosses, who arrived later. The hospital has been closed pending police investigation since morning but it's open for normal business now, after being professionally addressed in the presence of the Police bosses, including the Commissioner, PSC Gerehu and the Hospital Management team. “Some policemen doing night shift at Gerehu went to stop the fight but they were late and also attacked by those policemen, who were said to be drunk and under the influence of liquor. Not all policemen were involved.” “We are very sorry for this sad incident as we humbly convey our heartfelt sympathy to the innocent doctor, who is fighting for his life.” “May God give you peace and wish you a fast recovery as you are fighting for your life,” said PSC Tokally. “Finally, we hope immediate relief and justice to be served on the victim accordingly.”