Mahlon WINSTON

Governor Byron Chan hosted Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika and a senior judicial delegation at a dinner in Kavieng to mark the return of the Supreme Court to New Ireland Province after a three-decade absence.The New Ireland Provincial Government hosted the formal event at the Malagan Lodge, bringing together senior members of Papua New Guinea’s judiciary, court officials and Correctional Services personnel before a week of Supreme Court proceedings.Chief Justice Sir Gibbs arrived alongside his wife, Lady Rose Salika, and was warmly received by Governor Chan.The visiting delegation features judges of the National and Supreme Courts, including Acting Deputy Chief Justice Penuel Mogish and Correctional Services Commissioner Noel Sarei.The Kavieng sitting marks a significant moment for the province which last hosted a Supreme Court circuit in 1996.Governor Chan welcomed the delegation and emphasized that the return of the country’s highest court would make it possible for matters to be heard in Kavieng, reducing the need for participants to travel elsewhere.He further affirmed his administration’s readiness to assist and work with the visiting judicial team.Sir Gibbs commended the provincial government and local communities for helping maintain safe communities, noting the low number of reports of major crimes.He described the court’s return as an important development for New Ireland.Justice Mogish, a New Irelander, is to lead the five-member Supreme Court bench during the sitting. He is among the senior judges serving in the National and Supreme Courts.He also acknowledged Sir Gibbs’ long service on the Bench, describing him as the Commonwealth’s longest-serving judge.The week-long session is scheduled to begin following an official opening ceremony featuring a joint parade by police and Correctional Services personnel marching to the courthouse.The sitting this week is expected to bring judicial proceedings and senior members of the national justice system to Kavieng, marking the return of Supreme Court business to New Ireland after a 30-year absence.

Fiji Bulikulas head coach and captain have praised the PNG Orchids’ ferocious physicality and spirited first-half performance, despite Fiji walking away with a clinical 40–4 victory in yesterday's World Cup clash at the Santos National Football Stadium.The Fiji head coach described the opening stanza as a grueling, end-to-end battle, noting that the Orchids matched his side's intensity through the middle before the visitors eventually broke away in the second half.“Papua New Guinea were unbelievable today, particularly in the first half. It was an end-to-end game. It was very physical, and both forward packs really went at it,” the coach remarked.Fiji's tactical adjustments at the interval proved decisive. Satisfied with their first-half defensive resolve but wary of loose moments around the ruck, the coaching staff instructed the side to shift their focus wider.“We talked about being smart. We wanted to move the ball away from the middle of the field and give ourselves the best opportunities on the edges,” the coach explained.The strategy paid off immediately as Fiji stretched the Orchids' tight defensive line, executing clean edge plays and building continuous pressure across the park.The victory required adaptability from the Bulikulas, who had to reshuffle their kicking duties mid-game after an injury left one of their main kickers with a severe cork. The coach credited his squad's depth, noting they were fortunate to have multiple experienced players step up seamlessly to manage the game's kicking requirements.Beyond the baseline scoreline, the Fiji leadership group emphasized that the fixture was a historic occasion, highlighted by the extraordinary hospitality and passionate reception they received in rugby league-mad Papua New Guinea.The Bulikulas captain stated that the sheer warmth of the local community—from packed training sessions to the buzzing atmosphere outside the venue—made the tour unforgettable.“Seeing the kids and the smiles on their faces, you can’t get that anywhere else,” the captain said.She added that playing in front of a packed, vocal Port Moresby crowd was a career-highlight experience. For the visitors, the match perfectly showcased rugby league's unique cultural status in PNG, proving that the occasion meant much more than the points on the ladder.The captain also extended her gratitude to the host organizers, highly praising the world-class accommodation, training facilities, and meals provided to the traveling squad throughout their stay.While the clinical victory injects massive confidence into the Bulikulas' World Cup campaign, their post-match reflections serve as a strong validation of the Orchids' rising competitiveness on the international stage.

 PNG LNG Kumuls head coach Jason Demetriou says his side must learn how to withstand sustained pressure after a promising first-half display fell away into a clinical 64–6 defeat to Samoa in their second World Cup fixture at the Santos National Football Stadium yesterday.The Kumuls headed into the interval trailing just 14–6, a scoreline that Demetriou believed put them in a prime position to build second-half momentum. However, Samoa ruthlessly seized control after the break, heavily punishing PNG’s unforced errors and disciplinary lapses.“We were right in the game at halftime. We spoke about grabbing momentum and controlling the contest, but we coughed up the ball early in the second half. Giving away five or six yardage penalties on top of that just invited immense pressure,” Demetriou said.Demetriou admitted the second-half collapse exposed the current gap between matching a tier-one nation in patches and maintaining that elite standard for the full 80 minutes. As injuries mounted, Samoa’s superior depth and international experience proved decisive.“That’s the brutal truth of international football. We have to learn how to fight our way back and steady the ship when the going gets tough,” he added.Captain Rhyse Martin echoed his coach's sentiments, noting that while the Kumuls started with great energy and showed they could genuinely challenge Samoa, the match slipped away rapidly in a damaging mid-game window.“We were in a position to really grab hold of the game. We were good in the initial periods, but they scored a few tries back-to-back and the scoreline blew out,” Martin said.The Kumuls' bench rotation was severely strained during the match, losing three players to injury and leaving Demetriou with highly limited interchange options to combat a relentless Samoan pack.Looking at the broader picture, Demetriou emphasized the challenge of preparing for elite opposition when many domestic PNG players do not regularly face top-flight professional intensity. He urged for a more consistent international calendar and greater pathways into professional club systems.“Those high-stakes experiences are what will help these boys grow. We need more of these tier-one test matches scheduled so our players can learn these tactical lessons well before arriving at a World Cup,” Demetriou remarked.The match held immense personal significance for Martin, who confirmed it was his final appearance for the Kumuls on home soil, closing out a decorated 12-year international career for Papua New Guinea. He expressed deep gratitude to his teammates, staff, and the vibrant local crowd.“The atmosphere at Santos National Football Stadium was incredibly special. The crowd’s passion always lifts us, but as a group, we have to complement that passion with better game management and composure under heavy pressure,” the departing captain noted.Demetriou closed by shielding young playmaker Gora from post-match criticism, stating that comparisons to established international stars are premature and that steady exposure to elite high-performance environments will ensure his long-term development.For the Kumuls, the immediate focus turns to converting their promising first-half structures into an authoritative 80-minute performance as they prepare for their next World Cup group challenge.

PNG Orchids head coach and captain have vowed to sharpen the team's discipline, possession, and attacking combinations following a tough 40–4 loss to Fiji in their second World Cup clash at the Santos National Football Stadium.The coach conceded that Fiji’s international experience and high-quality roster capitalized heavily on the Orchids’ handling errors and unforced mistakes, particularly during a bruising first half that left PNG under sustained defensive pressure.“We gave away too much possession, and they capitalized on it. To compete at this level, we needed to complete our sets, which we simply didn’t do,” the coach stated.While acknowledging the gulf in international experience, the coach noted that the Orchids contributed to their own downfall by failing to control the football and allowing Fiji repeat attacking opportunities.Despite the heavy scoreline, the coach praised his side's resilience under fire, noting that the players worked tirelessly. However, continuous defensive sets and Fiji’s clinical ability to exploit field position eventually broke the PNG line.Orchids captain added that the team drifted drastically from their pre-match strategy, which focused on high completion rates, building pressure, and aggressive standard defense. Instead, PNG gifted Fiji easy yardage and wasted their own attacking opportunities.“We just went away from what we planned to do. We gave away some cheap carries, so we have to go back, look at the tape, and ensure we are ready for the next round,” the captain said.The coach further explained that the team’s attacking spine is still developing its combinations and decision-making at the international level. This lack of situational experience, compounded by Fiji’s relentless defensive pressure, stifled PNG's execution when they did secure field position.Late adjustments also disrupted the team's preparation. A wave of illness swept through the squad during the week, leaving several key players in doubt until the final hours before kick-off and forcing management to alter the starting lineup.Reflecting on the team's broader journey, the coach emphasized that the Orchids have only been together for a short period, noting that elite defensive systems require sustained preparation.Looking forward, he stressed that Papua New Guinea must invest heavily in developing spine players and refining their tactical awareness. He highlighted the immense potential of locally-based talent, suggesting that domestic players would benefit enormously from high-performance training and competition opportunities in Australia.“Athletic ability alone is not enough against top-tier opposition. Players must develop deep game awareness, tactical decision-making, and master the small details that shape modern international rugby league,” the coach remarked.Closing out the post-match reactions, the captain insisted that while the squad cannot control public criticism following the loss, they can fully control their response. Moving forward, the focus remains entirely on absorbing the lessons from the Fiji defeat and preparing positively for the next challenge.

A second-half scoring blitz powered Toa Samoa to a 64–6 victory over the PNG LNG Kumuls at Santos National Football Stadium, turning a competitive first half into a one-sided Rugby League World Cup match.Samoa led 14–6 at the break after a tightly contested opening 40 minutes, with both sides probing for opportunities. PNG’s only points came from Bailey Biondi-Odo, whose try was converted by Rhyse Martin.But the contest changed quickly after half-time. Sua Fa’alogo crossed for his second try in the 45th minute, sparking a surge that the Kumuls could not contain. Samoa piled on the points, with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow also scoring twice as the visitors ran away with the match.The Kumuls struggled to stem Samoa’s momentum as the second half tries mounted, leaving them with a heavy defeat in front of a sold out strong 15,088 home crowd.

The Fiji Bulikulas delivered a dominant performance at the Santos National Football Stadium, scoring five first-half tries to dismantle the PNG Orchids and secure a convincing 40–4 victory.Fiji wasted no time asserting authority, opening the scoring inside the first three minutes when Sienna Laing crossed the line to establish an early 6–0 lead. The PNG Orchids responded almost immediately after a Fiji line drop-out, with hooker Ua Ravu piercing the defense to trim the deficit to 6–4.However, Ravu’s try proved to be the Orchids' only points of the afternoon. Fiji five-eighth Luisa Varanamua took complete control of the match, orchestrating a relentless attacking masterclass that propelled the Bulikulas to a commanding 30–4 cushion by the halftime siren.Fiji maintained their blistering momentum immediately after the break, striking twice in the opening seven minutes of the second half to blow the margin out to 40–4.While the remainder of the match proved to be a more evenly contested affair, both sides were heavily hampered by unforced errors in the humid Port Moresby conditions. The Orchids manufactured several promising opportunities to mount a late fightback, but repeated handling mistakes continually halted their momentum deep in Fiji territory.Those costly errors ensured Fiji held firm defensively, shutting down any hopes of a PNG comeback to complete a clinical and dominant Pacific Championships performance.

Bougainville is driving targeted investments into agriculture, transport infrastructure, healthcare, and financial inclusion to strengthen its economy and support the region’s political future, Regional Member Peter Tsiamalili Jnr announced today.Mr. Tsiamalili said the sweeping development work currently underway demonstrates that Bougainville’s political aspirations are being actively pursued alongside rigorous efforts to build structural economic capacity.“Our farmers are producing, families are saving, businesses are accessing finance, and infrastructure investment is connecting communities to opportunity,” Mr. Tsiamalili said. “We acknowledge that considerable work remains to achieve financial readiness. However, any assessment of our progress must recognize the strong foundations being laid and the vibrant economic activity already taking place.”To illustrate this growth, Mr. Tsiamalili cited Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) figures showing that Bougainville produced approximately 23,500 tons of cocoa in 2025, valued at more than K750 million. An estimated K600 million of this total went directly to farmers, directly supporting household expenses, school fees, local trade, and village businesses.He also referenced a Bank South Pacific (BSP) Bougainville information brief, which estimated 2024 production at 12,100 tons—representing about 29% of the national total cited in the brief. A separate early-2025 revenue assessment attributed about K540 million, or 44% of the national figure presented, to Bougainville.Noting that these figures cover different periods and methodologies, Mr. Tsiamalili stated they should be evaluated separately. He emphasized that the ABG’s top priorities remain increasing production, improving quality, expanding local processing, and securing better market access so that more value stays within Bougainville.The Regional Member highlighted road contracts worth nearly K500 million currently underway through close cooperation between the National Government and Australia’s Transport Sector Support Program (TSSP).On the North-East Corridor, contractors Raibro and Dekenai are progressing with road sealing towards Wakunai, while Eastern Star is working from Harakawao on the Arawa side toward the connecting section. Progress is also steady on sealing the West Coast Corridor Highway from Siara toward Korepovi, a critical route for western coastal communities. The Tavera Bridge has been completed, with construction on the Pangara Bridge expected to follow.“These critical connections help farmers move their produce, enable businesses to transport goods efficiently, and allow families to reach essential services,” he said.In aviation and maritime transit, Mr. Tsiamalili pointed to ongoing upgrades at Aropa Airport by the National Airports Corporation, the ABG’s strategic investment in Bougainville Wings, and the introduction of Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) services. Furthermore, a new cargo and passenger vessel is expected to arrive around November to drastically improve maritime links with remote coastal communities and atoll islands, including Mortlock, Tasman, Nuguria, Nissan, and Carteret.Healthcare investment forms another pillar of Bougainville’s development agenda. Mr. Tsiamalili cited the construction of a Level 3 hospital at Soraken in North-West Bougainville, a Level 4 hospital at Buin in the south, and a premier Level 7 specialist hospital at Arawa in Central Bougainville.The Arawa specialist facility is being delivered through an ABG partnership with Lloyds Panguna Metals and Energy Limited. Mr. Tsiamalili described it as a vital investment in specialist care and long-term health system capacity. However, he cautioned that physical infrastructure alone is not enough.“Buildings must be supported by trained personnel, equipment, medicines, reliable utilities, and sustainable operating budgets,” he stressed. “A healthy population is essential to a productive economy.”Preparatory work for the redevelopment of the historic Panguna mine has commenced while negotiations continue toward a final contract. Mr. Tsiamalili affirmed his support for Lloyds Panguna Metals as the ABG’s preferred redevelopment partner, pointing to the company’s upfront investments in local infrastructure, including the Arawa hospital.He emphasized that any final agreement must adhere to strict principles: “We must recognize commitment through action. At the same time, the final agreement must establish crystal-clear obligations, protect customary landowner interests, uphold strict environmental standards, and deliver lasting, generational benefits for our people.”To empower grassroots economic participation, the ABG's partnership with Mama Bank is actively helping women, farmers, and emerging entrepreneurs save and access credit. By April 2025, public reporting recorded 2,503 active accounts, more than K837,000 in savings, and approximately K1.054 million in loans disbursed through the bank in Bougainville.Mr. Tsiamalili also shared BSP data tracking cash movements between Community Development Committees and the bank’s Buka and Arawa branches from January to September 2025. The data recorded K45.25 million moving from committees to branches, and K52.04 million moving from branches back to the committees. He clarified that these figures represent banking liquidity and cash velocity, rather than gross domestic product (GDP) or new net income but noted they demonstrate a strong willingness among citizens to engage with the formal financial system.To further boost industrial capacity, Mr. Tsiamalili announced a Special Economic Zone initiative at Karola alongside proposed commercial developments at Soraken Plantation, both designed to attract foreign investment, support downstream processing, and generate local jobs.Concluding his address, Mr. Tsiamalili called on young people and local communities to maintain a peaceful, welcoming environment to foster responsible investment. He urged citizens to protect public infrastructure, respect customary rights, and resolve grievances through dialogue.He extended his gratitude to President Ishmael Toroama and the ABG, the Marape–Rosso National Government, development partners, financial institutions, and local farmers and businesses.“Our progress must be measured through completed projects, functioning services, increased production, sustainable businesses, employment, and stronger public revenue,” Mr. Tsiamalili said. “Our people have clearly expressed their political aspirations. Our responsibility now is to build the economic capacity to sustain it.”

The Papua New Guinea Government will pay 70 per cent of tertiary education fees for students covered by the Tertiary Education Students Assistance Scheme (TESAS), following Cabinet approval of a revised cost-sharing arrangement.Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology Kinoka Feo announced the change in Parliament, saying parents and guardians would now be responsible for the remaining 30 per cent. The new arrangement reverses the previous policy, under which families paid the larger share of fees.“Cabinet has already given approval to reverse it, so the Government will now pay 70 percent and parents will pay 30 percent,” Mr Feo said.The minister said the change was intended to reduce the financial pressure on families and help more students continue their studies at universities and colleges.He also pointed to the Higher Education Loan Program (HELP), administered by the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST), as an additional source of support for students whose families cannot meet the 30 per cent contribution.“Given that if kids are not able to afford that 30 percent, HELP will now cover that 30 percent, so making higher education accessible to every kid in Papua New Guinea,” he said.Mr Feo said the revised policy reflected the Prime Minister’s vision that financial hardship should not prevent young people from pursuing higher education. He added that the Government was increasing its support for students and tertiary institutions through both the new TESAS cost-sharing arrangement and expanded HELP assistance.The minister encouraged students and parents to understand their responsibilities under the revised arrangement, while noting that eligible students unable to afford their share could seek assistance through HELP.

Zak Tribe’s brilliant 150 powered Jersey to a commanding victory at Nairobi Gymkhana Club Ground, with Benjamin Ward taking five wickets to seal the result.Jersey produced a dominant all-round performance to beat Papua New Guinea by 172 runs in ICC CWC Challenge League A Match 32 at Nairobi Gymkhana Club Ground on Thursday.After setting PNG a target of 348, Jersey bowled them out for 175 in 36.5 overs. Zak Tribe was named Player of the Match after scoring 150 from 129 balls, helping Jersey post 347 for five in their 50 overs.Tribe’s innings formed the backbone of Jersey’s imposing total. The scoring accelerated further through Jonty Jenner’s 72 from just 23 balls and Josh Lawrenson’s 72, giving Jersey a formidable platform and a strong finish.PNG’s reply faltered early when Doko Rupa was dismissed for a duck in the first over. Sese Bau made 22, but wickets continued to fall as Jersey’s bowlers applied pressure. Lega Siaka top-scored for PNG with 39 from 49 balls, while Alei Nao contributed 32.Benjamin Ward was Jersey’s standout bowler, claiming five for 49 from 10 overs. He removed Siaka, Patrick Nou, captain Assad Vala, Boio Ray and Tony Ura as PNG slipped to 94 for seven. Charles Perchard also made a significant contribution, taking two for 22 from eight overs, including two maidens.Kabua Morea briefly counterattacked with 40 from 35 balls, striking four fours and three sixes. But after Morea fell at 175, PNG’s innings was complete, leaving Jersey with a comprehensive victory.The result secured Jersey a top two finish in the league and a place in the World Cup Qualifier Play-off in Nepal, according to BBC Sport.Result: Jersey 347/5 (50 overs) beat Papua New Guinea 175 (36.5 overs) by 172 runs.Player of the Match: Zak Tribe (150 off 129 balls).

PNG LNG Kumuls head coach Jason Demetriou took time out from his busy Rugby League World Cup schedule this week to visit and inspire young people at the N.E.S.T community program in Tokarara.Accompanied by the Kumuls’ strength and conditioning coach, Demetriou was welcomed by N.E.S.T founder Nelson Stone. The event also drew youth participants from the neighbouring Morata and Waigani communities.The N.E.S.T program leverages sport and community activities to engage young people and foster positive life choices. Stone noted that the initiative, alongside the establishment of the Tokarara N.E.S.T Rugby League Club, has successfully shifted the focus of local children toward sport and opportunity, driving down local crime rates."For an international rugby league figure like Coach Demetriou to visit our community means the world to these youths," Stone said. "His encouraging message has truly motivated them and broadened their outlook. Having NRL-level representation here has completely changed mindsets. We are incredibly grateful for his time."Addressing the crowd, Demetriou urged the participants to practice discipline and work tirelessly toward their goals, both on and off the field. He emphasized that grassroots initiatives like N.E.S.T are vital for developing the values and habits required to succeed in life.The visit provided local players and program members a rare opportunity to connect with an elite sporting figure and learn firsthand about the commitment needed to achieve their ambitions. For Stone, the day underscored the powerful impact of connecting Papua New Guinea's youth with positive role models.

PNG Ports Corporation Limited has contributed K50,000 to support the 63rd Morobe Provincial Show, strengthening its ties with the communities and industries that rely on the Lae Port.PNG Ports Director George Gware presented the sponsorship cheque to Morobe Show Committee President Hans Mehl. The company is supporting the event as a Blue-Ribbon Sponsor. This year’s show will be held at the Lae Showgrounds on October 24 and 25.Mr. Gware said the sponsorship recognizes the close connection between the show’s agricultural and business exhibitors and the port’s role in moving goods into and out of the region.“Many of the farmers, producers and businesses exhibiting at the Morobe Show rely on Lae Port to bring in the goods they need and to move their products to domestic and international markets. When they succeed, the region succeeds,” he said.He added that PNG Ports aims to strengthen its connections with Morobe, the wider Momase region and the Highlands, recognizing their contribution to the national economy.Lae Port is Papua New Guinea’s largest port and a key trade gateway for Morobe Province and the Highlands. In 2024, it handled approximately 60 per cent of the country’s imports and 55 per cent of its exports. It is also the primary export port for high-value commodities, including coffee, cocoa, and gold.The port supports an estimated K11.2 billion in economic activity each year across the regions it serves, linking producers and businesses with domestic and international markets.Organized by the Morobe Province Agricultural Society Inc., the annual Morobe Show is one of the country’s major agricultural, cultural and commercial gatherings. It brings together exhibitors, businesses, schools, and visitors from Morobe, other Momase provinces, the Highlands, and beyond.PNG Ports said the sponsorship reflects its broader commitment to supporting community, cultural and economic activities in the regions served by its ports, alongside its core role in enabling trade across Papua New Guinea.

Morobe Kandes head coach Stanley Tepend last weekend attended the Rigo Rice Cup semi-finals to watch emerging players and support the tournament as it heads into its grand final.Tepend said the Rigo Rice Cup tournament is a valuable opportunity to identify players for the club’s pre-season and build on its first year in the Digicel Exxon-Mobil Cup.He said the competition’s progress reflected the work of organiser McSteve Polly and his team and praised the standard of the clubs that he had the opportunity to watch their match.Morobe Pride has qualified for the grand-final, continuing a strong presence in local competitions.“The Rigo Rice Cup is going into its final stages, and it just shows that it’s been a long competition. McSteve and his team have done a really good job," Tepend said.The coach said his main reason for attending was to assess players as Morobe Kandes plan and prepare for the 2027 season. The club completed its first year in the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup this year and is looking to strengthen its squad.“There’s no better way to plan for that than to attend this sort of game,” he said, describing the tournament as professionally run.Tepend said Morobe Pride had previously supplied several players to the Kandes and remained an important source of recruiting local talent. He praised the team for performing well in community competitions and giving young players opportunities.He confirmed that he had already identified several players that he may invite to pre-season training, which is scheduled to begin on January 4, 2027. Morobe Pride players would receive priority, he said, while promising players from the other three semi-finalists would also be considered.“There’s a couple there that we’ll probably bring and invite them for pre-season. But if there’s anyone else that sticks out in the other three teams as well, we’ll obviously give them an invite," Tepend said.The Kandes coach reiterated that scouting at community tournaments was important for finding the next generation of players, particularly as the club continued to develop its squad and compete at a higher level.He also acknowledged the Rigo Rice Cup’s sponsors and organisers, including sponsor Rigo Rice, Jeff Kennedy and McSteve Polly, for their contribution to the competition.“My job is just to come and help support by identifying talents from teams. But if my presence being here helps the teams in one way or the other, then I’m glad to be involved in this tournament," concluded Tepend.