The National Capital District Provincial Health Authority (NCDPHA) Board Chairman Daniel Waswas has condemned in the strongest terms, the violent and unjustified attack on one of their doctors, Dr. Thomas Aiyaka, which took place early this morning. The assault, reportedly carried out by two intoxicated police officers, is a shocking act of brutality against a health care professional who was simply doing his duty to take care of the sick. Doctors, nurses and all health care workers dedicated their lives to serving the public, often under challenging and demanding circumstances. For any individual especially those entrusted with enforcing the law to violently attack a doctor is not only unacceptable but deeply disturbing. Such actions undermine public trust in Law enforcement and create an unsafe for our healthcare workers. “We are working closely with police authorities in NCD toi ensure that jstice is served swiftly.” “The two officers involved have been removed from the hospital premises, and we expect full accountability for their actions,” said Dr. Waswas. He said, “Gerehu Hospital is now secured, and their staff and patients are safe.” “Dr. Aiyaka is receiving the necessary medical care, and our thoughs and prayers are with him for a speedy recovery.” He added, they will not tolerate any form of violence or intimidation against their medical professionals. Healthcare workers must be able to perform their duties without fear for their safety. “We call on the Police Commissioner and the relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate this matter and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.” “To all our dedicated healthcare workers in NCD, we stand by you.” “You have our full support. And we will ensure that your safety is always prioritized.”

At around 4am this morning, doctors, nurses and patients say they were attacked by reserve police officers at the Gerehu General Hospital in Port Moresby. According to the Gerehu Hospital Manager Dr. Ruben Kiten, a group of police men under the influence of alcohol came into the hospital with a patient whose diagnosis is still unknown, demanded for fast medical treatment but was asked to wait by a senior doctor who was attending to another patient. Dr. Kiten said, the officer attacked the senior doctor, left and returned with reinforcement and opened fire and shot into the hospital causing panic to the hospital staff and patients. The senior doctor is currently at the Port Moresby General Hospital seeking treatment along with an asthmatic patient who was also attacked. “The first incident took place; they went out and came back with reinforcements.” “They hit the doctor the second time and when he was on the ground, he was kicked like a soccer ball.” “He left his family and came to work to serve the people.” “There was another attack, an asthmatic patient who was hit on the head and collapsed next to the doctor.” “And when they came back with the reinforcement, that’s when they started firing shots in the hospital.” Dr. Kiten told media that they went into the emergency ward and attacked everyone from doctors to the guardians in the hospital. He called these actions barbaric coming from a disciplinary force. “From the emergency ward, they went to the medical ward and the paediatric ward and did the same thing. Complete chaos last night.” “Many of the hospital staff had to remove their unforms, especially the nurses, and hid beneath the hospital beds to take cover.” Dr. Kiten made a strong call to the Police hierarchy to take immediate action and hold those men responsible for their actions and take proper disciplinary actions on them. He urged the police department to ensure that the hospital, staff and patients’ safety is guaranteed. Meanwhile, Zone 2 Commander Chief Inspector Tobby Hamago said, investigations into the matter are currently underway as this incident is of top priority now under the command of the Police Commissioner. He urged all staff members of the hospital who were on duty at the time of the incident to provide witness statements/reports to help investigations move smoother and faster. “If you were around that time when the incident happened, give us the story, come forward.” “If you know the police officer, give us the name.” “We need you to cooperate with us. Give us more information so that we can fast track this investigation.” The Police Commissioner later visited the Hospital to address the staff. At present, the Hospital remains closed.

The President of the Papua New Guinea Law Society Mr. Hubert Namani has joined the NCD Provincial Health Authority (NCDPHA) in condemning, in the strongest possible terms, the appalling attack on Dr. Thomas Aiyaka by police officers early this morning at the Gerehu Hospital in Port Moresby city. It was reported that some police officers, who were allegedly under the influence of alcohol, attacked the good doctor after they forced him to attend to a patient that they brought to the Gerehu hospital. He said the assault by two police officers on a dedicated healthcare professional is not only a disgraceful breach of the law, but a direct attack on the values of justice, human rights, and public service that both the legal and medical professions uphold. "Doctors and healthcare workers are at the frontline of serving our communities, often working under intense pressure to save lives and care for those in need. For law enforcement officers—whose duty is to protect citizens and maintain order—to turn on those who provide such critical services is an unacceptable betrayal of their sworn responsibilities," said Mr. Namani. "As the President of the Law Society and the Deputy Chairman of NCDPHA, I call for immediate and decisive action." "We demand that the police officers responsible be brought to justice without delay." He added that the Police Commissioner and all relevant authorities must ensure that an impartial and thorough investigation is conducted, and that those found guilty of this heinous act are held fully accountable under the law. He went on to say that this incident is not just a matter of individual misconduct, it reflects a breakdown in the relationship between those who enforce the law and those who work tirelessly for the good of the society. "We must restore trust and ensure that no healthcare professional ever fears for their safety while performing their duties." "I urge swift action by law enforcement to address this egregious violation." "Let this serve as a reminder that no one is above the law, and justice must prevail." Meantime, the Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) John Rosso in a short message said he will be attending the hospital scene this morning. "I have also deployed our internal affairs officers to the scene this morning," said DPM Rosso. "Let me assure you all that once investigations are concluded appropriate action will be taken. At this point in time, we are working on identifying the “policemen” and will be suspending them from duties immediately." "There is no room for such behaviour in the Force. We have many hardworking members. A few still believe they are not here to serve others but rather serve themselves."

A coordinated effort among various statutory health agencies, will provide comprehensive emergency medical support during the Papal Visit this week. Operating under the joint command of the Department of Health, the collaboration involves the National St John Ambulance (NStJA) Council, Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH), the NCD Provincial Health Authority (NCDPHA), the PNG National Emergency Medical Team (PNGEMT), and the West Sepik Provincial Health Authority. The joint health support operations will begin on Friday 06 September and continue through to Monday 09 September 2024 when the Papal delegation departs Papua New Guinea. Over 35,000 people are expected to attend ceremonies on Sunday 08 Sep and Monday 09 Sep at Sir John Guise Stadium. Dr Gary Nou, National EMT Lead for the Department of Health, said, “the Pope’s visit could be one of the largest gatherings of people at a single event in PNG’s modern history.” “Our priority is being well-prepared for the expected medical needs during the event. As with any event of this size, adequate crowd control is vital, and we ask people to move sensibly around the venue to prevent situations where crowd crush may occur.” “We have baseline plans in place to manage a situation where many people may require assistance at the same time.” To manage the expected medical needs, PNG EMT, PMGH and NStJA will establish an advanced care medical centre (ACMC) at the Stadium. The ACMC will be staffed by a skilled team of doctors and nurses from PMGH, NCDPHA, and NStJA. The ACMC’s objective is to treat patients on site. Complex cases will be stabilised and referred to hospital as needed. In addition to the ACMC, nine first aid posts will be placed around the stadium, each manned by NStJA volunteer first responders. To further enhance emergency coverage, four additional NStJA ambulances, staffed by ambulance officers, will supplement the six ambulances already operating in NCD as part of NStJA’s normal emergency services. These extra ambulances will be on standby to respond to any serious incidents. NStJA will also deploy a critical care ambulance and a quick response vehicle to support the Papal delegation. The critical care medical team will accompany the Papal Delegation to Vanimo, returning the same day. To ensure adequate coverage for this large event, NStJA has recalled off-duty staff to assist with the event. NStJA have also recruited and trained an additional 40 volunteer first responder. In total there will be around 150 trained first responder volunteers and health professionals engaged in providing support to the Papal Delegation.

The PNG Football Association this week announced the appointment of Felipe Vega-Arango as the new Head Coach (HC) for the National Kapul’s team. PNGFA President John Kapi Natto said, so far with this new appointment, Felipe is the 13th coach for the national team and will lead the team for three (3) years. “He comes all the way from Spain and is not new to this part of the world and the Oceania region. He spent almost 6-7 years in the Solomon Islands with the SI Football Federation as the head coach and assisting in the technical areas.” Their recent coach, Warren Moon, who was brought in on a short stint did not stay long and Kapi Natto said, they are looking for a long-term coach who is willing to come and stay and develop the sport for the national teams and going down to the youths and grassroots level. “We want a coach that will stay for a long time to develop a strategic plan to take our teams forward,” said Kapi Natto. He said, they have seen his track record and are excited to work alongside coach Felipe. “I know the timing to prepare our men’s national team for the world cup qualifier is just a month away before the team travels to Fiji for the first match against New Caledonia. It’s a great challenge and all of us have put our faith in him.” Kapi Natto added that, with the new incoming coach, it’s a good timing for the development of the new crop of Kapul’s team. Meanwhile, Head Coach Felipe Vega-Arango said, they will start training as early as possible to start preparing the team for the Oceania Qualifies in Fiji next month to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He says discipline is very important and will start trainings around their fitness levels and technique skills. “I believe PNG football can go to the next level, and this is the biggest country in the Oceania region, and I believe you should be doing better and if we are humble and work really hard, we can reach newer and higher heights.” “I also agree with the President, if we start pushing in the youth, we can have a wonderful future for the national teams, all the way from the U16’s to the senior levels.” Coach Felipe said, to get the team to an international level, he will push the team to get them up there, to ensure the team is committed and professional and being respectful to the coach. “We’re going to be very strict in rules, discipline of the players and I believe is key and I believe in the players, and we will start working/training as soon as possible.” He added that, the players need to be willing to work hard to get to the top. He further stated the team list for the Oceania Qualifiers in Fiji will not be out yet.

Under the leadership of Sir Puka Temu, the Opposition that now stands with 35 members has come up with the Alternate Government’s Policy Plan on rescuing PNG. He said, most members of parliament have moved to join the Opposition because of the current leadership of Government and said that it is going into the wrong direction. And tasked as the Alternate Government they have come up with the rescue plan on what they intend to do when they take over the government in the coming days. “We have taken an exhaustive review of past and current policies. Current structures that we have through the constitution, the organic law and the enabling laws plus the institutional arrangements that we have. And we believe that we have enough experience to stop making the wrong choices, stop designing the wrong policies, stop bringing wrong laws to the parliament and stop making wrong decisions on how to structure the governances of the country.” “We are off the strong opinion that the country needs a hard reset going forward. This policy will have to be the foundations for the countries next fifty (50) years of development and have had the pleasure of having the fifty (50) years of development experience, and as I say, this policy is carved with that background”, said Sir Temu. The team has come up with fourteen headings that are concentrated on are as follows: 1. Restoring Fiscal Discipline • Cut spending to reduce the budget deficit • Eradicate waste and prevent cost overruns • Stop unlawful transfers and abuse of appropriations • Review all contracts and office leases to curb inflation processes • Halt projects that offer no economic returns or socio-economic justification • Eliminate functional duplications and overlaps in the public service. “Every time the budget is passed through this government to maintain the integrity of the law called the National Budget that has out from this government has been thrown out. And this will be our number one priority. We have to learn to live within our means.” 2. Reducing the Alarming Public Debt Situation • Reducing our debt -to-GDP ratio 35% by 2029 by amending the Fiscal Responsibility Act • Halting the reckless printing of money • Banning of all further borrowings by SOEs • Ceasing off-budget borrowings • Ending State guarantees to SOEs and contractors • Lowering the Kina D+Facility Rate (KFR) and • Slashing government spending and national deficit. “The rate at which this government has been borrowing is unprecedented. So we have to make sure that we make a conscious decision to reduce the debt-to-GDP ratio to the original 35%.” 3. Addressing the Foreign Currency Shortage • Mobilize foreign earnings from our key exports and State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) • Permit foreign currency accounts to be operated by key exporters and SOEs • Restructure import content to prioritize essentials over non-essentials • Overhaul and reform foreign exchange regime and policy • Develop a robust Foreign Exchange Risk Management Strategy • Ensure the delivery of critical economic projects, including Papua LNG, Wafi-Golpu Gold, P’nyang LNG, and Pasca Oil, within 12 months • Attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) through targeted tax incentives and the reduction of unnecessary regulation and red tape. 4. Reducing the Cost of Living - Providing Relief to Our People • Reducing domestic borrowings • Ending the reckless printing of money (quantitative easing) • Reducing GST, corporate, and personal taxes • Re-establishing the Consumer Protection Commission (price controller) • Reducing interest rates (KFR) • Re-introducing the free education policy from primary to secondary school • Providing debt relief for students • Ensuring free basic medicine at all hospitals. 5. Stimulating Economic Growth, Job, and Income Creation • Introducing fiscal incentives for FDI in the renewable sector and downstream processing industries • Eliminating unnecessary red tape and regulations • Realigning the development budget to fund key strategic and economic enablers • Redirecting foreign aid to fund nation-building infrastructure • Reviewing the “Reserved Business list” • Establishing growth centres or smart cities under the SEZ Act • Adopting a comprehensive National Content Policy • Establishing market and transport facilities for SMEs and rural growers, including purchasing barges for maritime provinces • Reviewing the reserved list of occupations for indigenous citizens • Investing in labour-intensive transport infrastructure • Establishing an Affordable Housing Development Program • Reducing regulatory barriers to employment and skills training • Re-establishing the Price Stabilization Fund • Establishing a National Youth Scheme • Creating a National Land Asset Inventory by Law to secure customary and undocumented land through survey and title registration. 6. Revitalizing Agriculture – A Cornerstone for National Prosperity • Significant investment in agricultural infrastructure and technology to enhance productivity. • Comprehensive training programs to equip farmers with modern farming techniques • Job creation through the development of agricultural cooperatives and enterprises • Improving road networks and transportation systems to ensure better access to markets • Expanding export opportunities for agricultural products through targeted policies and international trade agreements; and • Promoting sustainable farming practices to ensure long-term viability and environmental protection. 7. Enhancing Health Care – More Doctors, Nurses, and Global Standards The health of our nation is paramount, and the Alternate Government is committed to elevating our healthcare system to global standards. We will focus on: • Recruiting and training more doctors and nurses to meet the growing demands of our population • Expanding education placements for medical professionals, ensuring they receive worldclass training • Upgrading healthcare facilities with state-of-the-art equipment and infrastructure • Improving working conditions for healthcare workers to retain talent within the country • Implementing long-term strategies to ensure continuous professional development and skill enhancement for medical staff; and • Collaborating with international health organizations to bring best practices and innovative solutions to our healthcare system. 8. Strengthening Law, Order, and Respect for Law • Guaranteed funding for Law Enforcement Agencies • A One Strike Policy with severe penalties, including dismissal A Rotational Policy (4 years) • Community Policing, Neighborhood, and Foot Patrols • The Establishment of an Independent Disciplinary and Promotion Board for all Law Enforcement Agencies, including the Judiciary and Ombudsman Commission; f) Direct recruitment from schools, colleges, and universities • Mandatory tertiary qualifications for Prosecutors, Criminal Investigators, and Social Workers • 12 Months of compulsory training, including physical fitness assessments • Mandatory surrender of all illegal firearms • Heavier penalties for serious crime • Enactment of a Domestic Terrorism Act to curb tribal fights, illicit drug trafficking, and the illegal gun trade • The formulation of a Compensation Act to ban all forms of compensation • The introduction of compulsory Bible Studies from primary to secondary school • The compulsory study of the National Constitution in the school system • Compulsory National Identification Card for every man, woman, and child • Strengthened Migration Laws • The Modernization of Police Stations to bring our law enforcement infrastructure up to global standards • The recruitment and training of additional police officers to ensure sufficient coverage and effective law enforcement across the country • The introduction of a National Youth Cadet Scheme. 9.Removing Impediments (Red Tape) • Establishing a One-Stop-Shop for Visa, Work Permit, and Business registration • Creating a single payment system and portal • Enacting the Foreign Investment Review Board Act • Introducing e-government or digital government for the entire public service system • Reviewing all regulatory processes • Streamlining procurement processes, ensuring greater accountability and transparency • Streamlining the Physical Planning Approval process • Overhauling the Building Board Approval processes • Liberalising Banking Services to relax AML and CFT guidelines • Establishing a Land Unit Trust for underdeveloped Lands (UDLs) • Streamlining the IPA registration processes 10. Removing Inefficiencies in the State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) • The partial privatisation of SOEs such as PNG Power, Water PNG, Telikom, Air Niugini, and the National Development Bank (51/49 shareholding) within a 2-year timeframe • Strengthening Accountability and Governance structures for KPHL, KMHL, MVIL, • MRDC, Ok Tedi Mine, and others • Abolishing KCHL and replacing it with a Trustee • Outsourcing the Management of key assets such as Seaports and Airports; and • Establishing a State Dividend Policy and Act of Parliament. 11. Strengthening Accountability and Efficiency in the Public Service These measures include: • Mandatory Annual Financial Performance Reports from all Section 32 Officers, Heads of Statutory Agencies, and CEOs of SOEs • Severe penalties for non-compliance, abuse, or mismanagement, including criminal prosecution, dismissal, and a lifetime ban from holding public office • A Single Integrated payment system • Eliminating duplication, overlaps, and merging functions • Streamlining procurement processes and enforcing the PFMA and National Procurement Act • Utilising e-government or digital technology • Outsourcing certain functions, such as payroll, financial audits, HR, and office leases, to competent private sector firms • Enforcing Employment Contracts with clearly defined KPIs and provisions for automatic dismissal for non-performance • Implementing a Compulsory Public Service Probationary period of 2 years • Establishing Independent recruitment and appointment processes for Heads of Departments and Statutory Agencies • Reviewing the salaries of key frontline workers, inclusive of risk allowances • Designating PILAG as a special institution for upskilling and training new entries • Relocating the Prime Minister’s Office back to Manasupe House. 12. Strengthening and Empowering Provincial and Local Level Government (PLLG) and Accountability The Alternate Government will immediately undertake a number of policy actions, including: • Annual block budgets for PLLG (inclusive of national functions and PIP) • Restoring NCDC’s Financial Powers • Allowing Provincial Executive Councils to appoint Provincial Administrators • Transferring treasury and finance functions to PLLGs • Appointing DDA CEOs and Finance Officers by DDA Boards • Abolishing Special Purposes Authorities (SPA), with their functions transferred to LLGs • Removing Presidents from DDA Boards • Abolishing Provincial Hospital Authorities and transferring powers to Provincial • Administrations • Transferring PTB to PLLG and DDA • Transferring responsibility for Provincial Radio Stations, Lands, Physical Planning, • Housing, Village Courts, and Land Mediation to PLLGs • Delegating appointment and termination decision-making to PLLGs; and • Redefining the roles and responsibilities of various levels of government. 13. Reforming Electoral and Political Systems • Implementing a Biometric Voting System • Appointing three Electoral Commissioners, inclusive of the Chief Electoral Commissioner • Registering all eligible voters (common roll) 12 months before the General Election • Limiting the discretionary powers of the Commissioners • Criminalising any tampering and abuse by Electoral Officers • Introducing a Mandatory Vote of No Confidence after 2.5 years • Allowing the Speaker to appoint Parliamentary Committees • Mandating the resignation of Members who leave Political Parties after the General Election • Ensuring that the Chairmen of Permanent Parliamentary Committees are remunerated the same as Vice Ministers • Allocating an additional 5 staff, including two technical advisors, to the Office of Open Members • Determining the political future of Bougainville in line with Constitutional requirements within 12 months • Creating an Upper House (Senate) to enhance parliamentary checks and balances. 14. Institutional and Structural Reforms • Restoring the Independence of the Central Bank • Restructuring the National Insurance Commission and enhancing accountability and governance structures • Reviewing the ICCC to improve accountability • Redefining the role of the National Energy Authority • Restructuring the PNG Stock Exchange • Restructuring Motor Vehicle Insurance Limited (MVIL) • Strengthening the accountability and governance of the National Development Bank • Realigning the National Securities Commission • Redefining and strengthening the role of the Ombudsman Commission • Restructuring the National Institute of Standards and Information Technology, including setting standards for all sectors; and • Establishing National Marketing Agencies to promote international market access for SMEs. “We simply cannot afford to ignore the far-reaching socio-economic consequences we face today. We must rescue our country now and rebuild it for the sake of our people and our future generations” “We assure you, our people, that we are ready to govern. We will not waste a moment because time is not on our side.”

The Member for Wabag Dr. Lino Tom has resigned as of Monday afternoon from his Ministerial position as the Health Minister in the Pangu Pati led Marape-Rosso Government. He said the decision is not an easy one to make but has been made after a very long and careful consideration of issues, especially, of the current state of affairs and the future of the country. Dr. Tom thanked Prime Minister (PM) James Marape for appointing him as Health Minister in his first term of Parliament and also by extending his kind gesture this term. “I stepped into parliament for the frst time in 2017 and spent 2 and a half years with a few good leaders, mostly from the coast in opposition benches. All leaders from my region were in government at that time. It was a very difficult decision to make with an ongoing election petition, but I believed then that it was in the best interest of the nation.” “Today, with the government solid with over 70 members, I decided to leave with the same conviction. I am convinced the path we trod as a government is fraught with significant issues of “Good Governance” foreboding a bleak future. In fact, the unbridled proliferation of corruption and law and order issues poses an existential threat to our young democracy. Our institutions of state have become desecrated to a point where they no longer serve their Constitutional functions but that of their masters, and the ordinary people have lost total faith in them," said Dr. Tom. The Rule of Law needs to be prioritized as it forms the foundation for growth and prosperity in any successful nation and is now an established fact globally, said Dr. Tom. A good Rule of Law is demonstrated through good law enforcement, good political governance, and an effective legal system. It provides the necessary security for social stability, sustainable development, and economic growth. “It now seems we want to grow the economy without firstly, constructing its foundation through establishment of a “Good Rule Of Law.” It’s like putting the cart before the horse. I hope our government can reprioritize its development agendas and make this nation safe again as the current nonchalant and dismal efforts will throw this nation into the doldrums of anarchy and chaos.” "In fact, it is fast happening before our eyes. I hope these resignations will galvanize the government into action by rousing its level of consciousness. If the daily atrocities and heinous crimes are not evoking any sense of urgency and concern, what else will," said Dr. Tom. He said mediocrity, insanity, and tyranny are accepted, espoused, and even celebrated. There is a moral and societal decadence that’s happening before all of us. Too many charlatans and sycophants have found their way around the government distancing genuine professionals and blinding and deafening the government to the real pain, cries, and perils of the people on the streets with their clamorous adulations. Slogans will never change our country; direct, strategic, and intentional action will. “We need to establish a good rule of law and restore the sanctity and credibility of the institutions of state as a matter of national importance and priority, urgently! I have raised these sentiments often in all our leadership meetings and am doing it again at my exit and hope some substantial steps can be taken to address these issues.” “My resignation is an open protest and I only wish our Prime Minister and his government well and hope he makes these urgent changes for the better.”

The PNGRFL’s National Women’s Competition; the Santos Cup matches on Saturday 31st August, rounded off the regular season with matches played in Lae, Rabaul and Port Moresby. The Round 5 fixtures and results have now determined the top four (4) teams who will progress to the finals of the 2024 Santos Cup in its inaugural season. The top four are; Central Dabaris, Lae Snax Tigers, Goroka Lahanis and Port Moresby Vipers. The Lae Snax Tigers hosted the Central Dabaris at the Lae Rugby League Oval, with a strong show by both sides, competition top try scorer, Marie Biyama of the Dabaris, secured the win with two (2) tries. The Tiger going down to the Dabaris, 4 - 8. At the Santos National Football Stadium, the Port Moresby Vipers proved too strong for the visiting Mt. Hagen Eagles, with tries from Ruth Gende, Wendy Josh and Claudia Kaupa and Lilah Malabag finding form with 2 out of 3 conversions. The Port Moresby Vipers locked in their finals date with a 16 -4 defeat of the Mt. Hagen Eagles. Queens Park in Rabaul Town hosted the second match that saw the East New Britain Gurias women went up against the Goroka Lahanis. Peggy Ipa and PNG Orchids rising star, Yolanda Taute scoring in the 18th and 26th minute respectively and captain Delailah Ahose making 1 out of 2 conversion attempts. The Gurias just edged out of a 4th place finals debut 10 -4, with tries from Gurias’ Helen Solomon and penalty goals taken by Nicole Mato and Enid Paniu. The Mt. Hagen Eagles and the ENB Gurias, now bow out of the 2024 Santos Cup, with the top four teams set to play for a grand final appearance, this Sunday 8th September. ● Central Dabaris (1st place) v Port Moresby Vipers (4th place) ● Lae Snax Tigers (2nd place) v Goroka Lahanis (3rd place) The Santos Cup Grand Final will be played on Sunday 15th September, ahead of the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup Grand Final. Results and standings attached following Round 5 of the 2024 Santos Cup below: Pos Team Played Points Wins Drawn Lost Byes For Againts Diff. 1 Central Dabaris 5 8 4 0 1 0 90 24 66 2 Lae Snax Tigers 5 7 3 1 1 0 58 42 16 3 Goroka Lahanis 5 7 3 1 1 0 54 40 14 4 Port Moresby Vipers 5 4 2 0 3 0 46 58 -12 5 Mt. Hagen Eagles 5 2 1 0 4 0 54 82 -28 6 ENG Guaris 5 2 1 0 4 0 22 78 -56

The Department of Education through the Flexible Open and Distance Education (FODE) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Daulo District Development Authority (DDA) for an effective, accessible and quality education with the aim to drive its principle of “Leaving NO Child Behind”. The official signing took place on Wednesday, August 28th, 2024 in Port Moresby. Officiating at the signing was the Secretary for the Department of Education, Dr Uke Kombra and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Daulo DDA, Samo Tobi and witnessed by other senior officers from the Department, Daulo DDA and FODE centre. The partnership will see the district creating a continued education pathway for its high school leavers who could not make it through to formal education rather can be supported by the District’s FODE assistance pathway. Under the agreement, the Daulo District DDA will fund and support the four high schools in the district including the Asaroka Secondary School, Daulo Secondary School, Mando High School and Watabung High School in the District to carry out the FODE program using their existing resource and facilities. Secretary, Dr Kombra described the partnership as a significant step forward for the Department as it falls in line with a number of key programs and policies the Department is currently undertaking as one of its major focus areas under the National Education Plan 2020-2029. “Those are key policies that the department is moving ahead across the country in our education system. FODE is now becoming not as a school for dropouts but a school for everyone to complete 12 years of education. It is an alternative pathway we have now and our enrolments have increased dramatically over the last 2-3 years. "Currently, the country has around 82, 105 FODE students. Last year it was about 80,000,” Dr Kombra said. Daulo DDA CEO, Mr. Tobi said the partnership marks the first for Daulo District and the first District in Eastern Highlands to offer such assistance to its students in the District. Mr. Tobi said the District will work closely with the Education Department to ensure a smooth and effective roll out of FODE program, Vocational Education and Training (VET) and Early Childhood Education (ECE) in the District beginning next year. A total of K200, 000 has been allocated for the establishment of FODE in the District. The Department through FODE also anticipates to see the first batch of grade twelves (12s) students under FODE to be equally considered in the online application for higher education spaces which has been a huge challenge for years.

The National STI & HIV five (5) year strategy 2024-2028 was officially launched on Friday 30th August in Port Moresby at the Holiday Inn Hotel. With the launch of the strategy, The National Aids Council Secretariat and the National Health Department’s (NDoH) vision of the strategy is to end the epidemic of STI’s and HIV in the country by 2030. NDoH Deputy Secretary for Public Health Mr. Ken Wai said this is the number four strategy and with 18 new infections per day, they need to be smart in implementing the strategy to put an end to the transmission of STI’s & HIV. “Since 2010, infections have increased by 101%. It is estimated that about 6, 700 new infections occurred in 2023, or about 18 new infections per day and about 72 thousand people living with HIV in 2023," said Dr. Wai. “The majority of the people infected are young-between 15-49 years of age. This is our productive age group. These are people who are capable of contributing in various sectors towards the development of PNG and the future of our nation.” With support of over K1billion invested from the government and donor partners World Vision, UNAIDS, Australian Government, USAIDS and WHO, an annual budget of more than K2million will be used to implement the three (3) pillars in all 300 centres in all provinces and 160 Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) sites in the country. Pillar 1 Comprehensive STI & HIV Prevention Focus on community awareness, peer outreach, health promotions, behaviour changes communications, distribution of prevention and accompanied pathways to clinical services. Pillar 2 Early Diagnosis, Effective treatment & Tailored Care Prioritizes testing, treatment and care within clinical service to reach diverse settings and populations, in close partnership with community and peer-led programs. Pillar 3 Strong Coordination, Robust Systems & Supportive Environment System strengthening and supportive environment tailored towards provincial response, national and provincial health systems strengthening. Wai said, through partners with various organisations, they will amplify their efforts to promote safe sex practices including condom distribution, sexual health education in schools, and community outreach programs. “Our collective actions will ensure that prevention becomes a shared responsibility.”

Prime Minister James Marape this afternoon commended students at the University of Papua New Guinea for the manner in which they have petitioned him and the government on grievances. The Prime Minister was at UPNG at noon today to receive a petition from the Student Representative Council of UPNG, witnessed by the student body at the open forum area. He said the students showed maturity and leadership in both the drafting of the petition and their presentation of it to the government. “I quickly looked through the petition that you have given, and I want to say that there is a lot of maturity in the manner in which this petition was drafted.” “You raised issues and you also offered solutions,” said the Prime Minister. He said there was a marked difference in the way UPNG students of this generation raised concerns to the government as opposed to similar events of the past where such incidents have turned into protests, riots, and – as in the case of 1991 – the whole academic year suspended. “In 1991, I was a student here in this forum square. We were only 16 years old as a nation then.” “But we were not this orderly; we had an issue, and we took to the streets. It caused six months of school suspension, in fact the entire academic year in 1991 was shut down forcing students to miss out on studies until they could find spaces in the following years. “So, I want to say thank you to both the university administration and the SRC for showing maturity and allowing our students to raise pertinent points that affect the economy, our country, and allowing the government to come here and receive your petition.” The main issues raised in the petition are Foreign Exchange, Inflation, Law and Order, and Education Scholarships programs (HECAS/TESAS). “The four main issues you raised today are important points, but there are also many points that are associated with everything else that is common in our society – job increase, containing inflations, ensuring that our economy is better place. All these are inter-related. This petition deserves a detailed response.” The questions you posed deserve a great deal of input and reply back to you,” he said. A reply would be furnished to the students on Monday 9 September 2024 through a power-point presentation that will have backing statistics from relevant government departments and agencies, so the students understand the data and see the efforts Government has already put into addressing the raised issues, the PM said. He added he would like to clear his calendar within the next week to present an informative reply directly to the students himself.

As the 2024 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup continues to head into the semi-finals this Sunday 1st September at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby. The day will kick off with the major semi-final at 1.00pm between 2024 minor premiers Wamp Nga Mt Hagen Eagles and defending champions Kumul Minerals Holdings Ltd Enga Mioks, followed by the minor semi-final at 3.15pm between Kroton Hela Wigmen and Lae Snax Tigers. Both matches will be televised live by official broadcaster TVWAN on the TVWAN Sports 3 channel. Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition (PNG NRLC) General Manager Mr Leith Isaac said that the PNGNRLC would like to advise fans and supporters that there will be no ticket sales at the Santos National Football Stadium on game day so everyone is encouraged to purchase tickets during the week while they are available. “We encourage Port Moresby residents who wish to come to watch, to pay for tickets at Tiket Mastas outlets at JMart in Erima, the ticket sales office at Santos National Football Stadium and at its new outlet at RH Gordon.”