Following their win over Vanuatu, Captain of the Japanese Men’s National Cricket team, Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming stated that they are hoping to bring their best and be competitive on match day 3 when they take on the Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited (KPHL) PNG Baramundis in what looks to be the blockbuster of the series. Both Japan and Papua New Guinea (PNG) remain undefeated after match day 2 heading into their clash on Tuesday 25th July, after Japan tactfully dismembered the Vanuatu batting order, and the Barras putting up a bowling masterclass to secure their wins. “I think that PNG were really impressive yesterday (Saturday 22nd July), we stayed back and watched their win against Vanuatu, they were really impressive and I think they’ve been setting the standard in the region for probably the best part of 10-20 years in the region.” “We think that if we play our best in all facets of the game, we can be competitive. But the main thing we took out from watching them was how clinical the batters were.” Kadowaki-Fleming said they observed how the Barras were able to manipulate the field and hit boundaries of good balls, was their biggest take away. “Think that if we can bring our best, then I hope we can be competitive.” Meanwhile, the host captain Assadollah Vala praised the Japanese side, stating that their team has much depth in their batting order and is expecting them to give what they’ve got to secure a win. But for the moment they will try to enjoy their win and work on anticipating what to expect from the Japanese side.

The Japanese Men’s National Cricket team remain unbeaten following a scrappy first innings to hand Vanuatu their second defeat by 21 runs in the ICC East Asia Pacific Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifying finals at Amini Park in Port Moresby. Vanuatu won the toss and elected to bowl first, grabbing their first 2 wickets in the first over of the match as Joshua Rasu claimed both Lachlan Yamamoto-Lake and Alexander Shirai-Patmore. Supun Navarntha became the third wicket in the 3rd over as he was run out by superb fielding by Rasu and Ronald Tari. Captain Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming played a major part in saving the innings for the Japanese as he belted 65 runs off 54 balls. With Kadowaki-Fleming and Ibrahim Takahashi on the pitch, they managed to regather; however, Vanuatu through Nalin Nipiko disrupted the partnership, claiming the wicket of Takahashi. Nipiko claimed 2 more wickets in Saborish Ravichandran and Reo Sakurano-Thomas consecutively in the 17th over. Captain Patrick Matautaava also grabbed himself a couple of wickets ending the innings and a target of 132 runs to beat. A determined Vanuatu looked to chase down the target, but Japan fielded like fiends, limiting runs and suffocating the Vanuatu Batsmen. Apolinaire Steven was the first to depart the pitch with 5 runs after being bowled by Piyush Kumbhare. Nipiko followed in the 7th over and at the end of the 10th over, Vanuatu looked to in all sorts with 4/45. Veteran Andrew Mansale, Ronald Tari and tail ender Joshua Rasu, managed to go within reach of the target but fell short in the end. Vanuatu putting together an innings of 8/110, going down to Japan by 21 runs.

The Papua New Guinea (PNG) Barramundis have proven that they are still the team to beat after bulldozing over the Philippines in day two the East Asia Pacific T20 Men’s World Cup Qualifying Finals in front of a packed home crowd at Amini Park in Port Moresby, bowling out the Philippines for 45 runs. This was off the back of some resilient batting by the home side, as they were challenged earlier on in the first innings. The Barras won the toss and elected to bat and despite losing two wickets in the first 4 overs, the Barras managed to maintain a good run rate, thanks to the efforts of middle order Batsmen, Lega Siaka and Opener Tony Ura. Kiplin Dorriga was first to be dismissed for 10 runs after being cleanly bowled by the Philippines Captain Daniel Smith in the 4th over. This saw Captain Assadollah Vala take the pitch. Unfortunately, Vala was the second wicket to fall following a line ball by Kepler Lukies catching the Barras captain’s foot in front of the wicket. This put the home team under immense pressure by the Carabaos bowlers and their great field positioning, making the Barras to work every ball to score runs. Midway through the 7th over, Charles Amini Jnr became the 3 wickets of the innings, after showing much promise with the bat following the dismissal of Vala. Siaka and Ura both showed class and resolve to weather the bowling attack and set up a good run margin before Ura in an attempt to sweep the ball into the offside was caught by Jean-Miguel Podosky. Hiri Hiri and Siaka came close to hitting half centuries, both contributing a combined score of 94 runs before getting out, PNG ending the innings with 7/162. The Philippines did not expect the early onslaught from the PNG bowlers. Kapil Kumar faced only 4 balls before getting bowled by Vagi-Morea in the first over. Vagi-Morea claimed 3 more wickets consecutively in the 3rd over and a fifth in the 5th over, with the Carabaos managing only 3 runs at the end of the over. With the visitors struggling to hit runs, the Barras returned the favor in fielding, minimizing the Carabaos run rate and managing to get the visitors all out for 45 runs. The Baramundis won by 117 runs with Kabua Vagi Morea named player of the match with a 5-wickethaul. Coach of the Philippines, Henry Tyler commented post-match that despite the loss to the home side he was happy with his side’s performance with the ball in field, stating that he was proud of how they managed to keep the Barras to a minimum of 160 runs. “I was speaking to Dan before, and I think this is one of the best performances we’ve had. To keep this world class side to 160, I was immensely proud of how our bowlers performed with the ball and all the bowlers played their role very clinically. Obviously with the bat, things didn’t go well, and we didn’t really adjust to the swing and the conditions out there,” Tyler said. Tyler said that with the rest day on Monday, they would be taking it easy, and they’ll be concentrating on the match against Vanuatu on Tuesday. He said they were truly grateful to be here in the country playing cricket and was amazed with the atmosphere and support from the local crowd.

The Japanese Men’s national Cricket team have gone one up after defeating the Philippines by 54 runs in the opening day of the ICC East Asia Pacific T20 World Cup Qualifiers at Amini Park in Port Moresby on Saturday. Japan, who are one of the favorites heading into the EAP finals, showcased that they are not here just to participate and look to be gunning for the only spot for the EAP in the World Cup. A slight overcast hung right throughout the morning promised a beautiful day for entertaining Cricket and delivered it did. Winning the toss and electing to bat in the first innings, Japan was quick off the mark to score runs but so too were the Philippines, claiming their first wicket as opener. Alexander Shirai-Patmore was run out in the 4th over. At 1/19, entered Captain Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming. Both Fleming and opener Lachlan Yamamoto-Lake stepped things up averaging a 6.44 run rate. Both batsmen set the foundation for their final score of 166 with a partnership of 101 runs of 81 balls. This would all come to a halt in the 14th over with Yamamoto-Lake falling to the hands of Filipino bowler, Amanpreet Singh who went on to claim the wicket of Supun Navarathna in the same over and Fleming at the end of the 16th over. Ibrahim Takeshi proved to be a handful for the Filipino fieldsmen, scoring 31 runs of 13 balls. At the close of the first innings, both teams went into the sheds. The Philippines needing to chase down 167 runs to win. The Philippines openers, Kapil Kumar (Captain) and Daniel Smith started off well, but some tactical fielding and precise bowling from Reo Sukurano-Thomas saw Shirai-Patmore catch Smith out, behind the stumps. Japan then made efforts to minimize runs, suffocating the Philippines batsmen at the crease. Kumar was then dismissed by Taniyama, this bringing in Josef Doctora, who seemed to partner well with Jordan Alegre until he was also dismissed, scoring 28 of 23 balls. Piyush Kumbhare got both his wickets of the match in the 18th over, dismissing both Jean Miguel Podosky and Alegrea. The Philippines went on to finish the match with a score of 5/113.

The Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited PNG Barramundis have shot out of the blocks in their campaign to secure a spot in next year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup with a convincing 9 wicket victory over team Vanuatu on Saturday afternoon in front of a very vocal home crowd in Port Moresby. Coming in heavy favorites, the Barras showed resolve and a stunning debut performance by young John Kariko, who claimed a hat trick of wickets to put the icing on the cake. Vanuatu won the toss and Captain Patrick Matautaava elected to bat first. Nalin Nipiko and Junior Kaltapau took the crease with Nipiko being the first of Kariko’s 3 wickets in the second ball of the second over of the match. Vanuatu wicket Keeper, Jarryd Allan managed to calm the storm and settle the Vanuatu side, but they still struggled to score runs, averaging a run rate of 2.4 after the first 5 overs. Allan was the next wicket to fall in the 7th over after getting caught behind by Kipling Doriga off a Norman Vanua special. Three more wickets fell in 3 consecutive overs following Allan’s exit. Kariko claimed his second wicket in Kaltapau, who was caught out by a diving Tony Ura in the offside position, Charles Amini Jnr was also in on the action, bowling both Andrew Mansale and Matautaava. Ronald Tari and Apolinaire Steven looked to set up a partnership, but this was foiled by Kariko who claimed his maiden hat trick when Steven nicked the ball and got caught behind by Dorriga. Tony Ura played like a bucket under a running tap, catching Joshua Rasu out in the deep. Tari was the last to be dismissed in the first innings, Vanuatu setting a target of 71 runs. It was now the Barras turn to bat, but unfortunately Tony Ura, after slotting a magnificent boundary was caught out following two more bowls in the very first order of the second innings. This brought Capitan Assadollah Vala into the fray. Partnering with Dorigga, both men managed to win the game with a partnership of 36 runs of 25 balls.

The initial stages towards the recommencement of the Porgera Mine will start today following a security forum which saw leaders and security forces kick off talks, hosting an audience in a call to end violence between local tribes, which may hinder the operation of the mine in the future. Prime Minister James Marape during the forum stated that the National Government is working day and night to ensure that the mine is opened in September and may look at working on Sabbath to accomplish this. PMJM appealed to the people of Porgera and the surrounding communities to cease fighting and tap into the spin off benefits from the mine. “Let your children live in peace and get the benefits from the mine and stop the killings.” The Security forum between all stakeholders was held at the Paiam oval, where the PM also urged local communities, landowners and mine lease areas to bring their issues and grieviances to the newly established Porgera Mine Development Forum in Wabag in the coming month. He said the government would love to hear from the people and find out what they need, adding that people will share 51 percent stake in the New Porgera Mine. “The National Government wants the next 10 years not to be wasted like the last 30 years." "I am sorry and we apologize for the closure of the mine for the last 4 years but it was a short-term pain for the long-term gains." "We have wasted 30 years with the benefits and there is nothing to show for and yet we complain for the four years of closure to negotiate for more.” PMJM further urged the people of Porgera to stop the fighting, drop their guns and pick up businesses from the mine, warning that the Government along with the security forces will crackdown on those that would like to continue the violence.

Excitement would be an understatement if you wanted to describe the welcome reception of the International Cricket Council One Day International World Cup to Gomore village in Central Province. Leaving the Capital Thursday morning along the Magi Highway, it was not expected that the Cup and its entourage would be given a grand entrance to the heart of the village. Arriving at the Kwikila Junction, the Cup, accompanied by ICC Representative Max Abbot was welcomed with traditional dancers from 3 cultural groups and a guard of honor by students of the local primary school. Abbott, who was overwhelmed by the reception of the villagers said afterward that so far this has been the best reception, commenting that this truly show the love and passion that villages have for the sport. “It’s quite a humbling experience and as an Australian to come here an have an experience like this on a personal level is very special,” Abbott sated. Over a hundred villages, young and old from 3 different villages took part in welcoming the cup to Gomore village, organized by Ward Councillor, Buri Gamari. The ICC ODI World Cup’s visit to the country is part of the 100 Day World tour in the Lead up to the ODI Men’s World Cup 2023 which will be staged in one of the biggest Cricketing Nation in the World, India. Papua New Guinea, through the hard work and effort put in through Cricket PNG devised a very compelling submission to bring the cup to PNG, particularly to Gomore due to the historical affiliation of the London Missionary Society and their hand in introducing the code to the Southern Region of the country. This sentiment was echoed by Magari during his speech. “The history of Cricket ties in with the history of the Church in Papua." "The London Mission Society was formed in 1795 and reached the Papuan shores in 1882 and the saying goes; when they walked in with the bible in their right hand, they walked in with the Cricket ball in their left." He said for those living in the Southern Region, Cricket has been around for a long time. So far, the World Cup has already toured host nation India, Australia and New Zealand and even the Stratosphere. Its next stop will be New York. The cup will also be touring 14 other countries.

The Internal Security Minister, Peter Tsiamalili Jnr recently held a key meeting to with all stakeholder agencies of the Ministry to discuss and review the implications of the 4th Medium Term Development Plan. Key agencies involved included the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, The Correctional Services, National Narcotics Bureau, National Intelligence Agency, Security Industry Authority and the National Identity and Civil Registry. The outcome of the meeting saw the urgent need for a ministerial security conference to be held involving other ministries aligned with the Strategic Priority Areas 5 & 6 of MTDP IV. The Minister stated that over the next 5 years the government is committed to follow a precise roadmap towards achieving their aspirations for public safety and enhancing other aspects of safety and security of the country. “Including surveillance, detection, crime prevention, incarceration and reintegration.” “The MTDP will serve as a guiding framework to ensure that our efforts remain targeted.” Tsiamalili Jnr highlighted the importance of a coordinated approach towards the implementation of the MTDP in response to the evolving security landscape. This also entails leveraging each department and agency’s strengths and using them to the best advantage whilst exploring innovative solutions.

A recent meeting between Prime Minister James Marape and CEO of Barrick Gold Corporation saw both parties pledging total commitment to ensuring the Porgera Mine reopens smoothly. CEO of Barrick Gold Corporation, Mark Bristow met with Prime Minister Hon. James Marape recently to discuss recent progress and the status of the matters remaining to be completed in anticipation of the reopening of Porgera Mine. During this meeting the Prime Minister warm heartedly welcomed the sentiments of the Bristow who stated that he was “committed to PNG for the long run” and pledged that Barrick Niugini Limited would do anything under its control to meet the 16th September reopening date that was set by the Prime Minister. The office of the Prime Minister has also announced that a development forum will precede the reopening within the coming weeks, this is to make sure all stakeholders are met to finish up on their negotiations, especially benefit distributions. The Government has pledged an extra K900 million toward major gains from project benefits that averages to PNG beneficiaries getting 53 percent to Barrick Gold getting 47 percent in New Porgera. Both parties committed to fix legacy issues such as proper resettlement, increase land rates and compensation consistent to law, education and health developments, infrastructure developments, and a better law and order environment in Porgera and all project area footprint, including riverine and other project support areas. To meet next month’s target, both parties committed to attend to all these matters at hand. The resource in Porgera can be easily harvested at over 500,000 ounces a year, capable of bringing millions of dollars back into the country at the high gold prices at present.

There was excitement in the air for the Board, management and staff of PNGFM Ltd this morning as they celebrated the official ground breaking ceremony for their new office building. PNGFM Limited, owners of the Country’s leading Radio Stations Nau FM, Yumi FM and Legend FM today announced the commencement of construction of a new studio and office complex at Kunai St. Waigani in Port Moresby. PNGFM Ltd General Manager Ms Rosemarie Botong said that they were excited that their new home is under construction adding that it will include studio facilities for all 3 stations plus office and workshop space for the team. “We are currently finalizing the purchase of state of the art equipment that will dramatically improve our performance and prepare us for future growth,” Ms Botong said. Board Chair of PNGFM Ltd, Mr Peter Aitsi stated that the investment is well timed as the country is poised to enter a period of economic growth, driven by recently announced LNG Gas and Mining projects. The land for the office space that was purchased was K5 million and was acquired in 2021. “We were very fortunate to be able to purchase the block at an excellent price in the midst of the Covid 19 Crisis,” said Mr Aitsi. The China Railway Construction Group has been contracted to construct the building at the total cost of K9, 826, 869.00 and is expected to be completed by May next year (2024). Funding of the construction is via a term loan provided by Westpac PNG Ltd supported by an equity contribution of K1.5 million from PNGFM Ltd.

As part of the Government’s emphasis on research and innovation provided in the recently launched Medium Term Development Plan IV, the National Research Institute (NRI) is the agency responsible for dealing with research on PNG outside of the country. That’s according to a statement by Chair of the National Research institute, Wilson Thompson who said the NRI, by virtue of its early establishment as New Guinea Research Unit of the Australian National University in 1963 and its enabling legislation in 1975, is the agency responsible for dealing with research on PNG outside of the country, training of researchers for the country and also responsible for monitoring and supervision of research in PNG. He added that the NRI has established the guidelines for applying for Research Visa and the application for conducting research in PNG dealing with affiliation, locality of research, taking samples and materials and other information on obtaining ethics approval and depositing the results of the research. “The Guidelines were developed and approved by the National Research Council that was housed at the NRI in response to concerns in the 1980s and 1990s by UPNG and Unitech on researchers coming without notification as well as from the provinces who complained about concerns on impact on the people including taking of materials, artefacts and photographs and filming.” “The NRI Council will be informed of delicate concerns on the interstellar objects extraction in Manus and also the hostage situation in Hela and possibly to review the guidelines including penalty clauses including amendment to National Research Institute Act and other laws.” He said NRI has a Condition and Guidelines and general information for conducting Research in Papua New Guinea. “Any Foreigners wishing to carry out research in PNG must obtain a Special Exemption: Researcher/ Academic Visa.” “The current practice of the PNG Government is, in many instances, to issue research visas for an initial period of two months.” “Researchers who wish to carry out research and fieldwork for a longer period and are granted only an initial two months must apply for an extension of their research visa after they arrive in PNG.” In line with government objectives, the NRI is working on re-establishing the National Research Council to direct, supervise and monitor all research in PNG and to establish a Research and Innovations Grants Scheme and Trust Fund to encourage research and innovative ideas from any Papua New Guineans outside of the established research institutions to support industries and society.

Commissioner of the Independent Commission against Corruption, Andrew Forbes and Deputies recently met with the Commissioner General of the Internal Revenue Commission, Sam Koim and his commissioners as part of ICAC’s efforts in connecting with Key stakeholders. CG Koim extended congratulations to the ICAC team and assured IRC's commitment to collaborative efforts in combating corruption. IRC recently established a dedicated Tax Crime Division to investigate and prosecute tax evaders, and they will closely cooperate with ICAC to hold accountable those who defraud the State through tax evasion. Highlighting corruption as a significant development challenge, the former Taskforce Sweep Chairman acknowledged the Marape Government's serious political commitment by establishing ICAC and appointing independent commissioners. IRC eagerly anticipates a fruitful collaboration with ICAC to combat corruption in Papua New Guinea.