As part of its major clean up exercise, Police in the city of Mt Hagen in the Western Highlands Province, have removed a major illegal wholesale and retail betel nut market at Suara next to the Mount Hagen main market. Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Superintendent John Sagom said the clean-up was to maintain cleanliness within the city and to avoid petty crimes. He sounded a warning to city residents that police would not tolerate any illegal markets within the city. He said police have issued warnings numerous times, but people are deliberately being ignorant and disrespecting the city laws. He said police are now going to remove illegal markets within the city to ensure betel nuts are only sold at the designated markets. The PPC said selling betel nuts illegally at the unauthorised markets and locations contribute to lawlessness in the city. The vendors create a safe haven for criminals, create litter and cause unnecessary traffic congestions. Mr Sagom said Mount Hagen is the third major city in the country and everyone in the city should be responsible for their rubbish and should learn to keep the city clean. “I know buai (betel nut) selling is a business, but those people selling betel nuts must use the designated buai markets at Okapana, outside of the Highlands Highway,Top Town, at Keltiga, and Kamnavur at Baiyer road. “I appeal to all the Western Highlanders and other city residents to cooperate with the police and the City Commission to keep our city clean. People must respect the efforts of police officers and the City Commission in containing lawlessness in the city and keeping it clean. “Police will not hesitate to come down hard on anyone who sees fit to break any city laws. We will use all reasonable force under the law to arrest and prosecute anyone found breaking the laws,” Mr Sagom said.

It wasn’t a good hunt yesterday afternoon at the Santos National Football Stadium (NFS) for the SP PNG Hunters, the Hunters boys put up a very tough fight against the tigers from Brisbane but fell short of just two points. With a home crowd advantage, the Hunters scored in the first 5th minute putting them in the lead, but the Brisbane Tigers hit back with a 4-pointer in the 13th minute and soon after, the Hunters retaliated with fullback Morea Morea crossing over the line with another two more ties for the Hunters. But the Tigers hit back with another two more tries with all successful conversions putting them in the lead at half time 20 to 18. In addition to the misery of the Hunters in the first half, five-eight Sakias Komati was sent to the sinbin at the very last-minute, living the Hunters a man short for the start of the second half. After a rocky first half, just 5 minutes into the second half of the game, a quick play by the Tigers side earned them their first try, but a quick comeback by Hunters through Morea Morea set the score board at 24 points all. Even though the weather was pretty grey and hot, the Hunters tried their best at the very last minute to try equalizing the score board but the Tigers came back strong and held them off with another two tries and both successful conversions and a penalty kick, putting them in the lead at full time 38 to 36. Hunters Coach Stanley Tepend said the boys could have done better if they didn’t miss the 2 conversions. It was a close game and again the Hunters kicking game failed the team. “The boys just need to practice more on their kicking and hopefully they will surely do that to improve on their kicks.” “Discipline was also another pointer that the boys need to work on. Apart from them improving on their kicking skills, they really need to work and pull up on their discipline before our next match,” said Tepend.

The SP PNG Hunters will play their second home game this Saturday at 3pm when they take on the Brisbane Tigers in Round 3 of the QRL Hostplus Cup. Their return to Port Moresby this season following a challenging relocation period on Queensland’s Gold Coast is a major boost for the club as they look to continue what is a promising start to the year. The pride and passion of Hunters fans in Papua New Guinea is well renowned and the Hunters will be looking to give them something to cheer for in their first home game of 2023. There is an added level of intrigue about Saturday’s match with Brisbane Tigers Head Coach Matt Church returning to the Santos National Football System (NFS) to face his old club for the first time. The star of the show has undoubtedly been rookie fullback Morea Morea. He is lighting up the QRL stage in 2023 with one try, two try assists and an average 123 running meters across his first two games, providing the Hunters with silky speed and fancy footwork. Morea wasn’t the only Hunters lighting up the highlights reel in Round 2 though, as Hunters five-eighth Sakias Komati scored a double to announce himself in the Hostplus Cup competition. SP PNG Hunters Head Coach Stanley Tepend said that the team’s focus remains inward following a promising start to the season. “For us, we haven’t changed too much this week,” said Tepend. “It’s only Round 3, early in the season. We’re not focussing too much on our opposition each week, just looking inward and working on ourselves and where we can improve.” “Although it was disappointing to come away with the draw last week, I think taking three points from our first two away games, is positive for us. We’re still a relatively new side – a lot of guys have made the step up from Digicel Cup this season and are learning what it takes to be successful at this level.” “We’re satisfied with how we’ve started but there’s still a lot of work to do and areas we can improve on.” Tepend said the playing squad and staff are looking forward to playing in front of a home crowd this weekend. “We’ll be using NFS to our advantage this week, for sure. Playing in front of our family and friends is going to be a special feeling,” said the coach. “For the players, it’s what they’ve been working towards coming through the Digicel Cup. They’ve always wanted to be a Hunter at NFS and they get their chance on Saturday. The boys are excited.” Team List 1. Morea Morea 2. Brandon Nima 3. Benji Kot 4. Rodrick Tai 5. Solo Wane 6. Sakias Komati 7. Jamie Mavoko 8. Junior Rop 9. Wesser Tenza 10. Epel Kapinias 11. Sherwin Tanabi 12. Julius Yakopa 13. Ila Alu (captain) 14. Judah Rimbu 15. Tom Moide 16. Henry Noki 17. Joshua Mire 18. Junior Igila 22. Trevor Solu  

In commemoration to World Oral Heath Day celebrated on the 20th March 2023, the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) hosted an awareness program to mark the day at the School of Medicine and Health Sciences to create awareness about the significance of oral health & to educate individuals about the different oral hygiene practices that one should be following on a daily basis. UPNG Dental Students Association President Lazarus Wamp said that the PNG Dental Association usually carries out this awareness program but for this year they took the initiative to celebrate this day. He added that oral diseases are a major health concern for many Papua New Guineans and these needs to be addressed so that people are aware of it. “In order to look after one’s oral health is to brush his/her teeth twice a day to avoid oral cavities, eat health foods and minimize smoking and the intake of alcohol.” “We have to be responsible with our intake of whatever we consume. Because the wrong intake can not only harm your oral health, but also your internal organs as well.” He is urging everyone to practice good oral health because PNG does not have the proper equipment and treatment to treat mouth cancer and other mouth disease in the country. He added that, there’s not much investment put into dentistry to provide such services to our people to cure, prevent and to carry out more awareness on the importance of oral health, and the rightful authorities need to look into this. “The government needs to invest into Dentistry and not neglect it. The PMGH Dentistry takes about 20-40 patients a day and we do not have enough equipment to serve our people.”

As a strong advocate of promoting the development of sports in the country, Theodist has once again renewed its commitment with a sponsorship of K50, 000 toward the PNG Olympic Committee as part of their annual sponsorship efforts. Theodist National Sales and Marketing Manager Mr. Kevin Anderson said, the company has supported the PNGOC not only through financial assistance but also through participation of its staff in coaching, team management and officiating at international levels. “Our partnership with PNGOC goes back a very long way and we have been working as a sponsor partner for over 20 years now and that is something that we are really proud of, and we are very aware of the impact that sports can have in terms of nation building.” “It gives us the true pleasure to stand here and continue to be part of the development of young Papua New Guineans and that is truly what this activity is all about.” Together with other partners, the PNGOC aims to enhance the reputation of PNG as a high-performing sporting nation while inspiring and uniting Papua New Guineans through sporting excellence and success. PNGOC Secretary General, Auvita Rapilla expressed her gratitude to Theodist for its ongoing commitment to the PNGOC and Team PNG. Rapilla said that through this kind of support that helps us ensure that we can get our athletes to excel and go and represent our country in different sporting codes. “We are grateful for this support and this support makes a lot of difference. This will help us with our administration cost and operational cost and this sponsorship is what helps us drive the engine room at the PNGOC to make sure that we get our teams ready and to make sure that we are able to get our teams to the games.” Rapilla said that the significant contribution made by Theodist towards the success of PNG's athletes and programs, shows the company's belief in the organization's mission, vision, and goals, and in the power of sports to create positive change in society. Theodist is also a supporting sponsor of the organizations' events, such as the SP Sports Awards, PNG Sports Hall of Fame, and the Prime Minister’s Corporate Golf Challenges.

A murder suspect who had been on the run since February has been arrested after a dawn raid was conducted by Madag Police officers. The murder suspect was alleged to have murdered a man from Jiwaka province in February. Madang Provincial Police Commander Superintendent David Seine Jr said police officers were quick to respond to information provided by some good community leaders that led to the apprehension of the alleged murder suspect and four others at the Public Tank outside Madang town. He said the suspect was on the run after he was allegedly involved in the murder of the late Jayson Poli of Roku village in the Anglimp South Waghi District in Jiwaka province on February 25, 2023. He said the suspect was murdered during a fight between Tari and Sepiks at the Metro Bridge in Jiwaka. “The suspect was at the Line Saksak House Boy when the composite team of Task Force and CID officers apprehended him and the others between 3 to 5 am in the morning on Thursday, March 16. He is now detained in the cell while the others were cautioned and discharged. "According to police records the murder suspect was also one of those involved in the murder of a Malaysian National at the Public Tank in 2020. He was arrested, charged and convicted by the National Court on December 18, 2022,” PPC Seine said. He said police will have to confirm why he is out after being convicted and has now allegedly murdered again. PPC Seine thanked his officers who did the dawn raid and successfully apprehended the suspect. He said such people are a threat to the community and they should be caught and put in prison where they belong.

The NCD Schools Rugby League Association will kick of its 2023 season a week after its initial starting date in the month of April. President Arnold Gende said, before the season kicks off, they will have a tour of the participating 4 schools and all interested must attend the meeting because important agendas will be discussed. “Schools from the Moresby North East side are to meet with his team and the PNGRFL Officials at Gordons Secondary, Moresby North-West will meet at POM National High School, Motu Koita schools to meet at Hagara Primary school and all Moresby South schools taking part are to meet at Kilakila Sec School.” One of the major requirements for schools who wish to take part is for each student to submit either their NID or Birth Certificate along with registration forms. “Every student must submit their NID or birth certificates along with their first term school report cards that should be attached with their registration forms and handed in to their teachers to be submitted to the NCD Schools Rugby League team at NFS during the first term break.” He added that, all teachers must correctly put their students in the correct age groups which is why they request these important documents to make sure fair play at all levels is empahzised . These also includes a grade of 60% or above for each student to get in their Term 1 report in order to participate in the 2023 season. Mr. Gende said, these is to ensure that every child who wants to take part must be do well in class as well as on the field. “That’s why, every student must submit their registration forms along with their term 1 report card and NID or Birth certificate.” He is also calling for all schools taking part in the NCD Schools rugby League competition to at least submit a girls’ team. “Last year’s completion saw a good number of girl’s teams and is now urging other schools who did not submit a girls’ team last year to submit at least one team and field them in so that girls can have a feel of rugby league as it is a great game & also can create a pathway for them if they wish to pursue it.”

An epic 22-22 draw between the SP PNG Hunters and Souths Logan Magpies saw both teams treating the locals at the Logan Metro Football Fields to an intense and competitive 80mins of football on Saturday night. Relying on a power game through the middle, the Hunters hit either side of the ruck as Wesser Tenza directed traffic smartly from dummy-half. Souths-Logan compressed their defensive line to combat the Hunters momentum but couldn’t clean up a clever fifth tackle kick from five-eighth Sakias Komati which forced an error. The Magpies threatened to ride their momentum into the ensuing kick-off set when PNG conceded another brace of penalties. Just as they did last week against the Clydesdales however, the Hunters defended their errors and held firm on their try line. With good line speed and plenty of numbers in the tackle, the Hunters eventually forced an error when the Magpies shifted late in the count. With the scores tied up at 12-12, tempers began to flare as both sides fought for ascendency. Eventually the referee had to intervene when the Magpies Tristan Sailor and the Hunters Sherwin Tanabi were sent to the sinbin midway through the second half. A frantic final 10 minutes followed as both sides desperately searched for the winning play. PNG had the final shot when Souths-Logan conceded a penalty right on the buzzer, but the 45-metre kick proved a stretch too far for the Hunters who had to settled for a 22 all draw despite arguably being the better side throughout. SP PNG Hunters Head Coach Stanley Tepend was optimistic about the result. “It’s a little disappointing not to get the win as I felt, we were probably the better side for most of the game.” “We just gave it away at the end there. We probably could’ve closed the game out a little better when we were in front, but that comes with experience. We’ll learn a lot from that.” Tepend said he was happy to focus on the positives and didn’t want to put the blame on the Hunters missed conversions. “We did have an opportunity at the end there to win it, but we don’t want to complain or focus on those missed conversions. We could’ve done a few other things in the game a bit better – six-agains, cheap turnovers, our discipline - to help control the result.” “There’s still a lot more improvement in us,” the Hunters Head Coach admitted.

After crushing Hostplus Cup new-comers the Western Clydesdales in Round 1 last week, the SP PNG Hunters will take on the Souths-Logan Magpies this afternoon at 6:30pm in the hopes of securing a bac-to-back win. Despite a host of changes to the playing squad and staff, as well as the added challenge of travelling to Toowoomba for that clash, the Hunters made a statement in the 20-10 win. Errors and ill-discipline are commonplace at this stage of the season, but it was the Hunters resilience and effort in defence that most impressed against the Clydesdales. Spine players Sakias Komati, Jamie Mavoko and Morea Morea combined smartly in attack to set up four tries last weekend, and all three will need to be at their best again when they take on the Magpies this afternoon. Souths-Logan also comes into Round 2 off a strong win, having made light work of the Ipswich Jets last weekend in a five-tries-to-three rout. Magpie’s backrower Jesse Jennings was the star of the show, scoring two tries on the edge as Souths-Logan ran away with the win. The Magpies will observe their first home game of the season this afternoon when they host the Hunters. The SP PNG Hunters will make minimal changes to the side that beat the Western Clydesdales in Round 1, with Rodrick Tai (centre) profiling as the most notable inclusion. Tai is a powerful runner of the ball in yardage, a sound defender and a target in the air when attacking the try line. If Komati, Mavoko and Morea can position him smartly in attack and give him enough early ball, Tai will trouble the Magpies edge defenders this afternoon. Tai’s combination with rising star Morea will be one to watch out for this week, too. The young fullback was awarded the Hastings Deering Player of the Match in Round 1 with his footwork and ball playing skills a highlight in the Hunters win. As their combination develops, Morea and Tai could form a lethal partnership on the Hunters right edge in attack. SP PNG Hunters Head Coach Stanley Tepend said while last week’s result was promising, the players are remaining focused. “That was our first Cup game as a group last week and we took a lot of positives from that,” said Tepend. “In saying that, there’s still lots to work on and we’re staying focussed on ourselves this week. Most teams in the Hostplus Cup will have NRL affiliated players dropping back to play, and this week is no different. We’re looking forward to the challenge.” With back-to-back away games to start the season, the Hunters stayed in Brisbane throughout the week, which Tepend said has helped their preparation. Team List 1. Morea Morea, 2. Siki Konden, 3. Benji Kot , 4. Rodrick Tai, 5. Solo Wane, 6. Sakias Komati, 7. Jamie Mavoko, 8. Junior Rop, 9. Wesser Tenza, 10. Epel Kapinias, 11. Sherwin Tanabi, 12. Julius Yakopa, 13. Ila Alu (captain), 14. Judah Rimbu, 15. Tom Moide, 16. Joshua Mire, 17. Valentine Richard, 18. Brandon Nima, 19. Henry Noki, 20. Junior Igila

Gulf Provincial Leaders have renewed their oaths to serve the people of Gulf with more emphasis placed on "going rural." The provincial leaders from Kikori District MP Soroi Eoe, Kerema MP Thomas Opa and Governor Chris Haiveta made their oaths during a small but significant event witnessed by the provincial Asembly members recently in Kerema town. With the focus of the leaders themed “going rural”, the leaders swore oath to ensure that there is unity in their term of leadership with the focus been captured in their plans. Member for Kikori and Minister for the Department of Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs (DPLGA) Hon Soroi Eoe affirmed to the members of the assembly that as elected leaders they will work together. “As members of PANGU PATI and elected leaders of the Gulf Provincial Government it has been our mandate to work together to ensure that our communities are properly assisted and developed”. Minister Eoe cautioned members of the assembly that the rule of law must be followed. “In this term we must follow the rule of law, administrators and advisers must be stationed in their respective LLG’s where our people require service delivery”. Supporting the sentiments from his open member, Gulf Governor Chris Haiveta also challenged members of the assembly to collaborate with all three leaders respectively. “We have made the decision to work together, we have our plans, we have our projects and the challenge now is for the members of the assembly to help us achieve these plans and projects we have set for our people”. Governor Haiveta reaffirmed to the members of the assembly that with the current leadership, people’s voices will be heard.

The member for Kikori Soroi Eoe has taken up the role as acting minister for the Department of Commerce and Industry (DCI) while continuing his mandated duties in the Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs Department as Minister responsible. The National Executive Council (NEC) made the announcement in light of a court decision that declared incumbent Minister Henry Amuli's elections as member of parliament null and void. The NEC directive is solely for stability whilst the Amuli continues to contest a National Court decision. Minister Eoe met with divisional heads of DCI over the weekend for a briefing to discuss the departments current work status. Minister Eoe encouraged his new departmental heads to focus on its mandated task in creating a sustainable socio-economic growth for the country. “DCI plays a vital role in the growth of our country’s economy on a global scale and we must maximise on both our natural and human resources to achieve this”. Minister Eoe commended DCI Secretary David Ganai and senior staff for each providing their respective briefs and pledged his support to ensure issues are identified and addressed in his term as Acting Minister.

Divine Word University’s (DWU) President Father (Fr.) Philip Gibbs challenged 837 graduates to contribute to nation building in PNG through thoughtful decision-making and committed service during the universities 41st graduation ceremony last Friday. He stressed the importance of “pasin diwai”- the duty of care shared by the university and its alum within the workforce and community - and referenced a quote from a farmworker Caesar Chavez which ties it into this notion: “The end of all knowledge is service to all.” Fr. Gibbs stated that graduations is a celebration of not only their achievements but also who they are as individuals and what they want to become during their time of study at the University. The DWU Community is now sending its students to positively contribute and be off service throughout the country and beyond. He reassured the Minister for Higher Education Research Science and Technology, Don Polye that DWU is prepared to work with the ministry for integral human development through higher education. He highlighted saying that “DWU’s commitment as a faith based university which gives added value to the university graduates contribution.” However, he asserted that greater stability in partnership with the government would greatly help in contributing to national objectives. Meanwhile, Minister Polye stressed the need for universities in the country to move towards digitalization in order to meet international standards offered by esteemed universities across the globe.