President of the Lae Football Association (LFA), Mr. Roy Kamen is calling for a comprehensive audit into the allocation and utilization of funds provided by FIFA to the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Football Association (PNGFA). Mr. Kamen’s call for scrutiny was in response to the FIFA GO FORWARD report of 2023. The report disclosed that the PNGFA had been allocated K42.43 million and had received K36.7 million between 2016 and 2022. Kamen stated that the substantial financial support is not visible for football development, a lack of significant infrastructure and youth pathway initiatives. He highlighted that member associations had reportedly only received nominal sums, such as approximately K20, 000 for COVID-19 relief in 2020 or 2021. “This is raising questions about the transparency and accountability of fund distribution within the PNGFA.” Referring to the FIFA "Go Forward" Report, Kamen outlined the breakdown of funds designated for various aspects of football development in PNG: • 2.9 million US dollars for Administration and Governance, • 2.7 million US dollars for National Teams, • 1.7 million US dollars for Infrastructure, • 0.9 million US dollars for Equipment and other necessities, • 0.6 million US dollars for Women's Football, • 0.6 million US dollars for Capacity Building, and • 0.3 million US dollars for Competitions. Additionally, Kamen's concerns were further fueled by the underwhelming performance of PNG Football in international tournaments, which he attributed, at least in part, to funding issues. He called upon President, Mr. John Kapi Nato to convene an urgent meeting of PNGFA Member Association Presidents to address questions on funding allocation, national team preparations, development pathways, facilities enhancement, and allegations of conflicts of interest within the management of the PNGFA. Kamen also stressed the need for transparency, accountability, and collective action to resolve existing challenges and revitalize football in PNG. However, should the PNGFA fail to provide a satisfactory audit of the funds, Mr. Kamen reminds that FIFA has the power to intervene to ensure accountability for the utilization of funds in football associations worldwide, including PNG.

The 69th Graduation Ceremony of the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) witnessed the graduation of over 140 students from the School of Law on the second day of the university’s week-long graduation ceremony at the Sir John Guise Indoor Stadium, Port Moresby. A total of 145 graduates of the School of Law stood tall and proud today to harvest the fruits of their hard work in the Law School’s 67th Graduation. Among the graduates, one student graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy in Law, six students graduated with Diploma in Law (Prosecutions), and five with Bachelor of Laws second class division two and one graduate with Bachelor of Law second class. In his keynote address to the law graduates, guest speaker at the ceremony, Grand Chief Dr. John Momis spoke of his experience on decentralization, the terms of the constitution and the provincial government system in the hopes that these future lawyers would embark on a journey to forge a collaborative strategy for the future. “Be active agents of change. It is now up to you to liberate PNG. The best way of serving the people is by empowering them.” The Pro Chancellor of UPNG, Goiye Gileng in his opening remarks echoed similar sentiments, expressing that he understands the challenges faced and sacrifices that the students have put into the four years of Law School and encouraged the students to be of service to the people of PNG. “You are now at the pinnacle of your life and we expect nothing less. Contribute to society and be of service to your nation.” “The challenges will be different now, but plan adequately and live life deliberately.” Meanwhile, student representative Shanice Paraka assured the Grand Chief, the Chancellors, lecturers, families and friends that she and her cohorts would try to apply what they have learnt for the betterment and future of PNG. She then thanked the parents, guardians, and VIPs that had turned up to witness their loved ones graduate today.

The Minister for International Trade and Investment, Richard Maru and his team are currently in New Zealand (NZ) for three days of high-level bilateral trade talks with the New Zealand Government. Minister Maru emphasized the intention of the visit is to learn from the experiences of New Zealand.  “We want to learn from the experience of New Zealand’s capital market industry and seek New Zealand Government’s support to transform the Securities Commission of PNG and the capital market industry of PNG,” the minister said. Apart from the capital market industry, Minister Maru said the team will visit New Zealand’s chicken industry and also invite the New Zealand investors in this industry to come and invest in PNG. “This is because we still continue to import an estimate of over K100 million worth of chicken annually especially from New Zealand, and this results in loss of jobs and revenue for our MSMEs, SMEs, and our industry. We want to stop that.” “We also do not want to be exposed to the risk of imported chicken diseases like the Avian Influenza and others.” “We want to produce enough day-old chicks to supply the entire need of our nation, our farmers, and our industry so we are able to produce enough chicken locally to meet the growing demand for chicken, and we also want to meet and invite some potential New Zealand investors to invest in our Special Economic Zones,” said Minister Maru. Minister Maru added that New Zealand is a world leader in Agriculture Technology (Agri-tech) and it is an important partner country that maintains strong economic growth, strength in trade exports and a close viable market, which is of strategic importance to PNG. “We can learn a lot from New Zealand to unleash the potential of our agriculture sector and New Zealand can help us with more scholarships to train more agriculture scientists in all aspects of agriculture including bio-security, which New Zealand is renowned for globally.” It is also expected that the visit will see Agriculture Minister, John Boito sign an MOU with New Zealand on agriculture cooperation. “This MOU will be an important framework that PNG can utilize to secure New Zealand’s support for the development of agriculture and livestock industries in PNG,” said Minister Maru.

The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) has increased patrols, including undercover patrols on board public transport buses in Port Moresby city, in an effort to curb crime in public places. Police Commissioner, David Manning emphasized that this is part of an overall initiative in Port Moresby and across the country to deter any form of crime and also ensure the safety of commuters. In a recent patrol, police officers detained a suspect on board a PMV bus at Hohola where a handgun was confiscated, preventing a potential robbery from happening. Another incident was at the Koura Way on the June Valley side where an armed robber was caught by police while his fellow criminals escaped. One of the youths dropped a home-made gun and fled once noticing police presence. The weapon is now in police custody while investigators track down the youth who clearly thought twice about his actions when faced with police. These youths will face serious charges, and investigations are ongoing. Police will continue the patrol in plain clothes and in uniform for an unspecified duration and initiate similar programs in other centers around the country, said Commissioner Manning. My message is clear that every member of our police force has my full and unwavering support to neutralize violent offenders. It is clear this message is being heard by petty criminals, as they chose to drop their weapons rather than face the consequences of confronting police. Commissioner Manning concluded by saying that the message is simple, anyone who dares to commit robbery on board PMV buses should think twice as undercover officers will be out in force to make arrests and even shoot should it be necessary.

The Port Moresby Arts Theatre has announced the launch of its latest program, the Youth Arts Program Plus. Targeting adolescents between the ages of 13 and 17, this extension of the annual youth arts initiative aims to provide a platform for self-expression, skill development, and personal growth through dramatic arts. Nelson Kokoa, the Senior Coordinator at the Port Moresby Arts Theatre, revealed the program's objectives. "Our goal is to introduce young individuals to the enriching world of theatre arts while promoting confidence and communication skills.” "Through engaging drama classes, we seek to equip participants with the tools they need to navigate life's challenges with creativity and flexibility." The decision to expand the program follows increased demand from students beyond the ninth grade and other interested kids, indicating a growing interest for creative youths in Port Moresby. Kokoa told PNG HAUSBUNG that the significance of exposing young people to dramatic arts, citing its potential to instil confidence and encourage critical thinking. "My message would be to step out of your comfort zone and try something new because if you keep staying in your box, you are not able to grow.” "By participating in the Youth Arts Program Plus, you'll be able not just to grow as a person but be able to equip yourself with valuable skills." Scheduled to commence on April 27th and run until June 8th, the program will span seven Saturdays, offering participants immersive experiences in theatre arts. Each session will feature dynamic activities designed to foster creativity, collaboration, and self-expression. Participants have the option to enrol in individual classes for K25 each or register for the full series with K150. It is a program that will give youths an overall insight to Arts and how it can not only teach the basic skills for arts but provide other basic lessons to equip youths in other aspects of life too.

The Minister for Labour and Employment, Kessy Sawang, and Minister for Administrative Services, Richard Masere jointly announced the country's first-ever Labor Force Survey will be conducted in the last quarter of 2024. This follows an agreement between the two on Thursday, April 18 2024 to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in a few weeks to put in place a framework for collaboration towards enhancing labour market statistics and data-sharing agreements between the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations and the National Statistics Office. This MOU will facilitate current and timely insights into labour market conditions, the development of actionable plans to support decent job creation, and activities to populate the proposed Labour Market Information System under the Labour Market Information Policy. Both Ministers agreed that after the National Census is completed, the Labour Force Survey will be conducted by NSO. “It will be the first-ever LFS to be conducted in the country and the results and insights will be a fitting gift on the country's 50th anniversary.” This is from Minister Sawang in a statement. “This initiative not only marks a historic moment but will provide invaluable insights into the country's workforce dynamics, job trends, lay the groundwork for informed decision-making and effective policies to promote sustainable economic growth and prosperity for all citizens.” The scope of the LFS was also discussed and endorsed by the National Tripartite Consultative Council and chaired by Minister Sawang on 8th April. The members of the Council are the mandated representatives of the workers (unions), employers, and selected economic ministers. The LFS will produce gender disaggregated indicators on employment status, industry, and occupation, hours of work and earnings, unemployment, labour force participation, education and training, informal employment, occupational qualifications, skills mismatch, and time use. “The LFS Project Steering Committee will be jointly chaired by DLIR Secretary George Taunakekei and National Statistician John Igitoi.”

Prime Minister James Marape made a significant announcement this week in which he repeated the government of Papua New Guinea commitments to upholding the agreement to advance the results of the 2019 Bougainville Referendum and stressed that the process has not been abandoned. "Bougainville Affairs Minister Manaseh Makiba is now preparing all instruments for the Referendum results to be brought to Parliament," Prime Minister Marape declared, underlining the government's dedication to advancing the peace process. On Monday, April 22, 2024, the Joint Supervisory Body (JSB) will host a much-awaited meeting. At this meeting, important parties such as Prime Minister Marape and President H.E. Ishmael Toroama of Bougainville will discuss the last phases of the 2001 Peace Agreement (BPA). At this pivotal point in Bougainville's road towards deciding its political future, the attention will be on Parliament ratifying the Referendum results. "The JSB meeting will elucidate the process, including the Sessional Order that will be deployed, to bring the Referendum result to Parliament and tabled, and what happens after voting takes place." In his explanation, Prime Minister Marape emphasized the significance of legislative actions during this stage. With 97.7% of Bougainvilleans voting in favour of independence during the Referendum, Prime Minister Marape acknowledged the enormous support for independence among the people of Bougainville. "My government allowed for the Referendum to take place in 2019, and since then, we’ve facilitated post-Referendum consultations to provide clarity on the process for Parliament to take custody of the results.” Reflecting on the emotional ties and the painful conflict that plagued the region, Prime Minister Marape expressed heartfelt sentiments, viewing Bougainville as part of the PNG family. "I can only wish that there was no war, bloodshed, tears, heartache." Prime Minister Marape addressed the worries and fears of Bougainvilleans, pleading for patience and understanding as the administration makes its way through the intricate legal and constitutional frameworks. "Let us not fear this process," he pleaded, stressing how important it was to recognize the people's votes in order to secure their political future.

A statement issued yesterday from Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko has conveyed his regret over recent comments by US President Joe Biden relating to the latter’s ‘cannibal’ remarks attributed to PNG. The US president's comments suggesting his uncle may have been eaten by cannibals in PNG during the Second World War have gone viral, sparking public debate on social media and in PNG politics. “It’s rather unfortunate that President Biden’s remarks are not supported by official documents held within the US military and the State Department.” “PNG- US relations have seen developments for better and stronger ties on the bilateral front in recent times and these apparent untrue remarks by the sitting President is a low point in our bilateral relations.” Minister Tkatchenko said there are known records proving that the president’s uncle was on a flight from Momote to Lae, over the Bismark Sea, but the flight never made it to its destination. “PNG hopes that the White House can correct this remark which has the potential to hurt our cordial relations.” “A Division of the US Military is retrieving and repatriating the remains of fallen servicemen from World War II.” “They can expand their search to also include civilians such as President Biden’s uncle.” Minister Tkatchenko further noted that much effort has been put in to reinvigorate PNG-US relations recently and uninformed remarks like this can only undermine the hard yards made and hurt the relations. The US, through its USAID, has given millions in relief aid packages, among other assistance, to PNG in recent times.

The Catholic Bishops Conference has formally announced recently the confirmation of the Pope’s visit to Papua New Guinea from the 6th-9th of September, 2024 in a four nation visit. CBC President, Rev. Bishop Otto Separy stated that Pope Francis’s visit to the country will double as both a state visit and a pastoral visit as he is the State head of the Vatican City and the head of the Catholic Church as well. “The official announcement came from the Vatican on the 12th of April confirming his (Pope Francis) visit to PNG. We are all very delighted that our Holy Father will be visiting and we are looking forward to his Papal visit.” Bishop Separy stated that the CBC believes that the Pope’s visit to the nation will bring peace and joy as well as God’s graces and blessings and has said that it is in the people’s hands to prepare themselves physically, and spiritually for this visit. Chairperson of the Papal Visit Committee and Bishop of Lae, Rev. Bishop Rozario Menezes stated that this was a four-nation Papal visit and outlined the tentative program which will include the Pope’s arrival, his meetings, visits to the sick and street children here in Port Moresby as well as a visit to the Vanimo Diocese. “This is the tentative program of our Holy Father’s visit to PNG. We have had an advanced team visit us here in the city to see that our preparations are suitable for the Papal Visit.” “As we all know, Pope Francis is 87 years-old but despite his age and sickness, he has decided to come.” Additionally, Bishop Rozario stated that the Papal visit Committee has been working closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Affairs Minister, Justin Tkatchenko and his team as they have dealt with a majority of the state visits that the country has seen. Meanwhile, on this four-nation visit, on the PNG leg of his visit, Pope Francis will be visiting Port Moresby and Vanimo. This visit will make Pope Francis the second Pope to visit Papua New Guinea following Pope John Paul the Second’s visit to the nation in 1984 and 1995 respectively.

The Holy See, Pope Francis, will be accorded a 21-gun salute, guard of honor and respect when he visits PNG in September. Preparations have been ongoing since January, according to Foreign Affairs Minister, Justin Tkatchenko, who is also responsible for National Events. He said an inter-government agencies committee has been working to ensure preparations for the week-long visit is a success, and memorable. Pope Francis will be the second pontiff to visit PNG; Pope John Paul II was the first Head of the Catholic Church to visit PNG twice in 1984 and 1995. In a statement, Minister Tkatchenko also highlighted a collaborative effort on preparations by the PNG Government, the Catholic Bishops Conference, and the Vatican for this historical visit of the Head of the Catholic Church. “The visit of the Pope would be completely different to the normal programs for State Visits for the Head of State, Heads of government, and other VIP guests,” his statement reads. Referring to the committee, he said, “We’ve got the right people in the right place, and we have all very experienced Papua New Guineans who have handled all visits from the Royal Family to Heads of Government, and Heads of State.” The Catholic Bishops Conference has confirmed the visit by His Holiness Pope Frances to PNG from the 6th to the 9th of September. Archbishop of Port Moresby, Cardinal Sir John Ribat said the four-nation visit planned in 2020 was deferred due to COVID. He said the Pope’s visit is good news for Christians because he is a State, and a spiritual leader for everyone. “We are excited and looking forward to this visit”. “His visit brings hope and encouragement and also it is a blessing to us." The Vatican officially announced this week that Pope Francis will visit Indonesia, PNG, Timor-Leste, and Singapore between September 2 to 13. Upon arrival from Jakarta, Indonesia, he will make a courtesy visit to Governor General Sir Bob Dadae at Government House, followed by an audience with the Civil Society and the diplomatic community at the APEC Haus. In preparation for that, the Foreign Affairs Minister also announced this week that following an NEC decision, the management and operations of the APEC Haus at Ela Beach, Port Moresby, will now be handed over from the Finance Minister and his department which has managed it for the last six years. The Pope is also expected to hold a public gathering at the Sir John Guise Stadium, before his one-day visit to Vanimo, West Sepik. Pope Francis will also meet with youths in Port Moresby after returning from Vanimo, before his departure to Timor-Leste. Minister Tkatchenko said as a lead-up to the Papal visit, the Vatican advance team arrived in the country in February to visit Vanimo.

The 2024 ExxonMobile Digicel Cup Round 2 saw the Hela Wigmen play against the West New Britain (WNB) Kimbe Cutters endured an intense 9 minutes going head-to-head to into the first half with heavy and momentous body contact. The Hela Wigman Left Centre McWin Worin finally broke the ice in the 8th minute of the first half scoring a try on the fourth play ball, breaking through multiple defenders from the Kimber cutter 10 meter line into the goal line following a clean conversion from Hela Wigmen Captain Solomon Pokare Leading with 6-0. The both teams faced a mutual amount of mistakes and challenges in the remaining 32 minutes with drop balls and forward passes. However, Kimbe Cutters 13 lock Charles Sule was able to pull through with a try in the 38th dying minutes of the first half followed by a successful conversion leveling the points at 6-6. Despite a tough first half with an accumulated number of errors and fumbles on both teams, the second half brought an exciting momentum of unexpected plays and tricks on for both teams. Hela Wigmen McWin Worin came into the second half strong and fast performing a hat trick, scoring two more tries following successful conversion by (Hooker) Woods Kawage on behalf of the Wigman Half back (Captain) after sustaining an injury. Woods Kawage also assisted through scoring two tries in the second half and successfully saw two points conversion. The Kimbe Cutters responded with three tries in the second half. Cutter Hooker Jethro John responded by opening the cutters first second half try followed by Cutters right Centre Edward Yukil. The Cutters retaliated but fell short with 8 points and time to even the playing field and made no different effort to gain the lead as they trailed and lost by 22-30. The Hela Wigmen were fortunate to possess the ball during the final 1 minute of the second Half, as they remain ahead in points till the dying minutes. Woods Kawage received the Man of the Match by the PNGRFL hosts and was pleased to accept and play his role in his team

In a significant move in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse, and strategies to maintain public safety, the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) has introduced the use of a state-of-the-art technology, the TruNarc Handheld Narcotics Analyzer device. A statement released recently from the office of the Commissioner of Police, David Manning, further revealed that this new cutting-edge technology, is a portable drug testing device, about 10 cm long, weighing less than a kilogram, which can provide instant results when used to test suspected illegal drugs. Commissioner Manning said the device is being deployed nationwide for police to use on suspected narcotics found on drug dealers and users, including larger-scale drug raids. His statement also underscores the escalating global threat posed by dangerous drugs like methamphetamines, stressing the urgent need for enhanced tools to combat their spread “The illegal use of extremely dangerous drugs such as methamphetamines is increasing around the world.” “Police need all the tools at our disposal to fight this spread… (the) devices are being rolled out with immediate effect.” Due to its portable size, police can easily carry the handheld device on the street and in locations where suspected drugs have been identified, increasing the number of drug-related arrests, with ‘prosecutions backed up by undeniable evidence’. In addition, the mobility of the devices, their accuracy in detecting hundreds of drug compounds, and their simplicity to maintain and use, will make a difference in the domestic fight against illegal drugs, when highlighting the detrimental impact of methamphetamine use on communities, including increased violence and crime rates, and the disintegration of families. “Criminals in PNG are pushing meth, and increasing the number of addicts, which is causing increased violence and other crimes, and destroying families.” He said local police nationwide are undergoing training on how to use these Handheld Narcotics Analyzer devices with technical training assistance from the Australian Federal Police. “I thank the Australian Federal Police for their ongoing support in obtaining the Narcotics Analyzers and facilitating training and ongoing support.” With the ability to detect over 530 types of illegal drugs and components, the handheld analyzer represents a significant advancement in drug testing technology, enabling police officers to swiftly identify illicit substances in the field. “This is a vast improvement on current drug testing done in a lab from multiple samples. “The technology uses Raman spectroscopy.” “In simple terms, it is essentially a laser that reacts to the molecules of the suspected drug sample, providing the police officer with an immediate result of the analysis.”