National Capital District NCD Governor Powes Parkop expressed gratitude to supporting groups including the Bel Isi Papua New Guinea (PNG) Team for delivering a successful awareness walkathon this morning at Downtown Port Moresby city. Governor Parkop delivered a powerful address to over 20 committed and supportive groups, emphasizing the transformative role of this public-private-civil society partnership in addressing family and sexual violence. The initiative seeks to encourage the private sector to take a leading role in shifting societal attitudes and implementing sustainable changes to combat these pervasive issues. Governor Parkop acknowledged the critical support from partners such as the Australian High Commission and the European Union, highlighting their contributions in addressing gender-based violence. He stressed that the fight against family and sexual violence is not solely a women's issue, but one that involves men and the entire community, calling for collective action to uphold values that benefit society. The Governor praised the corporate sector for leading by example and integrating the message of eliminating violence into their corporate culture, families, and communities. He called on the government to emulate these efforts, ensuring that national policies are translated into concrete actions. As PNG approaches its 50th anniversary, Governor Parkop emphasized the need to reflect on past achievements and challenges to shape a better future, with a focus on improving the quality of life for women and girls, being vital to the nation's progress. He highlighted the Bel isi PNG Initiative as a key driver in fostering cultural change, promoting gender equality, and combating family and sexual violence, ensuring a safer, more equitable society for all Papua New Guineans.

The National Capital District (NCD) Metropolitan Superintendent Silva Sika appeals to the public to act responsibly as police prepare for the upcoming festive season operations in Port Moresby. MetSupt Sika today told PNG HAUSBUNG the urgency for public cooperation while details of the police festive operation to be released soon. MetSupt. Sika assured that plans are in motion to maintain public safety and reduce crime during this festive period. “We are preparing the operations, but it will be released when in confirmed order,” said Supt. Sika. He added the finalized operation details will be shared closer to December. In the meantime, the police are focusing on maintaining law and order across the city as part of their ongoing efforts to combat crime. Met Supt Sika highlighted the persistent issues in isolated hotspot areas, where social and ethnic conflicts complicate police work and create fear among residents and businesses. He urged residents, particularly those in settlements, to adopt a civilized mindset and avoid disruptive behaviours. “A city is a civilized and modernized place, and its people should have a civilized mindset. We cannot revert to primitive ways of thinking. Let’s act responsibly to ensure the safety and peace of everyone in the city,” he emphasized. Supt. Sika assured that efforts to mitigate crime hotspots are ongoing, with police commanders developing tailored action plans for high-risk areas. He also called for public collaboration to make Port Moresby safer, emphasizing that community cooperation is key to ensuring a peaceful city. “As the police intensify their preparations, the public is reminded to maintain discipline and cooperate with law enforcement to support a peaceful festive season.”

Kumuls fan favourite Morea Morea is hoping to cap off an eventful 2024 by making the most of his opportunity at the Cowboys during his training block to close out the year. One of the train and replacement players aiming to secure a longer-term contract with the club after joining their squad in Townsville this week, Morea comes into the pre-season training block off the back of a dream international Test debut, scoring a try as PNG secured the Pacific Bowl with a win against Cook Islands after coming onto the field with only nine minutes left in the match as a replacement player. “It was unreal, to be honest, I felt emotional a bit, I didn't expect it during the week,” Morea told NRL.com during the Pacific Championships campaign about his debut. “But all week coach just told me to get prepared in case something happened, so I just got prepared to play and I was lucky enough to get a shot at playing.” Morea’s debut came after he played in the Papua New Guinea Prime Minister’s XIII team, then gained selection in coach Jason Demetriou’s Pacific Championships extended squad for the home game at Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby. The crowd erupted when he went on the field to replace Koso Bandi who suffered a head knock from a high tackle, activating Morea, and the cheers resounded across the stadium when he broke free to score a flashy try in the final minute of the match. That the fullback, who hails from Papa Village in Central Province, was in the squad at all was an achievement in itself after experiencing what he describes as one of his toughest years on record, fighting his way back from a bad ankle injury that had him out of the game for months and in-and-out of the PNG Hunters team in the Hostplus Cup as he tried to regain the form that saw him claim the competition’s Rookie of the Year award ahead of the likes of Keano Kini in 2023. However, the Cowboys had already seen enough in that 2023 season to offer him a chance to train and learn with their squad, with the support of Demetriou proving a big factor in Morea regaining his confidence. “It’s for five weeks and then see what happens after that,” Morea said of his pre-season opportunity with the Cowboys. “Things happen so fast, and I can't believe it either. “The whole year has been really tough for me, especially rehab and trying to get back to my form, I really worked hard, but it's been really hard to be honest. “I wasn't expecting to be called up into the international stage. Coach JD, he just called me, and he just wanted me to be part of the squad just to learn a lot from the boys, but I was lucky enough to get a shot. “It's really amazing how it turned out, especially going through a tough year and then getting my debut at the end of the year, it's really great. It's really special. “(To get an opportunity with the Cowboys) I think my foundation was formed last year when I got rookie of the year and had a good season in the Hostplus Cup, and I guess when I was selected in an international representation for Prime Minister’s XIII. “Coach JD was personally really helpful to me; he believed in me and got me into camp, and he had one-on-one sessions with me. He's really good.” Morea will be around some familiar faces while he settles into his time in Townsville, with a number of fellow Kumuls players also calling North Queensland home. “I get to hang out with Zac Laybutt, Rob Derby, Kyle (Laybutt, captain of the Townsville Blackhawks in the Hostplus Cup)," Morea said. “To be with them around a different environment, 100 percent those guys will be really valuable.” Cowboys pre-season 2025 development players: Mason Kira, Wil Sullivan, Emarly Bitungane, Zac Herdegen Cowboys pre-season 2025 train and replacement players: (no club attached) Morea Morea, Nicholas Lenaz, (Northern Pride players) Jarrett Subloo, Adrian Treviliyan, Ricco Falaniko, Esom Ioka, Campbell Duffy, (Mackay Cutters players) John Radel, Jimmy Ngutlik. *list of names as of November 19, 2024 Source: NRL.com

The National Rugby League (NRL) today released the full 2025 Ampol State of Origin schedule, which will see the men’s series return to Perth for the first time since 2022 and the women’s series opener to once again feature as part of the four-day NRL Magic Round festival. The 2025 Ampol State of Origin Series will begin where it left off in 2024 at the home of the Maroons when Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium hosts Game One on Wednesday, May 28. The series will then head west for a showdown on neutral territory when Perth hosts State of Origin for just the third time in history for Game Two at Optus Stadium on June 18. Sydney will be the site of the third and final clash, with a potential series decider set for July 9 at Accor Stadium. After the stunning success of this year’s maiden three-game Ampol Women’s State of Origin Series, all three matches in the 2025 edition will be played in the month of May. Queensland will begin their quest for three straight series wins at home in the opening clash at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday, May 1 before the series switches to New South Wales for the final two matches. Sydney’s Allianz Stadium will host Game Two on May 15 before the series finale at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle on May 29. In the middle of the Origin action, the next generation of NRL and NRLW stars will battle it out in the Under-19s State of Origin and Under 19s Women’s State of Origin matches at Sunshine Coast Stadium on Thursday, June 19. The full Ampol State of Origin schedule for 2025 is as follows: Women’s State of Origin Game One, Suncorp Stadium, Thursday, May 1 Women’s State of Origin Game Two, Allianz Stadium, Thursday, May 15 Men’s State of Origin Game One, Suncorp Stadium, Wednesday, May 28 Women’s State of Origin Game Three, McDonald Jones Stadium, Thursday, May 29 Men’s State of Origin Game Two, Optus Stadium, Wednesday, June 18 Under-19s State of Origin and Under 19s Women’s State of Origin, Sunshine Coast Stadium, Thursday, June 19 Men’s State of Origin Game Three, Accor Stadium, Wednesday, July 9 All matches in the men’s and women’s Origin series will be broadcast live and exclusive on the Nine Network. The U19s State of Origin matches will be broadcast live on both the Nine Network and on Fox Sports. NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said the 2025 Ampol State of Origin schedule will have fans racing to secure their seats for matches right across the country. “The 2024 Ampol State of Origin Series was one for the ages. An intense and exciting series for both the men and women plus a showcase of emerging young talent in the Under 19s Origin matches. “The greatest rivalry in Australian sport returns to Brisbane, Perth and Sydney for the men’s series and the Sunshine Coast for the first time for the exciting Under 19s matches. “2024 was a landmark year for Ampol Women’s State of Origin, with record crowds and television audiences. It was a gripping contest to mark the first ever three-game series. "The Under 19s matches have unearthed several NRL and NRLW stars and we are seeing huge interest from players, player agents and talent scouts from Clubs to see the next generation of Blues, Sky Blues and Maroons make their mark.” Tickets for Ampol State of Origin Game Two at Optus Stadium in Perth go on sale to general public this Friday, November 22 at 1pm AWST (4pm AEDT/3pm AEST) via NRL.com/tickets, starting from $49 for adults and $139 for families. NSWRL and QRL Members will have the first opportunity to purchase tickets during their exclusive pre-sale today (Monday, November 18). NRL Club Ticketed Members can secure their seats during exclusive pre-sale periods on Friday, November 22 from 9am WST (12pm AEDT/11am AEST) while Club Non-Ticketed Members and NRL Account Holders will have a window on Friday, November 22 from 11am AWST (2pm AEDT/1pm AEST). A range of hospitality options is also available from NRL.com/hospitality. Tickets for the remaining men’s matches, as well as the women’s series and the Under-19s matches, will go on sale at a later date. Source: NRL.com

The recent incident at Iarowari Agro Technical Secondary School which resulted in the death of a grade 9 student due to suspected cult and bullying activities is deeply saddening and unacceptable. The urgent need to address cult and bullying activities in schools has been underscored by the tragic death of a grade 9 student at Iarowari Agro Technical Secondary School. In response to this news, Secretary for Education Dr. Uke Kombra said in a recent statement. He expressed the shock and disappointment of the grade 9 passing away allegedly because of cult activities and bullying by senior students. Also adding that students continue to ignore school rules and not focus on their studies. According to the school principal's report Mr. Poni Kila, the deceased Grade 9 student was assaulted by a group of Grade 11 boys at around 10 pm on Thursday, November 7, near the boys’ shower block. Meanwhile, Dr. Kombra has urged students at the school to cooperate with the police by providing information about the incident. Dr. Kombra emphasized that the Department is working closely with school authorities and stakeholders to investigate the matter and take appropriate action. He added that the Department of Education's commitment to supporting schools in managing student behavior and ensuring a safe learning environment. However, he stressed that students must also take responsibility by respecting school rules and the rights of other students and teachers. He further stated that the Behaviour Management Policy for the National Education System (NES) outlines specific rules and guidelines for schools to address. The key points of the policy include: Zero Tolerance: Schools are expected to have a zero-tolerance policy towards anti-social behaviour. Reporting Mechanisms: Clear procedures should be in place for students to report incidents of anti-social behaviours. Investigation and Response: Schools must investigate all reported incidents promptly and take appropriate action. Disciplinary Measures: Disciplinary actions, including suspension or expulsion, may be taken against students found to be misbehaving and. Support for Victims: Schools should provide support services to victims of bullying and other bad experiences. Prevention Programs: Schools should implement programs to educate students about poor and anti-social behaviours and promote a positive school culture. Dr. Kombra urged schools to develop their own Behaviour Management Policies aligned with national guidelines to address their specific needs. He emphasized the importance of proactive leadership and vigilance in preventing misbehavior, particularly in eliminating harmful activities like cults and bullying to maintain a positive learning environment. Furthermore, he called on students, parents, and teachers to be aware of their school's specific policies and procedures for addressing poor and anti-social behaviours and openly speak about them and caution students if they see or suspect any anti-social behaviour being displayed.

Police officers from the NCD and Central Command with assistance from Mobile Squad and Dog Unit Directorate were at Vanapa Brown along Hiritano Highway today to strongly warn the Goilalas living along the highway to refrain from going into the main Highway if they have problems amongst themselves. This movement was led by Commander NCD/Central acting Assistant Commissioner of Police Benjamin Turi. Commander Turi, Central Provincial Police Commander Joseph Salle, and senior officers including Staff Officer to NCD Metropolitian Superintendent Chief Inspector Sengi Laki and NCD Zone two Commander Chief Inspector Tobby Hamago, with a team of 20 police vehicles, warned the Goilala community at Vanapa and Veikabu against future roadblocks, stating that police will respond with action if repeated. The twenty police vehicles lead by Commander Turi and Central Provincial Provincial Police Commander Joseph Salle assisted by Staff Officer to NCD Metropolitian Superintendent Chief Inspector Sengi Laki and NCD Zone two Commander Chief Inspector Tobby Hamago were at Vanapa and Veikabu areas where the Goilalas reside who strongly warned them that if they happen to do roadblocks again, I'm the future the police will come for them. The team informed the gathered youths that police would return in full force if disturbances continued, ensuring that those causing disruptions would need to leave and return to Goilala, as they are not landowners but sellers living in the area. Commander Turi informed both groups that police would assist in investigating the deaths of over five people and ensure the highway remains open and safe for public use. Commander Turi assured that police investigations would begin promptly and urged affected individuals to cooperate to facilitate arrests and prosecutions. He noted that many cases involving Goilala’s are difficult to investigate due to a lack of witness cooperation. Community leaders from both sides were also given the opportunity to speak, which they assured the police that they would speak to their youths not to repeat the same again. The Chairman of the Gulf PMV Association expressed concerns about ongoing harassment from locals along the road and thanked the police for addressing the issue. Police reports indicate that the roadblocks, which began on Wednesday, were in response to a death believed to be retaliation. The report also stated that four Veikabu residents were killed a week earlier, allegedly by Goilalas from Vanapa. Meanwhile, Wednesday saw another man killed that led to the roadblock along the Veikabu section of the road that made it very difficult for travelling along Hiritano Highway. PPC Central and Goilala MP visited the area on Thursday, warning people not to block the road, but their message was ignored, prompting Commander NCD/Central and police units to intervene with a strong warning against future disruptions. Travelers on that section of the highway are advised to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity.

The Heli Spin Doctors claim the 2024 Media Pool Competition as the 2024 Media Pool Competition Champions on Saturday November 16th in Port Moresby. This announcement was made during the 2024 Media Pool Competition Annual Awards Night, at the Laman Gold Club, Port Moresby. The evening celebrated the top four champion teams including other addition awards who conquered their challenges throughout the 2024 season, announcing first place while the Ankit team took fourth place with cash prizes. The Heli Spin Doctors have claimed the title as the 2024 champions, along with a cash prize of K12,000. Their journey to the top was marked by strategic gameplay and unwavering determination The Tropical Storms secured the runner-up position, highlighting their strong and consistent performance throughout the season. They demonstrated remarkable prowess and resilience, pushing the boundaries in every match. Cool Grafix took third place, displaying creativity and adaptability in their approach. Their ability to remain composed under pressure and deliver strong performances was commendable. While Ankit finished in fourth place, demonstrating exceptional sportsmanship and dedication. Their journey was characterized by hard-fought matches and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The 2024 Media Pool Competition concluded with a spectacular display of skill and sportsmanship, highlighting the competitive spirit and extraordinary talent within the Media Pool Competition. The unwavering determination stood out for all the teams as they took on different ranks in the competition, but the best team was steadfast in their position until the endgames. The Media Pool Competition Executives further expressed gratitude to partners and sponsors for the support and looks forward to future success.

Prime Minister (PM) James Marape has voiced his disappointment with the global response to climate change, explaining his government’s decision to skip the COP29 Climate Summit in Azerbaijan. In a live interview on BBC World News, Marape criticized the lack of commitment from major polluters and shared his concerns about the ineffectiveness of recent climate conferences. Prime Minister Marape, speaking on Wednesday afternoon PNG time, expressed a resolute stand on forest conservation and PNG’s role in addressing climate change. He explained that despite his respect for the COP organizing bodies, he had lost faith in the process due to the ongoing inaction of high-emission nations. “We’ve been talking a lot about climate change-related issues,” Marape said, noting a troubling trend of empty promises from industrialized nations and industries. “There’s no commitment on the table, especially by those who hold the biggest carbon footprint,” he asserted. Marape further explained his decision not to attend the conference, emphasizing that PNG will no longer tolerate such inaction while its people suffer the dire impacts of climate change. “It is to this backdrop that causes me not to attend COP29,” he said, clarifying that his decision is not a stance against the host nation. He continued, “With the greatest respect to the organizing, host nation – nothing against them – but on the principle that big, industrialized nations are not serious in putting down money where the mouth is, committing to keeping temperature (global) below 1.5 Degree Celsius, switching off any fossil fuel-fired electricity and energy sources and transiting to cleaner energy alternates, as well as the greatest thing in my view – preserving of forests.” Marape emphasized PNG’s significant contributions in forest preservation, which he believes are essential to combating climate change. PNG, along with other rainforest nations, has reduced deforestation by 53 percent since signing the Paris Agreement in 2015. However, Marape lamented that PNG has received no financial support in recognition of this contribution. “To this day, we haven’t received a dime for that effort,” he said, underscoring the lack of results-based payments promised under the Paris Agreement. “In PNG, land is owned by indigenous communities. So, without those promised payments, deforestation is going back up.” Looking ahead, Marape expressed hope that next year’s COP30 in Brazil will be more effective in delivering tangible results for forest preservation and climate action. Reflecting on previous conferences, he said, “I have seen nothing that gives me confidence in the process since COP26 in Glasgow." "The last three COP meetings have gone around in circles, producing no tangible results for small island states." "Europe, USA, China, and India need to pay for the eco-services that rainforest nations provide them and their people." "I look to COP30 in Brazil to secure a real result for rainforest nations.” Marape’s absence from COP29 signifies PNG’s dissatisfaction with the current state of climate negotiations, stressing that action must be taken by the world’s largest emitters to genuinely tackle climate change and safeguard vulnerable nations.

In an effort to restore peace along the Hiritano Highway following a retaliation killing, Goilala MP Casmiro Aia and Central Provincial Police Commander Chief Inspector Joseph Salle held discussions with the Goilala communities of Vanapa and Veikabu on Thursday, November 14. They urged residents to end violence and prevent attacks on innocent travellers along the highway and allow the traffic on the highway to move freely. The meeting came in response to a recent roadblock incident, believed to be linked to ongoing feuds between these communities. At the gathering, MP Aia addressed the group of Goilala people residing at Vanapa, urging them to avoid taking matters into their own hands. “Many lives have been lost, and these issues have been reported to the police," MP Aia said, adding, "The innocent people using the highway have nothing to do with the killings that took place, so they must not be attacked,” Aia stated firmly. He encouraged the communities to let the authorities handle the incidents and stressed the need for peaceful solutions. MP Aia then conveyed a similar message to the Goilala residents at Veikabu, urging them to refrain from setting up roadblocks along the highway. He advised them to remain calm in their homes and seek lawful means to address their grievances. The community at Veikabu has reportedly lost more than six lives this year, including a recent tragedy two weeks ago when three members were killed. “The road must be free for the public. Let us find ways to resolve this issue without violence,” Aia emphasized. In support of Aia’s call for peace, Central PPC Salle also warned residents against blocking the highway or engaging in aggressive actions. “The Hiritano Highway is a National Highway; it’s a government asset, and no one has the right to create roadblocks, collect money, or attack anyone traveling along this highway,” Chief Inspector Salle stated. He cautioned the community that the police would take strict measures against anyone disturbing public peace or harassing travellers. The police commander acknowledged the heightened tensions between the Vanapa and Veikabu groups. The roadblocks reportedly began after a man from Vanapa was allegedly killed by another Goilala resident from Veikabu. This incident is thought to be a retaliation by Veikabu residents, who had lost over six people in earlier conflicts and suspect Vanapa locals of involvement in the attacks. PPC Salle confirmed that an investigation into the recent murder and previous incidents is underway, stressing that the police would address the matter seriously. During the meeting, PPC Salle received a letter of complaint from Veikabu community leaders outlining their issues with the Vanapa group, including grievances related to the recent killings. Both MP Aia and PPC Salle assured the communities that law enforcement was committed to investigating and resolving these matters and urged the people to respect the rights of innocent travelers. PPC Salle further encouraged the public to stay cautious when moving along this section of the Hiritano Highway, particularly near Veikabu, where the roadblocks have been reported. “If anyone sees any suspicious activity, they should report it to the police,” he advised, pledging that officers would regularly patrol the area to maintain order and prevent further disruptions. The talks concluded with a shared commitment to peace and cooperation between the communities.

In response to youth unemployment, the Moresby North- East (MNE) electorate in the National Capital District (NCD), has launched a K4 million Works Program, with over 300 sites along main highways and streets engaged in public upkeep. MNE Projects Manager Mr. Ben Gende explained, “MNE is the largest electorate in the National Capital District, with a population of residents in both settlements and suburbs, all contributing as taxpayers.” The program, targeting high-unemployment areas like Boroko and Waigani, provides jobs in street cleaning, drainage clearing, and public maintenance, aiming to “break the cycle of free handouts by offering jobs that allow them to earn an income.” He noted that high unemployment has led many young people to seek financial assistance from the district office, prompting MNE MP John Kaupa to initiate the program. "This initiative ensures that families in MNE benefit during the country’s current economic challenges, helping to reduce petty crime linked to the high cost of living,” Mr. Gende explained. “Many of these youths are school leavers from grades 8, 10, 12, and even higher education institutions,” Mr. Gende said. “The Minor Works Program provides employment for these individuals in activities such as street and highway cleaning, drainage clearing, public property maintenance, highway beautification, and business centre upkeep.” The targeted areas include public institutions, storm drains, and roads. The program, managed by 300 contractors, may extend beyond six months, depending on funds. Meantime, MNE MP John Kaupa is preparing to soon announce the opening of the 9 Mile Police Station to strengthen law and order.

McSteve Polly, CEO of the KCK Rigo Rice Cup, met with the City Rebels RLC at Port Moresby’s Hohola Ipi Park on Wednesday, November 13. He emphasized that the tournament is built on discipline and compliance, aiming to foster well-rounded players both on and off the field. He said the Rigo Rice Cup will focus on promoting disciplined young players aged 16-23, with a strict limit of five Digicel Cup players per team—two on-field and three as substitutes. "Digicel Cup players will strictly be limited to five, where two will be playing and three can be on the bench for interchange," he said, adding, "This will give enough opportunity to emerging talents to fully showcase their potential, as well as getting good experience on the league." He reiterated that discipline is the catalyst that excels a talent into top tier professional competitions in their career. Mr. Polly confirmed the official launching will be held on Sunday November 17th and tournament matches will resume thereafter.

Good news for vendors at the Kokopo main market in East New Britain (ENB) province- they now have access to a new storage facility, commissioned on November 11, 2024, by the ENB Provincial Market Authority (ENBPMA). The new facility replaces the old storage cabin, which was considered unhygienic and prone to theft. ENBPMA CEO Mr. Peter Lapim emphasized the importance of the new facility, stating, "We continue to receive complaints of goods being stolen or not being properly maintained at the yard." "With the new facility, we can all be assured that all of our vendors’ goods and products will be properly kept at the storage facility." The facility cost approximately K20,000 to build and has a dedicated staff member responsible for overseeing it. This person will handle the registration of all goods stored and maintain records of all assets used at the market. Lapim urged market officers to be dedicated to their roles, saying, “Whether you’re looking after the toilet or collecting tickets, you all must do your roles with care.” The Kokopo market, which opened in 2010, is also undergoing minor repairs to prevent further deterioration of its infrastructure. "We don’t want to deal with major issues that may halt the operations of the market," Mr. Lapim added.