PNG’s three teams competed well in the World Cross Country Championships in Bathurst NSW last Saturday. The mixed relay team of Aquila Turalom, Scholastic Herman , Dilu Goiye and Mary Kua completed the race in 29min 42 secs , over five minutes ahead of Fiji, the only other Pacific Island nation to enter a team in this race. Herman was outstanding on the second leg, gaining a place by passing the Refugee team runner. Next up was the womens 10km race which saw Mary Tenge run a strong race behind Sharon Firisua of Solomon Islands and Nathania Tan of Saipan, with Ongan Awa and Scholastica Herman just behind Tenge. However the race ended in some confusion as it was abandoned when the PNG girls and a few others still had one lap to go. With a thunderstorm approaching, organisers were concerned about the safety risks and brought forward the start time of the mens race by 20min. The five PNG boys all ran very well with Siune Kagl leading them home in 36min 18 seconds from James Kuadua, (36:44) Abel Siune (37:48) , Aquila Turalom (38:09) and Israel Takap (38:51). Many observers commented that this was probably the toughest course in the history of the event with hills, lots of turns and a few obstacles to disrupt the athletes rhythm. Coach Brett Green was very happy with the mens team and with Herman and Tenge in particular from the womens team. He challenged the athletes to now focus on the Queensland Championship races in 1500m , 3000m and 3000m steeplechase which will be held in Brisbane early in March. These events are a great opportunity for the athletes to run personal best times and perhaps set national records, and show the benefit of the hard training that has been done over the past three months.

“The symposium was an eye-opener for me as I learned that several plant diseases in PNG such as the Bogia Coconut Syndrome and Banana Wilt Associated Phytoplasma are vectored by hemipterans,” says Noah Saruwa, Agriculture Scientist, and Australia Awards awardee. What’s a hemipteran you may ask? Commonly called true bugs, they range from cicadas and leafhoppers to bed and assassin bugs. There are more than 80,000 species and have piercing and sucking mouths to extract plant sap or suck blood. Enemies to agriculture. Growing up in his home village in Oro province, Noah and his family’s daily lives depended on farming. Seeing crops affected by pests and diseases inspired Noah to pursue plant protection studies. While studying a Master of Agriculture in Plant Protection at the University of Queensland, Noah attended the symposium that was held in Melbourne in December 2022. The 34-year-old was the only Papua New Guinean among plant scientists from Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Europe, and America. Noah applied for the Australia Awards scholarship to study for his master’s while working as a plant health scientist with the PNG National Agriculture Quarantine and Inspection Authority. He said: “I would highly recommend this scholarship to any Papua New Guinean who wishes to pursue postgraduate studies. Not only will you learn from some of the best universities in the world, but also build networks through participation in such on-award enrichment programs. Being exposed to such an international learning environment also builds confidence and improves your soft skills. It was such a rewarding experience for me both professionally and personally thus far.” From the symposium, he learned about the different methods used to diagnose and trap hemipterans, and the importance of viral diseases affect the agriculture system. “Even though there is no cure for the plant diseases caused by viruses and phytoplasmas vectored by insects, their spread can be reduced through the improvement of internal biosecurity, surveillance, and early warning systems,” says Noah. He also learned that pest diagnosis, surveillance, and monitoring are very important in agriculture. “Surveillance and monitoring help identify the pests and diseases we have on our shores, while correct diagnosis helps identify which insects are pests and which are not, and the right control strategies are recommended and applied,” he says. “As such, it is imperative that we improve our pest and disease surveillance and monitoring programs, which could serve as an early warning tool, where new and exotic pests and diseases can be detected early and eradicated before establishment.” The knowledge that he gained, coupled with the established networks formed with plant scientists from the symposium, boosted his confidence that potential vectors of Bogia Coconut Syndrome and Banana Wilt Associated Phytoplasma can be identified and prevented from damaging the crops. “I would like to thank Australia Awards PNG for organising such an on-award enrichment program where I have the opportunity to mingle and build networks with professionals from all over the world.” Noah is optimistic about using his knowledge and working in partnership with key stakeholders to empower farmers by raising community awareness on how to protect their crops from invasive pests and diseases. “Famers will be able to grow crops and produce more in an environment where there are no losses caused by pests and diseases.”

Chief Executive Officer of National Superannuation Fund (Nasfund) Ian Tarutia has been hailed as a hero on the Superannuation industry, whose services will long be remembered. At a farewell dinner hosted by the Fund, past and present Board Chairmen, Directors, staff, colleagues, and family members thanked Mr. Tarutia for his services to the organization, the industry, and the country. Nasfund Board Chairwoman Tamzin Wardley paid tribute to Mr. Tarutia, highlighting his exceptional leadership of the Fund over his 35 years of service “Ian has led and mentored this incredible team at Nasfund – that is really quite small in number, over his 30 years. Ian has been not just part of Nasfund but part of the superannuation industry. This industry which had hit rock bottom in the year 2000 is now – in 2023 – one of the leading examples of how business should be carried out in PNG and the Pacific. Ian is currently, our outgoing CEO, the PNG Association of Superfunds Chair and the Chair of the Pacific Superfunds Investment Forum. PNG is recognised across the pacific as the shining example in the industry. These are incredible legacies to be leaving behind.” Incoming CEO Rajeev Sharma shared similar sentiments. “I have had the privilege of learning from the best in the industry. Whilst superannuation can be complex, Ian had the ability to make the complicated sound simple, and in doing so, has ensured that our dynamic team at Nasfund continued to deliver positive results for our members throughout Papua New Guinea. We will look to build on this, so that our members continue to benefit today, and be ready for tomorrow.” After serving the Fund for 35 years, Mr. Tarutia will retire as CEO on the 31st of March, with Rajeev Sharma to assume the role of CEO from April 1st 2023.

PNG Prime Minister James Marape and his counterpart Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka have just announced in a joint presser in Suva some minutes ago that both Fiji and PNG will be given land to build their respective high commissions. Fiji had closed it's High Commission here in Port Moresby in 2020. More on the LEGEND FM News, Yumi FM News and NAU FM News  at midday. Source: Fijivillage 

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape thanked Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica for the warm welcome into this part of Melanesia and the great Pacific. Marape says he looks forward to the next 24 hours as we relate as one people of the Pacific. The Papua New Guinea delegation was this morning accorded a traditional welcome at the Grand Pacific Hotel. Also present were members of Parliament, foreign dignitaries and invited guests. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka hosted Marape to a welcome dinner at Suva's Grand Pacific Hotel last night. Source: Fijivillage

Health Centres in the Central Province will be affected by the current fuel crisis here in Port Moresby. Most of the health centres use gensets to supply power and there are about 5 ambulances that service the province. Central Health Provincial Authority CEO, Dr James Amini said that they do not have enough fuel for their health centres and their ambulances and this is affecting their day to day activities. Right now, the ambulances are only attending to urgent cases only. Dr Amini added that the fuel crisis will affect their immunization programs to the rural areas in the province. They usually go out to communities that are not near health centres to give out immunizations for children. "We will be putting their awareness programs on hold for now and he hopes that the government can resolve this crisis soon so they can continue their daily operations for the people."

The Royal Papua New Guinea (RPNGC) is responding to confirmed reports of people being detained by armed criminals in the vicinity of Fogoma’iu Village, Southern Highlands province. Police Commissioner David Manning said he has been updated by Deputy Commissioner and Chief of Police Operations, Dr Philip Mitna, on negotiations to secure the release of the people that have been taken captive, with police authorised to use all necessary force to free those being held. Commissioner Manning said, “I have been briefed on the situation in which one foreign national and three PNG university students are being held by criminals in the border region of Southern Highlands, Hela and Western Provinces. “This is a delicate situation and police, in coordination with other security elements, are engaged in an operation to enable the safe release of the people involved. This is a remote area and air support has been approved.” Commissioner Manning said police are authorised to use the full force of the law to secure the people being held, and to immobilise and apprehend the criminals. “Security personnel are operating within their set rules of engagement in dealing with these criminals, with the safety of the innocent being their top priority. “Our specialised security force personnel will use whatever means necessary against the criminals, up to and including the use of lethal force, in order to provide for the safety and security of the people being held,” Mr Manning said. Commissioner Manning said it is understood the criminals sighted the men being held by chance and took them into the bush. “These are opportunists that have obviously not thought this situation through before they acted, and have been asking for cash to be paid. “However, we are offering the abductors a way out. They can release their captives and they will be treated fairly through the criminal justice system, but failure to comply and resisting arrest could cost these criminals their lives. “Further information will be released by the RPNGC as and when further details can be made available by Deputy Commissioner Mitna as the Chief of Police Operations. “DC Mitna has also confirmed that contact is being maintained with the relevant diplomatic representatives as this matter is resolved,” Mr Manning said.

Rescue workers in Turkey have pulled at least three people from the rubble, over 11 days after they were trapped when an earthquake hit the country. Hakan Yasinoglu had been stuck under a flattened building in the hard-hit Hatay province for 278 hours when workers reached him on Friday. Teenager Osman Halebiye and Mustafa Avci, 34, were also saved in Antakya. "I had completely lost all hope. This is a true miracle," Mr Avci's father told Reuters news agency. "I thought nobody could be saved alive from there," he added. Mr Avci's daughter was just a few hours old when the quake struck, and as he was loaded onto a stretcher by paramedics he was connected with his child via video call. His wife, Bilge Avci, managed to avoid the earthquake's devastation and escaped with their child - but Mr Avci got trapped under the rubble, according to local media. Mr and Mrs Avci - and baby Almile - were reunited late on Friday at a hospital in the southern city of Mersin. The latest rescues come as the death toll caused by the 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Turkey and Syria passed 41,000 - a figure which is expected to rise dramatically. As time passes, officials are less optimistic that they can continue to rescue people trapped beneath the rubble. This is partly due to limits on how long the human body can survive without water, and experts say most rescues occur within the first 24 hours of a disaster. The reality was reflected as Mr Yasinoglu, in his 40s, was taken from the ruins of a building to a waiting ambulance. Unlike previous rescues which saw search teams celebrating, the mood on the ground was subdued and sombre, AFP news agency reported. Meanwhile, around the world, Muslims have performed absentee funeral prayers for the many who were unable to receive full burial rites. The UN has launched an appeal for over $1bn (£830m) to fund the Turkish relief operation, and another $400m (£332m) for Syrians. Aid groups say survivors will need months of help to rebuild their lives. The Turkish government has also faced criticism over its handling of the disaster, and some have questioned the state's preparation for such a tragedy. But while President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has conceded that the emergency response to the disaster was slow in places, he has urged Turks not to listen to those whom he accuses of politicising a tragedy. Neighboring Syria's death toll has not changed for several days. Most of the casualties have been reported in the opposition-held north-west, where aid has been slow to arrive. The London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported on Friday that President Bashar al-Assad's forces had shelled the western town of Atareb and other quake-ravaged areas held by rebels, in the first fighting since the earthquake struck. The BBC has not verified these reports.     Source: BBC

Wests Tigers have comprehensively beaten the Canberra Raiders 36-4 in the final Pre-season Challenge hit-out before Round 1 at Belmore Sportsground on Sunday. Tries to Asu Kepaoa and Charlie Staines extended a 10-4 half-time lead early in the second half before another three tries followed against a Raiders outfit that conceded seven unanswered and struggled to get going in the heat in Sydney. After losing Xavier Savage to a broken jaw last week, Raiders coach Ricky Stuart tinkered with his fullback option with Seb Kris starting in the role in a move that shifted Jordan Rapana to the wing and Harley Smith-Shields to the centres. Rapana was placed on report and sin-binned during the match for two separate head high shots in incidents that could place him in doubt for Round 1 if cited.

The Storm scored 24 unanswered points in the second half to beat the Warriors 24-6 in an at times error-ridden Pre-season Challenge clash in Christchurch on Sunday afternoon. With a total of 30 errors made between the two sides, it was a performance unlikely to have pleased either coach too much, with the start of the season proper less than a fortnight away. But there were plenty of positives as well, led by likely Round 1 debutant Will Warbrick impressing on the wing for the Storm and off-season recruit Jackson Ford looking good for the Warriors in the back row for the second-straight week. After a first half in which there were three times as many errors as points, the Warriors took a 6-0 lead into the sheds thanks to a 60-metre solo effort from Dallin Watene-Zelezniak. But Craig Bellamy's side showed marked improvement in the second half, running in four converted tries to record a comfortable victory in the end. Representative winger Xavier Coates made a try-scoring return from injury on the wing, while veteran prop Christian Welch emerged unscathed from his second match back from last year's season-ending injury.

Almost 700 city residents clad in courageous red t-shirts gathered today at 5.30am for the Walk & Yoga For Life 2023 Launching. NCDC Active City Development launches Walk & Yoga for Life 2023 to open the 2023 activities for the year and to start the year’s programs with the first event, Walk for Love, from 5:30am to 8:30am from Ela Beach to Sir Hubert Murray Stadium. [caption id="attachment_36506" align="aligncenter" width="1068"] Photo Courtesy: Active City Development Program[/caption] The Walk for Life is a simple way for people of all ages to get involved by actively demonstrating support for the value of human life – and a desire to make a difference in the lives of women, men, youth and children in the community. By walking, each person is helping the NCDC and its program ACDP advance its mission to cultivate a community that values a healthy, happy and safe life. “I am happy to acknowledge on this 9th year of Walk & Yoga for Life; I see both old and new faces joining our walk today. Special mention to our Governor of NCD Powes Parkop for believing in us and always supporting our work, Communities & Community Leaders, Sporting Codes; Weightlifting, Boxing, and Rugby 9s Reps and Dr Sevil Huseynova, WHO Country Representative for Papua New Guinea who has joined us today.” shared Founder & Director of ACDP, Ms Fazilah Bazari. [caption id="attachment_36507" align="aligncenter" width="1068"] Photo Courtesy: Active City Development Program[/caption] Returning to work after medical leave, the Governor of NCD, Powes Parkop, shared how grateful he is to be alive and reminded everyone of his three key learning from his recent experience, “(1) Health is very important, Health is Wealth, (2) Respect doctors and medical advice and watch your diet, (3) Stay fit, healthy and well all the time because it will come useful when you least expect it or need it, and lastly I am ready to contribute back to my nation!” Morning walkers were also entertained by Southside Crew, Poly Crew and Sing Sing Group’s energetic performances. [caption id="attachment_36510" align="aligncenter" width="1190"] Photo Courtesy: Active City Development Program[/caption] ACDP also takes this opportunity to launch its 2023 Active City Events Calendar – Major Local and International Events. City residents are encouraged to start the year right with the Active City Events Calendar, packed with activities to help POM residents live healthy and happy lives. Be sure to check out the calendar and block your dates in your phone or diary of all the major activities planned for this year. All activities are open to all at no cost or minimal cost.

The Kepo brothers dominated the field yesterday when Hekari United FC played against Lae City FC in the 2nd Leg of the National Play-off’s for the OFC Champions League. 25yr old Freddie Kepo, 27yr old Ati Kepo and their older brother Kolu Kepo have been playing soccer for as long as they can remember. The trio play the striker positions; however, Kolu also plays defense when he is needed. The Kepo brothers were part of their village’s soccer team that took part in the Hekari Central Cup when they were scouted to join the club. They live in the village and come into the city for training camps and when they play. When asked what they did during their free time, the boys conduct coaching lessons for youths in the village. The eldest of the Kepo brothers, Kolu, said that they are lucky to have a family who show up at their games to show their support. Hekari United Team Owner and Manageress, Mrs. Vonnie Kapi Nato had nothing but praises for the trio. “The Kepo brothers have been with the club for about 5 to 6 years and they are a great blessing to our club.” “They have amazing heart for the club and the team and the passion they have for soccer is just amazing.” “I know the Kalo people are very proud of their 3 sons on our team and I am also proud of them.” Meanwhile, Kolu had this advise to give for the youths, not only the boys but the girls as well back in the village, to always listen to their parents and set goals and work towards them. Anything is possible if you put your mind to it. He added that they look forward to the OFC Champions League in May.