The people of Yangoru-Saussia District in the East Sepik Province celebrated the launch of the Womayen Market project recently which upon completion will be the first ever 24-hour market in the history of PNG and the first in the South Pacific Region according to UN Women. Minister for International Trade and Investment & Yangoru-Saussia MP, Richard Maru said the Womayen Market would be a national asset upon completion because it would not only serve the people of Womayen and the Yangoru-Saussia District but also those from other districts in the East, West Sepik Province, and all travelling public along the Sepik Highway. “This market will operate 24 hours which means there has to be proper electricity and water supply system, a police station so our mothers and girls are safe, a guest house for the mothers travelling from afar to rest in, banks, ablution block, an office, a car park, and other essential facilities.” The first phase of the Womayen Market Project will be the building of the bore water supply system by Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) to supply water to the market and to all the families in the Womayen Village. PNG Country Director for ADRA, Mr. Darren Yorio announced at the launch that work on building the water supply system will commence next week. “We will start next week with our team moving the drilling machine for the bore water supply system.” “From the bore the water will be fed into a tank where it will be treated before being supplied to the market and to every household in the Womayen village through the bore water reticulation system.” “The water supply system should be completed within six months,” said Mr. Yorio. While the water supply system is being constructed, the design work for the market will commence. Maru said, “I will take representatives from the Womayen Village to see the designs and the operations of Gordons Market, Kimbe Market, and Kokopo Market so they can get some ideas and also be involved in the design of the Womayen Market because they know their own market needs and will have to agree and have an input on the design, they want for the Womayen Market.” An Australian company will be engaged to design the market as it has to be a design for a world-class market. “We will be engaging an engineering firm that has been involved in the design and project management of Gordons Market, Kimbe Market, and other markets in the country.” Another important development partner of the Womayen Market project, the UN Women will take care of the “soft” part of the project which includes providing training on the proper management of the market to make it a safe and sustaining project. The Head of UN Women PNG Country Office, Ms. Adekemi Ndieli said, “85% of people in any market in PNG are women and that is why UN Women has worked in 14 markets in PNG including Wewak, Alotau, Kimbe, Goroka, Mt. Hagen, Wabag, Tari, Lae, Gordons, and now Womayen.” Markets are very important because that is where economic activities take place, and it is the root of development. UN Women is here to make sure that this market has the highest standard and everything works well.” Minister Maru urged the UN Women to start the training program as soon as they can. “I will be expecting the UN Women to start talking about the training program before we even start building the market - training on who will manage the market, how to manage it, the employment of youths to manage the market, the structure of the market, how the market can make money for its operations and to pay its employees, etc. Minister Maru who was grateful for this commitment said: “It will cost over K8 million to complete the Womayen Market project.” “The acquiring of the land on which the market will be built on, the earth works, and the water supply system have caused the Yangoru-Saussia DDA K2.5 million.” Minister Maru further appealed to the people of Womayen to take care of the market project, especially to look after all the contractors who will be working to deliver the project.

After an injury-disrupted 2023 campaign, standoff Te Maire Martin has returned to the NRL side for the One New Zealand Warriors and credits his life away from the football field for keeping him balanced. Martin started the 2024 season playing in the club’s New South Wales Cup team but, after Luke Metcalf suffered a broken leg against the Newcastle Knights, has earned another opportunity in the number six jersey. “It’s always good getting to play first grade,” said the former Kiwi international. “I had a good stint off the field last year, had a few games of (NSW) Cup to start the year off, and playing in grade and winning a game like that is pretty special.” It has been an up and down 12 months for Martin as he started 2023 as the first-choice halves partner for Shaun Johnson before being sidelined by his own broken leg (fibula) and then returning for the club’s finals run. The experienced playmaker would be forgiven for riding that emotional rollercoaster with all its highs and lows but, instead, he found balance in nature. Fishing and hunting keeps me nice and happy. You’ve got to have a good balance of footy and away from footy Te Maire Martin One New Zealand Warriors standoff “Fishing and hunting keeps me nice and happy. You’ve got to have a good balance of footy and away from footy,” he said. “I don’t get too caught up in the footy on not playing or playing and I think last year’s stint off the field just made me appreciate playing. “I just enjoy playing, and if I can play first grade it’s even better. “You’ve got to try and find something fun outside of footy that you enjoy and not get caught up too much in it.” Head coach Andrew Webster has been impressed with what he has seen from Martin to begin the season and believes a good run of football will see him fulfil his potential. “When you’ve got a great attitude, you’re fit, you’re healthy, you want to work hard, it’s going to happen for you eventually, especially if you’ve got talent,” said the Dally M coach of the year. “If you’ve got no talent, it’s probably a bit hard, but Te Maire’s got it all and his work ethic, and being a good person, is going to get him where he wants to, so he just needs a bit of luck with his body, and he’ll get it.” Martin’s 78th career appearance on Saturday was just his 10th since joining the club, an occasion marked by a brilliant individual try, two line breaks, a try assist (for Johnson’s second try) and 22 tackles.

Goroka Syntax Secondary School in Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province has been de-registered after investigations by officials from the National Department of Education, Provincial Division of Education and the Police found irregularities by the school in the 2023 National Examinations. It was found that the Grade 10 English and Agriculture Examination papers were stolen from the school and made available to students prior to the examination dates. In a letter to the Director of the school, Mr. Dominic Gahane, Education Secretary Dr. Uke Kombra, said, “This misdemeanour portrayed your negligence of due diligence in the security of the examination papers and the administration of the national examinations,” Dr. Kombra said that the security of the national examinations has been a serious issue for the Department for a number of years; therefore, any misdemeanour by schools, teachers and students will not be taken lightly. “Therefore, I have decided to de-register your school from the national education system under Section 100 (4) of the Education Act 1986.” “However, the school can still operate as a private school, but not as a permitted school aligned to the national education system curriculum and certification.”

As rugby league fanatic gear-up for a sensational season, the 2024 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup competition will kick off this super weekend April 13th-14th with 5 matches across the country as they enter a new era focusing on a “Faster, Fairer, and Futuristic” game for PNG fans to enjoy. Asila Waghi Tumbe will host the Gas Resources Central Dabaris in Minj as they return to the elite competition, whilst in West New Britain, the WNB Provincial Government Kimbe Cutters will attempt to beat the Lae Snax Tigers, unless the visitors bite back. Port Moresby will experience a triple treat of matches when the reigning champions the Kumul Mineral Holdings Enga Mioks take on the recently relocated ENB Agmark Gurias Gurias. PRK Gulf Isou will lead out the competition against the Wamp Nga Mt Hagen Eagles. Last year’s runners up the Bintangor Goroka Lahanis will face off against the Moni Plus NCDC Port Moresby Vipers. Lae will be the centre of attention come Sunday 14th April with PRK Mendi Muruks and Kroton Hela Wigmen battling it out in front of an expected bumper crowd to complete the first round. 2024 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup Round 1 matches: Saturday 13th April · 2.00pm Asila Waghi Tumbe vs Gas Resources Central Dabaris, John Amban Oval · 2.00pm WNBPG Kimbe Cutters vs Lae Snax Tigers, Humphreys Oval · 11.00am PRK Gulf Isou vs Wamp Nga Mt Hagen Eagles, National Football Stadium · 1.00pm Moni Plus NCDC Port Moresby Vipers vs Bintangor Goroka Lahanis, National Football Stadium · 3.00pm KMH Enga Mioks vs ENB Agmark Gurias, National Football Stadium Sunday 14th April · 3.00pm PRK Mendi Muruks vs Kroton Hela Wigmen, Lae Rugby League Ground  

The PNG under 16 boys’ soccer team have left today for the OFC U16 Qualifying Tournament in Tonga next week. The tournament will kick off on the 13th of April at Loto-Tonga Soka Centre, Nuku’alofa. PNG is an unseeded country in this age-group competition, where they will need to play for the qualifying tournament and then qualify for the championships to be played in Tahiti. The PNG U16 team is made up off Alexander Posiri, Harry Araga (goalkeepers), Railako Valu, Joshua Malaburgh, Seth Tade, Waterhouse Waiwai, Leightan Enoch, Alban Rani, Tyler Niebo, Hyman Wemin, Israel Ure, Wane Maninare, Taunama Sergeant, Ethan Geita, Nathaniel Ovia, Henry Bae Jnr, Timothy Pepson, Edmund Bwaina and Philemon Deilala. Official: Coach Marty Terry, Assistant Coach Mathias Apo, Manager Dennis Kossie Java, Goalkeeper David Kaura. Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, American Samoa, and host Tonga will compete at the Qualifying Tournament for a place in the OFC Championship to be held in Tahiti from July 28-10 August. The 4 teams will play each other in round robin format over 3 match days. The winner will join New Zealand, Fiji, New Caledonia, Tahiti, Cook Islands, Vanuatu, and Samoa in Papeeter, Tahiti. New Zealand, Vanuatu, Fiji and Cook Islands have been drawn in Group A with New Caledonia, Samoa, Tahiti and the Qualifying Winner in Group B. Group A will kick-off with New Zealand vs Vanuatu and Fiji vs Cook Islands while Group B begins with New Caledonia and Tahiti versus Qualifying winner. The winner and runner up will represent Oceania at the FIFA U17 World Cup in 2025.

The Port Moresby General Hospital’s Special Care Nursery were proud recipients of 6 boxes of newborn care kits including various medical equipment from UNICEF. UNICEF presented the newborn kits containing 3 doppler foetal heart detectors, 9 resuscitators, neonate set, 3 electrical baby scales, 6 drip stands, 9 bulb suction reusables, 30 tape measures and 20 thermometers in a special ceremony on Friday 15th April. Various medical equipment included 10 pulse oximeter, 15 Neonatal Stethoscopes, 3 Warmer system newborn radiant with accessories, 2 Ventilators, 2 Phototherapy Unit with Accessories, 4 Bubble CPAP Machines, 2 Portable Ultrasound Scanning System including Cardiology and 2 Sony Digital Printers. PMGH Director of Medical Services, Dr. Koni Sobi said, through collaboration with partners and stakeholders, they can drive and improve the health indicators in this country. “We just can't do it alone. The government of this country can’t do it alone. We need the collaboration of everyone, all the partners in healthcare, in private, in the community. We all need to work together to realize good outcomes as far as health care is required in this country.” UNICEF, Chief of Health, Dr Satish Gupta spoke of the collaboration with the National Department of Health to strengthen neonatal services in the country. “The first day of life is the most important in the life of a child. When the delivery takes place, the first 24 hours and the first 72 hours are the most critical for the survival of a newborn and if we can provide good care services at the facility we can reduce mortality in the country.” He also presented on the newborn care program to strengthen quality newborn care at the community and facility level through capacity building, providing critical equipment and having a mentorship program to provide on the job building for Paediatric and O&G societies. Dr Osborne Liko, Secretary for Health acknowledged the roles that each partner and stakeholder plays and the teamwork and support towards neonatal care. “We are working with partners to build the capacity of our health facilities so that they are able to manage newborn complications which includes the needs of the premature babies.” “And this includes effort focused on upgrading some health facility and providing equipment for newborn care and health care workers working in special newborn care nurseries and trained to manage complications associated with the premature deliveries,” Dr Liko said. He added that the newborn care kits received provide the necessary tools at the primary healthcare levels across 22 provinces and to support newborn deliveries and care.

The PNG Residents Women’s team recently made history being the first Papua New Guinean team to participate in the annual Australian National Women’s Championships. The 2024 Harvey Norman National Championships held on the Gold Coast from the 20th - 24th of March 2024 in Burleigh, saw the PNG team join Fiji in their inaugural appearance with the support of the PacificAus Sports and the NRL. The PNG Residents team played 4 matches during the 4-day tournament, grabbing two wins, and suffering two losses. NSW Country Women 22 - PNG 0 PNG 44 - South Australia 0 PNG 6 - ADF Women 0 First Nation Gems 12 - PNG 0 The tournament saw an enormous effort by the PNG Residents, with solid performances from the 18 women squad and seeing Belinda Gwasamun take out the Tahnee Norris Player of the Tournament and five-eighth, Meli Joe, being named in the Team of the Tournament. Head Coach of the PNG Residents, Solomon Kuliniasi said of the ladies effort, “I am absolutely proud of the team. From day one of the campaign to the last game, they did their country proud.” “They committed, sacrificed, and worked hard for each other. The hours they put in at training was the foundation for the team's success.” The team successfully completed the NRL’s RISE ROOKIE Program, culminating in their selection in the first ever women’s team from PNG to represent the country in this tournament. The team was predominantly made up of female athletes from the 2023 PNG National Women’s Championships, the 2023 Prime Ministers XIII and the 2023 Pacific Championships and also players who participated in international invitational matches and fixtures at the end of last year. General Manager for the PNGRFL’s Performance and Pathways, Tony Archer said, “The team’s prepare and performance is a further indication of the talent we have in women Rugby League in PNG which will only be further strengthened with the potential of the Women’s National Competition later this year and the work being done by the NRL Bid in Junior Development Pathways.” “We were fortunate as the Australian National Women’s Championships has been a proven pathway for aspiring players hoping to make their way into the state wide and ultimately the NRLW.” “These championships gave an opportunity for our players to showcase their skills in an important International Pathway Championship. It is a credit to all the players, coaches, and support staff on their performances, and just as importantly how they represented themselves, their families and nation. We all should be very proud of each of them. We thank the NRL for organizing such an event and the on-going support of PacificAus Sport program. We look forward to providing more similar opportunities for our female players” Archer said. The participation of the PNG Residents came off the back of the increased engagement and support shown for the development of the women’s game and the performance of the Santos PNG Orchids over the past five years, which included their semi-final berth at the 2023 Rugby League World Cup in England and their Pacific Championships win against the Cook Islands in Port Moresby.

An ever-present Viliame Kikau led the way as the Bulldogs beat the Titans into submission on their way to a 32-0 shutout of the Titans on Saturday afternoon. Kikau destroyed the Gold Coast last-tackle plan at times with his ferocious kick pressures, one of which ended in him scoring a try following a charge down in the first half, to help the Bulldogs end a six-game winless run which stretched back to July last year. The Fijian powerhouse added a try assist before full-time and was joined by centre Jacob Kiraz and off-season recruit Josh Curran as the individual standouts in a much-improved team effort from Cameron Ciraldo's men, following heavy defeats to the Sharks and Eels earlier in the month. In front of an animated crowd at Belmore Sports Ground the Gold Coast wilted, making 11 errors on a day in which they also lost captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui to a knee injury which saw him unable to put weight on his right side as he was helped from the field by trainers. After a sloppy opening 17 minutes which saw a combined five errors and five penalties – and included Titans five-eighth Kieran Foran spilling the ball with an open line metres in front of him – Jacob Preston got the scoring started minutes after his side had a try ruled out by the Bunker for obstruction. Kikau's charge down on a Tanah Boyd clearing kick then saw him left with a simple scoop and score, which after Matt Burton's second conversion gave Canterbury-Bankstown the 12-0 lead they took to the break. The hosts looked to have a third just two minutes into the second stanza, but Curran's effort was rubbed out when Burton was ruled to have obstructed a defender in the lead up. But they didn't have to wait long for more opportunities, with Reed Mahoney and Jacob Kiraz both scoring in the space of eight minutes to all but kill off the contest. That didn't trigger any let up from the Dogs though, with Connor Tracey grabbing Kikau's pass for a try in the corner before Blake Taaffe backed up a Mahoney line break for his first try as a Canterbury-Bankstown player. Source: NRL.Com

A rugby league captain who assaulted his ex-partner was branded an ‘entitled bully’ by a judge and slammed for his treatment of women. Dion Aiye, 35, the captain of Whitehaven Rugby League, kicked his former girlfriend in the stomach and held her by the throat, leaving her in fear for her life. Aiye had admitted assault by beating and harassment at a hearing last month and was sentenced for the offences at Preston Crown Court on Thursday. Outlining the case, prosecutor Richard Flook said Aiye began a relationship with the woman in 2020 and they had moved in together during the pandemic. The relationship ‘started well’ but then progressed to arguments. On February 28, 2021, the pair had gone to the victim’s mother’s address for her birthday and then returned to their home in Barrow. Aiye had been lying on the floor and was on his phone but was hiding it so the victim couldn’t see what he was doing. Aiye said he was texting other girls. The victim tried to grab the phone from Aiye, who pushed her, causing her to fall over and hit her arm. As she stood up, he kicked her to the stomach and was laughing at her as this happened. She told Aiye to get out. He then grabbed her by the throat. She was able to call 999 and Aiye was still laughing, telling her, ‘at least I will be able to get a lift home when police arrive’. The woman was left with bruises and was winded. Another incident during a trip to Chester was outlined to the court. Aiye had called the victim a derogatory term multiple times and she had gone back to the hotel. He also returned to the hotel 15 minutes later and began packing his bag. She tried to stop him leaving and the defendant pushed her over, into a doorframe. He then punched the doorframe above her head. The court heard the couple had gone away to London to watch a rugby game. While there, Aiye told her to smile and called her a ‘miserable, old ****’. She had then left. Aiye had said to her, ‘just you wait’. When she asked what he meant, Aiye replied, “I will f*****g leather you when I get back’. Mr Flook said Aiye had criticised how the woman looked after her daughter. He also sent messages to her, telling her to kill herself and called her offensive names. During police interview, Aiye denied assault and said the relationship was ‘toxic’. He said they would often drink together and he was not a violent man. He said she had lied to ‘ruin his life and career’. The victim read an emotive personal statement to the court, which said she believed her life was at risk when Aiye kicked her in the stomach. She said: “I will never forget the hatred in his eyes. “I wish I had been strong enough to get out the relationship then. I was always walking on eggshells. I was always trying to please Dion. “He would sleep with other girls if he didn’t get what he wanted. “I have spent my days looking over my shoulder since going to police. “The day he started shouting at my daughter, I knew I had to end this relationship. I feel guilty I put my daughter in this position. I feel like I let her down. “This man should not be allowed to continue impacting my life. I want justice and closure for my daughter and myself.” Anthony Parkinson, defending, said: “The offending is almost two years ago. He has been on bail throughout the course of the investigations and court proceedings. There has been no breach of that.” Mr Parkinson said a curfew would interfere with matches and training as part of his employment as a professional rugby player. Passing sentence, Judge Guy Mathieson said Aiye was an ‘entitled bully’ who thinks women are there to ‘do his bidding’. He said: “If they don’t come up to the standards you set, there are consequences. This is about you getting what you want.” Judge Mathieson said he hoped the proceedings had been a wake-up call for Aiye that he ‘can’t treat another human being in this way’. Aiye, of Richmond Terrace, Whitehaven, was given an 18-month community order with 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 240 hours of unpaid work. A five-year restraining order was imposed which bans Aiye from contacting the victim or her daughter by any means or going to an address where they are present Source: Newsandstar.co.uk    

Brisbane overcame the loss of captain and star playmaker Adam Reynolds to defeat South Sydney 28-18 in a razzle dazzle display before 35,507 fans at Suncorp Stadium. With Reece Walsh outpointing Latrell Mitchell in the battle of the superstar fullbacks, the Broncos stormed home in the second half after the Rabbitohs had equalled the scores at 12-12 in the 45th minute. Walsh and rookie winger Deine Mariner scored two tries apiece, while left centre Selwyn Cobbo, in just his second match since moving from the wing, was too hard to handle for the Souths defence. However, the win was dampened by an injury to Reynolds, who started the match with his right knee heavily strapped and was forced from the field in the 70th minute. The win was the first for the Broncos after losing their Round 1 match against Sydney Roosters at Allegiant Stadium, while the Rabbitohs remain winless after being beaten by Manly first up in Las Vegas. Whether it jet lag or the 80% humidity in Brisbane at kick-off, the first half was an error-strewn affair in which both teams struggled to hang onto the ball. Brisbane's completion rate was just 60 per cent and Souths were worse, finishing only 53 per cent of their sets of possession. However, it was a more composed Souths team that came out of the sheds for the start of the second half and after conceding just two points to trail 12-0 while Damien Cook was in the sin bin they drew level within five minutes. Tongan hooker Siliva Havili scored the first Rabbitohs try when he dummied and beat Jordan Riki and Pat Carrigan to force his way over from close range in the 43rd minute. Havili then turned provider to put Cook Islands prop Davvy Moale over two minutes later after holding a pass up close to the line and the scores were suddenly locked at 12-12 Cobbo helped regain the lead for the home side when he put winger Jesse Arthars over in the corner in the 52nd minute and the pair then combined for the try of the match 12 minutes later. Walsh, who had scored in the first half, got his second try of the match after Cobbo sent Arthars racing down the left touch line and the winger kicked in field for the flying fullback, who received a favourable bounce to cross untouched. Broncos right winger Deine Mariner opened the scoring in the 18th minute after Reynolds, who targeted Souths' left edge with his kicking, put the ball behind Alex Johnston and Richie Kennar for the speedster to regather in the in-goal. The Broncos were leading 10-0 when Cook was sent to the sin-bin in the 30th minute for a professional foul after a Reynolds break but they were only able to add a penalty goal while Souths were down to 10-men. The Rabbitohs started the second half strongest but Brisbane overpowered them to secure a comfortable win, with a late Mitchell try making the scoreline more respectable. Source: NRL. com

The Broncos and Rabbitohs kick off an intriguing Round 2 of the NRL Telstra Premiership as they look to bounce back from their Vegas disappointment in the opening round. Also seeking to rebound in Round 2 are premiers Penrith, who square off with olr rivals Parramatta in a Friday night blockbuster. Among the big names returning are Seb Kris and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, with the Roosters enforcer lining up for his 299th career game on Sunday at 4 Pines Park.  

The Cowboys piled on seven tries in a 43-18 rout of the Dolphins to open their 2024 campaign in style at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday afternoon. In their first game under the guidance of new attack coach James Maloney, North Queensland took full advantage of the Dolphins' inability to defend late in tackle counts and on four occasions scored tries when they opted to run the ball on play five. Outside of the clever decision-making of playmakers Chad Townsend and Tom Dearden, whose tactics were on point across the 80 minutes, second-year centre Zac Laybutt was the outstanding individual performer. The 22-year-old scored a brilliant opener on three minutes and laid on a classy assist for Kyle Feldt later in the half, with the right-centre spot made vacant by Peta Hiku's off-season departure now looking to be his for the foreseeable future. The final score wasn't the only bad news for the Dolphins, with back-rower Connelly Lemuelu reported to have suffered a dislocated kneecap which is set to rule him out for an extended period. While they were able to hit back through new recruit Tom Flegler after Laybutt's early strike, Wayne Bennett's side were never really in the contest once the Cowboys got on a roll and ran in further tries to Dearden, Jeremiah Nanai and Feldt. Josh Kerr offered a brief reprieve with a try on 32 minutes, but Murray Taulagi's effort, a fifth Valentine Holmes conversion and late Townsend field goal made it 31-6 at the break. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow literally kicked the ball to Heilum Luki for the Cowboys' sixth, in a regrettable attempt to retrieve possession, while a penalty try – credited as a second for Laybutt – came 12 minutes from time after Jack Bostock was ruled to have pushed the centre off the ball and denied him a try. Bostock got at least some redemption minutes later when he finished a scorching attacking play for the Dolphins, but it was too late to impact anything other than the final highlights package. Source: NRL. com