Former PNG Kumuls and PNG Hunters star, Ase Boas, has been appointed as the tournament coordinator for the upcoming KCK Rigo Rice Cup, to be held in Port Moresby’s North East suburb. This appointment was formalized on Tuesday October 29th by KCK Rigo Rice Cup CEO McSteve Polly, following a meeting with Boas and the tournament team. Boas brings a wealth of experience from his time in top-tier rugby league competitions and is eager to pass on his expertise to the younger generation of players competing in the Rigo Rice Cup. The tournament, which aims to support grassroots rugby league in PNG, will feature matches across four pools in Port Moresby and is set to kick off with an official launch on November 9th, 2024. Updates on schedules and match details will be shared soon as excitement builds for this inaugural event.

The inaugural KCK Rigo Rice Cup is set to commence this November, establishing itself as one of the most ambitious grassroots Rugby League tournaments in Papua New Guinea. Offering cash prizes exceeding K300,000, the competition is designed to spotlight emerging talent in the sport while fostering community engagement and cultural appreciation. Supported by primary sponsors Rigo Rice Limited and Kendekali Lawyers, the Rigo Rice Cup invites additional corporate partners to join in promoting Rugby League at the grassroots level. The tournament will see former PNG Kumuls supervise matches, leveraging their expertise to ensure a smooth and competitive event. According to CEO McSteve Polly, preparations are now complete. "Teams from across Port Moresby are currently registering to participate, and we’re excited to see so much interest from local communities." The tournament structure aligns closely with the PNG NRL Bid’s strategic priorities, particularly in terms of creating a strong platform for developing and showcasing young talent across the nation. The tournament's official launch is now set for November 9th, with games staged at four primary venues across Port Moresby: Ipi Park in Moresby North West, Bomana Police College Field in Moresby North East, Bava Park in Moresby South, and Kone Field for the Motu Koita community. A fifth venue for school teams is still under review, and updates will follow once details are finalized. Twenty teams from various tertiary institutions in Port Moresby have been invited to compete, with registrations continuing until the closing date just before the tournament launch. Each division—North West, North East, and Tertiary—will kick off following registration, with the Motu Koita and South Side divisions scheduled subsequently, allowing for efficient completion of all matches. The grand finals will take place at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium, promising an elevated experience for both players and fans. Rebel Media Productions Limited, the tournament’s media partner, will live-stream the games, extending viewership and providing exposure for players across multiple digital platforms. Youth engagement is a critical focus, with teams encouraged to field players aged 16 to 23, enhancing scouting opportunities for those with potential to play professionally. Each team may include up to three current or former Digicel Cup players, aiming to balance youth development with seasoned experience. Additionally, the tournament aims to boost tourism by promoting PNG’s rich cultural heritage alongside competitive sports. Organizers see the event as an opportunity to showcase local traditions and landscapes, further encouraging national pride and international interest in Papua New Guinea’s sports scene. The KCK Rigo Rice Cup represents a significant step in cultivating local rugby talent while advancing broader objectives tied to community and cultural development. With robust support and a clear vision, the tournament is poised to become a hallmark event in Papua New Guinea’s sporting calendar.

A policewoman with the Sexual Offence Squad in the Criminal Investigation Unit was arrested and charged with perverting the course of justice. Acting NCD Metropolitan Superintendent Mazuc Rubiang confirmed that First Constable Adriana Kamusunga was detained by the Internal Investigation Unit (IIU) on Monday, October 28th. She was charged based on evidence that her testimony led to the dismissal of Mr. Aiye Tambua’s case while it was still before the court. Superintendent Rubiang explained that, according to the police brief, it’s alleged that on July 9th, 2024, the officer swore an affidavit asserting insufficient evidence and errors in the investigation. “Her affidavit was presented to the court, and the case was struck out,” he stated. Rubiang confirmed that the case was still under deliberation when her statement caused its dismissal, impacting the charges against the Member of Parliament (MP). He thanked the Internal Investigation Unit (IIU) investigators for their effective work, which led to Kamusunga’s arrest. Rubiang emphasized that officers should not interfere with cases, stating, “I want to warn officers who do such to spoil the name of the constabulary to refrain from doing it." "Let the court clear defendants if they are arrested and charged." "When we are given a case to investigate, we must do it without fear or favour to make sure the victim and the complaint are satisfied." "We are not the courts, but we are the law enforcement officers.” Superintendent Rubiang commended the IIU and CID investigators for their efforts and said he hopes to see the case through to its completion. Kamusunga, released on K1,000 police bail, will appear in court when her case files are ready.

Prime Minister James Marape, in response to concerns about rising crime, urged Papua New Guineans to respect the law and called for a clean-up “riff-raffs” from Port Moresby. Comparing crime control in Samoa and Fiji, Marape said, "They don't have much money, but they increase it. There's no barbed wire fence in Samoa, Fiji; no graffiti." He says citizens in PNG can assist the country in little things, such as upholding the rule of law, while the government continues help with things like paying school fees. “I appeal to the rest of the country, the New Guinea Islands, Papua, we’ll (government) deal with Moresby city and eliminate the riff-raffs. The Vagrancy Act has been looked at as we speak, so, some of you doing nothing here, we’ll send you back home the next day." “No need to stay in Port Moresby, we need to clean up Port Moresby.” “To rest of New Guinea Islands, Momase and Papua, you’re good people, and as we deal with the riff-raffs elsewhere, protect law and order in your place.”

A week-long police operation has led two murder suspects from Mondo village in Woitape Local Level Government, Goilala District, to surrender to Central Province police. The operation, which aimed to defuse tensions and end violence between Mondo and neighboring villages, was organized by Central Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Chief Inspector Joseph Salle. He deployed police and Mobile Squad officers from McGregor Barracks in Port Moresby city following a series of violent incidents that resulted in the deaths of four people—three from Mondo village and one from the Yumu and Idu villages. Arriving in the conflict area last Saturday, the police officers worked closely with community leaders to identify the suspects and negotiate peace. Inspector Salle expressed gratitude to Mondo village leaders for their cooperation and the suspects’ surrender, calling it "a good sign that the community wants to see change." He noted that the violence had severely impacted local life, particularly the closure of Mondo Primary School, leaving students without access to education. “Before other government services can come, law and order issues must be fixed,” Inspector Salle added. “The surrender program is the beginning of this.” He further emphasized the importance of peace for the local economy, highlighting that the Tolokuma Mine, a major project in the region, could bring significant benefits to Mondo village if the road links are maintained and the area remains stable. Tolokuma Mine landowner chairman George Gusie, who assisted in negotiating with village leaders, thanked the police for their commitment. Gusie pledged to maintain communication with nearby villages to encourage additional suspect surrenders, stating, “I will continue to keep in touch with the other villages to see them surrender the other suspects.” Silliso Elei, a community spokesperson for the Mondo people, echoed Gusie’s sentiments, expressing appreciation for the police presence. “Since the fight, we had been living in the bush,” Elei explained, describing how the community fled after their village was destroyed. "Police presence now made us feel safe to come out from our bush houses and move around freely." The violent feud reportedly began after the tragic murder of a Mondo child, who was thrown into a burning house during a village dispute." In retaliation, Mondo villagers killed a man from Yumu village, sparking further violence, which led to the destruction of homes and property in the area. Police arrived amidst the escalating situation, successfully preventing further clashes and starting the peace process. Inspector Salle assured both village leaders and community members that police would remain in the area to maintain order and support the community’s return to normalcy. "We will be here to make sure the village remains calm," he said, acknowledging both the community spokesperson Elei and chairman Gusie for their cooperation and dedication to resolving the conflict peacefully. This surrender operation, viewed as a first step toward rebuilding trust and stability, aims to open doors for improved law enforcement and future government services in the area.

The Department of Education (DOE) is prioritizing financial education within the national curriculum to help students across Papua New Guinea (PNG) become financially responsible adults. In a step toward this goal, 25 primary school teachers, DOE Curriculum Development Division (CDD) officers, and officers from the Centre of Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI) are attending a two-week Financial Education Workshop being held in the Central Province, aimed at developing essential resources for Prep to Grade 6 students. The workshop, officially opened on October 21st by DOE First Assistant Secretary for Curriculum, Steven Tandale, will produce Teacher Resource and Student Activity Books that introduce financial topics like budgeting, savings, debt management, and investments. Supported and funded by CEFI, the workshop's setting at Tuhava Resort, allows participants, who come from a diverse educational background, to engage in content writing and discussions to create practical, easy-to-understand materials for classroom use. To ensure alignment with the national syllabus, financial education topics will be integrated with existing subjects across grade levels—Culture and Community for early grades (prep-Grade 2), Social Science for Grades 3-5, Making a Living for Grades 6-8, and Business Studies for Grades 9-12. A follow-up workshop is planned later this year to develop resources for Grades 7-12, covering advanced topics such as investment, superannuation and retirement planning. The workshop aims to produce 14 educational resources, including Teacher Resource and Student Activity Books, to support financial education from Prep to Grade 6. This initiative aligns with several national priorities, including Vision 2050, which promotes financial literacy, and the PNG Strategic Development Plan 2030, focused on inclusive education. Additionally, it supports the National Education Plan, Financial Sector Development Strategy, and National Financial Inclusion Policy, all advocating for a financially literate society through an inclusive curriculum. Since 2021, following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Mr. Tandale acknowledged that while plans for developing financial education curriculum had been discussed for years, significant progress has been made since the partnership with CEFI began. CEFI Executive Director, Saliya Ranasinghe, praised DOE’s commitment to this mandatory initiative, emphasizing the importance of financial literacy from a young age. CEFI Deputy Director, Peter Samuel called on participants to "drive positive change" that will impact the future generation. The workshop concludes on November 1st.

The Governor for Simbu Province, Noah Kool is keen on improving the livelihood of his people so they can contribute more to the broader economy, and create self-sustainability for the province, thus, financial inclusion is the step forward in that direction. This was his message when signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI) to forge a partnership in rolling out financial inclusion activities and programs in the province. “The MoU will help to identify potentials where CEFI and Simbu Provincial Government can work together especially in areas around training and implementation of Financial Inclusion activities in the province,” said Governor Kool during the signing at the Simbu Provincial Government Headquarters in Kundiawa town on Monday, October 14th. “Simbu Province is willing to partner and work with CEFI to implement financial inclusion activities in the province and this marks a new era for our people, and I urged all stakeholders to support the financial inclusion in the province,” said the Governor. He said the MoU signing was the first of its kind between Simbu province, CEFI and the Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG). “Simbu needs financial literacy training as we would like to move into a broader economy for self-sustainability, (because) we don’t have the culture of savings, and we need to be more educated and be financially literate,” the Governor added. Deputy Chief of Party, USAID PNG Lakautim Garun Program (LGP), Mr. Jordan Bulo acknowledged the partnership between CEFI and the Simbu Provincial Government and stressed that the USAID PNG (LGP) is willing to partner and work with provinces and districts to serve the rural population through the rollout and implementation of financial inclusion activities including other key areas of focus. Assistant Governor, Financial Stability System Group, Bank of PNG, Mr George Awap thanked and commended the Simbu Provincial Government for recognising financial inclusion as an essential component of Papua New Guinea’s development plan. “CEFI and BPNG are progressing to moving towards signing agreements with provincial governments so they can take the responsibility in taking financial education for a sustainable program." “Donors will support for a shorter period, but the government will take into consideration financial inclusion programs to educate the people of Simbu Province to manage their money well,” said Mr. Awap. CEFI Executive Director Mr. Saliya Ranasinghe highlighted that financial literacy training is essential to accessing financial inclusion services, emphasizing that training provincial trainers through CEFI programs is the first step to spreading this knowledge across provinces. “CEFI’s main aim also is to work with (the) Education Department to have financial inclusion programs taught in schools throughout the country in order to empower individuals to alleviate them from poverty,” Mr. Ranasinghe said. CEFI in a statement further revealed that the MOU signing between CEFI and Simbu Provincial Government was a result of a partnership facilitated by the USAID PNG Lukautim Graun Program (LGP) between CEFI and the Simbu Provincial Government. Simbu is the second province in the Highlands region after Western Highlands to enter into partnership with CEFI under the USAID PNG Lukautim Graun Program. Other provinces who signed MoUs under CEFIs Government Engagement Program include Milne Bay, West New Britain, East New Britain, New Ireland, Madang and Kerema District (Gulf province).

A Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) Special Procurement Committee of the National Procurement Commission (NPC) has been sworn in, and will be chaired by Jerry Garry, MRA's Managing Director. The committee, responsible for MRA's internal procurement of goods and services, has a financial threshold of up to K5 million. The committee, established under a requirement of the NPC Act 2021 that provides for such a set-up for all government statutory bodies and agencies that have the capacity to procure assets and services internally, will also provide regular reports to the NPC. Mr. Garry said MRA has been facing challenges in procuring important assets and services for the authority, but this committee will ensure an easier and effective procurement process for better service delivery. He vowed the committee will do its best to comply with national procurement guidelines and maintain the integrity of the process. Other committee members who were sworn-in on Friday, October 25th at the NPC office in Port Moresby by counsel Barry Mol, include: Samson Metofa First Assistant Secretary Financial Reporting & Compliance Division (FAS-FRCD) of the Department of Finance as the Deputy Chairman, committee members Lilian Vevara of the Office of the State Solicitor, Frank Hare of NPC and six senior staff of the MRA. Those six are: Nathan Mosusu – Executive Manager Corporate Services; Stanley Nekitel – Executive Manager Regulatory Operations Division; Thomas Vutun – Manager Finance, Jerry Naime – Officer-In-Charge (OIC) Development Coordination Division; Sharon Haihavu – Acting Manager Legal and Saki Beka – Acting Manager Special Projects Unit.

JKT Lim, under the leadership of skipper Ismael Buling, emerged victorious in the Lae Golf Club’s 2024 Corporate Bowls Cup, narrowly defeating defending champions Badili Hardware 16-15 in a tense grand final on the night of Wednesday, October 23rd. The competition, sponsored by Trans Wonderland, featured 16 corporate teams from Lae competing over 16 weeks with matches held every Monday. In a hard-fought final, Badili took an early lead of 8-0 by the fourth end, putting significant pressure on JKT Lim. However, Buling's team gradually fought back, gaining a point in the fifth and reducing Badili’s lead. By the eighth end, Badili was up 13-2, but JKT Lim made a strong comeback, scoring eight points over the next two rounds, bringing the score to 10-13. With both teams nearly tied at the fourteenth end, Badili led 15-12 going into the last end. JKT Lim held their nerve, scoring three points to level at 15-15, pushing the game into a nail-biting tiebreaker. Badili gained an early advantage in the tiebreaker, but Buling rolled the winning shot, securing a final score of 16-15 and clinching the cup for JKT Lim. Sponsor Karen Lim expressed excitement and pride in the team’s first cup win after six years of participation, noting their improvement from last season’s runner-up finish. Badili’s team manager, Nars Jose, commended the close match, acknowledging JKT Lim's resilience and Buling's decisive final shot. The event aimed to strengthen corporate ties through sport, and TWL representative Robert Malingi praised the teams’ dedication and sportsmanship, thanking Lae Golf Club for hosting the successful competition.

On Friday, October 25th, the Port Moresby Harlequins rugby team departed for Manila, launching their international tour with an eagerly awaited match against the Philippine Barbarians. This marks the beginning of a tour that will also lead the team to Kuala Lumpur. After weeks of intensive training, the Harlequins are ready to display their skills and determination in the upcoming matches. They faced the Philippine Barbarians, a skilled side associated with the Philippine Volcanoes National Team, on Saturday, October 26th at 2pm (Philippines time), in Muntinlupa City. Fans from both nations were excited for this showdown, hoping each team would bring its best game to the field, with the Harlequins aiming to leave a strong impression before continuing their tour to Malaysia. A few hours before the 2pm show down, the Port Moresby Harlequins shared an update on social media, posting photos of players warming up before their anticipated afternoon match. The team commented that after a five-hour flight from Port Moresby to Manila, stretching out in the local park was the perfect way to acclimate. The Harlequins' post reads: “Shaking off the jet lag and gearing up for our friendly 15s match against the Philippine Barbarians Philippine Rugby - Philippine Volcanoes National Team at Alabang Country Club in Muntinlupa City.” They also invited Papua New Guineans in the Philippines to support the team: “To all our wantoks in the Philippines—come by 2pm today, cheer us on and say hi!” Meanwhile, the Philippine Rugby - Philippine Volcanoes National Team had also welcomed the Harlequins in a social media post from Alabang Country Club, noting their excitement for the match. “The sun is finally out! Saturday is Rugby Day today!” the post states, adding, “See you later at the Alabang Country Club in Muntinlupa City as we welcome the Port Moresby Harlequins from Papua New Guinea for a thrilling XVs friendly match against the Philippine Barbarians, a team composed of men’s XVs players from various clubs across Metro Manila.” Their post further entices fans with a preview of the 15s season: “Get a taste of what’s to come in the 15s season with this exciting showdown! See you there!”

For early-career workers from the Pacific Islands, the Resilient Pacific Islands Leaders (RPIL) Fellowship is more than a training program—it’s a chance to build skills and connections that could help shape the future of the Pacific. Hosted by the Pacific Islands Development Program (PIDP) at the East-West Center, this program helps new leaders gain experience, learn from experts, and connect with others working to improve their communities and countries. The program will take place from March 31st to May 10th, 2025, and combines two weeks of online study, three weeks in Honolulu, Hawai’i, and one week in Washington, D.C. During this time, participants will learn about important issues facing the Pacific, such as how to grow local economies, care for the environment, and improve health and education systems. A representative from the East-West Center on their website explained, “This program brings together new leaders from across the Pacific to build friendships and share ideas. The goal is for participants to return home ready to make a real difference.” One of the main parts of the training is to understand the Pacific’s big plan for the future, called the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. This includes steps to handle challenges like climate change, which affects many Pacific Islands. By seeing firsthand how other leaders work, participants get ideas to bring back home, with practical tools to make positive changes. Past participants have found that RPIL not only helps their careers but also boosts their self-confidence and leadership abilities. It’s also an important chance for indigenous Pacific Islanders to share their unique voices, values, and traditional knowledge, building pride in their heritage. The program is funded by the East-West Center and the U.S. Government, covering the cost so participants do not have to pay. Applications are due by November 22, 2024, with reference letters due by November 29th. For more details, visit PIDP via Facebook or their website.

The inaugural Kimbe Snooker Open is set to be a thrilling three-day championship, running from October 25th to October 27th, hosted at West New Britain’s Sanremo Club and New Mosa Club. The tournament, which promises intense cue action, is made possible with support from West New Britain Governor Sasindran Muthuvel, along with several local business sponsors including the Liamo Reef Resort and the West New Britain provincial government. Kimbe Snooker President John Sitapai, along with his executive team, has spearheaded the initiative to establish this championship, drawing praise from the Port Moresby Billiards and Snooker Association (POMBSA). The association lauded Sitapai and his team for achieving the goal of bringing a competitive snooker championship to Kimbe for the first time. They also extended gratitude to Joe Chan from Port Moresby, who is overseeing the tournament to ensure smooth operations, wishing all participants the best in the matches ahead. The championship kicked off on October 24th with an induction and training session for officials, setting the stage for this weekend's high-stakes games. After a warm-up session on Friday morning, the pool games officially started at 1:00 p.m., showcasing the skills of local and visiting players at both Sanremo Club and New Mosa Club venues. Day two, on Saturday, October 26th, saw the continuation of pool games, where top players advanced to the round of sixteen. Matches began at 10:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m., with players vying for their chance to reach Sunday’s quarterfinals. Champions will be declared on Sunday, October 27th, following the finals at 3:00 p.m. The day’s lineup includes quarterfinal playoffs starting at 10:00 a.m., followed by the semifinals at 12:30 p.m. and culminating in the grand final. Winners and runners-up will be honoured at a presentation night ceremony beginning at 6:00 p.m. The POMBSA extended its well-wishes to all the participants, acknowledging the “tremendous job” of the Kimbe Snooker team in bringing this event to fruition and emphasizing its commitment to further advancing the sport in Papua New Guinea.