It was all smiles for the New Caledonian girls on Saturday afternoon at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium as they cruised past Koloale Women’s FC following a 1-nil deficit to come out victors of the inaugural Women's Oceania Football Confederation Championships. Both teams looked very dangerous in the first half; however, it was Koloale that took the lead through Captain, Ileen Pegi following a beautiful through ball by Melissa Marei to open the scoring. Just when her team needed her, goal scoring machine, Christelle Whanawe levelled the scores. Finding the back of the net with a half-volley from an Alice Wenessia special, going into the break with the scores all locked up. Coming out of the sheds, Feminine went ahead in the 55th minute through the head of Wenessia who scored of a free-kick by Jackie Pahoa. Meanwhile, there seemed to be quite some concern for Koloale Goal Keeper, Sylvester Maenu’u as she looked to be carting a niggling chest injury from the previous to matches. Feminine kept up the hurt as Lousie Luepak scored the third and finally to put the game to bed, a costly mistake from Maenu’u saw Wennesia get a double, cementing her player of the match performance but also the Feminine comeback.

The Broncos continue to enjoy an outstanding season and have now registered wins over the top four sides from last season. After taking down the Panthers in Round 1, Cowboys in Round 2 and Eels in Round 8, Kevin Walters' men completed the sweep of last year's heavyweights with an impressive 20-12 victory over the Sharks in Round 14. Any doubts about their ability to match it with the big guns have been well and truly dispelled and with matches against the Knights, Titans and Dolphins as well as two byes in the next five weeks, the Broncos are on track for a top-four finish. With Payne Haas and Pat Carrigan leading the way up front and veteran playmaker Adam Reynolds combining beautifully with young gun Ezra Mam, the Broncos look every bit a title contender in 2023. The Knights have won two of their past three and should be up for the challenge after recharging the batteries with a Round 14 bye. Having made himself unavailable for Origin to focus on club footy, gun fullback Kalyn Ponga will have his sights set on a huge second half of the season as Newcastle eye a finals return after last year's 14th placed finish.

Great news for motorists around the country today, the Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC) has announced that there will be new retail fuel prices for the month of June that takes effect today. “For this month the indicative Retail Prices [IRP] for petrol, diesel and kerosene will decrease on average, throughout the country.” “The decrease is attributed to this is mainly the decrease in Import parity prices for this month, which is also attributed to the decrease in crude oil prices for may this year.” This is according to a statement from Paulus Ain, Commissioner and CEO of the ICCC. “ ”The domestic retail prices for this month are inclusive of the Import Parity Prices, Domestic sale and road freight rates for the second quarter of 2023 and the Goods and Services Tax.” “The excise duties for petrol and diesel continue to be excluded in retail price calculations, consistent with the governments tax exemptions outlined in the 2023 National Budget.” Under the ongoing tax exemptions, customers at service stations will save around 0.61 toea per litre on petrol and 23 toea per litre on diesel this month. As a result, the retail prices of fuel in Port Moresby as of today onwards in Kina per litre: Petrol: K3. 50/ L Diesel: K3 56/ L Kerosene: K3.53/ L As for other parts of the country, retail prices of fuel will change according to their respective freight prices and annual retail margins.

Minister for Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs and Member for Kikori has been called upon by the Member for Hiri-Koiari, Keith Iduhu to investigate and provide reports/audit of funds that were allocated distributed towards Special Purpose Authorities [SPA], citing concerns of misuse by those involved particularly those in the Hiri SPA. “In 2023, substantial amounts of money were paid out into the Hiri SPA.” “Can the Minister produce a report of Audit of these funds that have been delivered or distributed to the SPA’s.” “Hiri SPA being one of them and there are many others.” Iduhu mentioned that in the organic law on the Provincial and Local Level Governments reform that was realigned in 1995 and under section 98 & 99 of that law, LLG presidents were given authority to natural resource allocation. The Hiri-Koiari member wasted no time in quizzing the Minister on the purpose of the Special Purpose Authorities, its functions and who they report to and their bearing on development as opposed to the District Development Authorities [DDA]. “Meanwhile we have the DDA’s established and supposedly the development machinery that has been sitting there not utilized.” “Who are more accountable, who are more in the public realm. Who ACTUALLY report!” He raised these concerns following allegations of the Hiri SPA using large sums of money to purchase vehicles instead of being put forward to positive development such as the construction of roads and aid posts. “What is so special about these special purpose authorities?” He further asked if there was a possibility for the review and amendment of Section 98 & 99 Organic Law on the Provincial and Local Level Governments to enable MPs to represent and push the development aspirations of the people they are mandated to serve. In his response, Minister Eoe stated that SPA’s exist to provide services to the people, however there have been no reports being submitted by the SPA’s to the Department or the Office of the Minister with regard to how the allocated amounts of money have been put to use. In agreement with the Member for Hiri-Koari, Eoe stated that so much funds have gone missing. “So much rumors or stories of, so much funds, hundreds of millions of funds have disappeared through the SPA’s.” “Whether they are existing SPA’s, legally established, whether they are endorsed by Landowners or LLG’s.” He added that the purpose of the SPA’s was that as instruments established by the Government, basically to act as middle men between developers and the Government and they act as vehicles by which Landowner benefits are channelled through. Eoe further stated that this has been a major problem, being the differentiation of their purpose as opposed to the DDA’s. In response to the question of the review and amendment of sections 98 and 99, he said he has already directed his legal team to immediately investigate the amendment of both section for members to have a stronger say in the Benefit deriving from the districts they represent.

“Whatever relevant information the country needs to know especially on matters surrounding the company, components and the business case will be put to the public.” That’s from Prime Minister James Marape on the matter of the Gold Bullion Agreement which drafted and driven by the Government, responding to questions raised by Opposition Leader, Joseph Lelang during question time on Wednesday. Prior to the Prime Minister giving his response, two Points of order were raised against the Opposition Leader by both the Member of Popondetta, Richard Masere and Minister for Justice & Attorney General and Member for Imbonggu, Pila Niningi on the grounds that the matter was still in court following the matter being brought before the national court by a private citizen. However, upon further deliberation, it was established that the matter has already been dealt with and due to the state failing to appeal to the Supreme Court against the National Courts decision to have the information being disseminated, the acting speaker granted leave for the opposition leader to continue with his enquiry. In his response the Prime Minister stated that both Members still felt that the matter is still in court and acknowledged the ruling of the acting speaker to allow the opposition to enquire. “The Court has cleared this already and the state has yet to file an appeal. It is a matter of public interest, it needs to be asked, needs to be responded upon.” PMJM stated that with respect to the court order, relevant information will in the governments “considered view be made Public” for public dissemination, especially matters relating to the structure of the Gold Bullion deal and the business that the state would want to enter. “Who owns what, shares and how does Papua New Guinea benefit. Mr. Acting Speaker you know very well that the Government on this side is a Pro-Nationalist Government. Any work effort is to get more for our country.” He further elaborated that the intention to move into Gold Bullion and refinery will be structured in a way that is not harmful to existing industries.

For those in the rural areas that struggle on a day-to-day basis with transportation and road issues, the Minister of Works & Highways has advised that repair work is soon to be done on 3000m of overdue bridge structures all over the country. Minister for Works and Highways, Solan Mirisim said on the floor of parliament that the Department is looking to upgrade bridge structures to the required design standards and mitigate climate change risks on the main highways. “This component also includes 2,000 meters of rural standard bridges on the rural roads to increase rural access for the rural population.” “The total cost will be K1 billion for K200 million per annum between 2023-2027.” He added that the Government has spent K195.57 million over the last 4 years with an equivalent achievement of 165 bridges completed on rural roads and 591.44 m on the national highways with 71 major bridges on the Highlands Highway at construction stage. Minister Mirisim refuted critics and nay-sayers comments saying that the Government is re-thinking the way enabling economic infrastructure development projects should be funded and delivered.

“Roads are essential to country development.” This was the sentiment echoed by the Minister for Works and Highways, Solan Mirisim in Wednesday’s Parliament seating as he presented the Department of Works and Highways report on the Connect PNG Program. The Minister stated that PNG Roads will continue to be essential to the country’s development as they facilitate 85% of the movement of passengers and freight. He said that Roads also facilitate the development and movement of much of the country’s natural resources and major cash crops across the nation. “In recognition of this, the key economic growth goal of the medium-term development plan is to improve infrastructure with sustainable and disaster resilient quality to provide more enabling environment for the growth of the economy and service delivery.” He added that the state of the current existing roads and road networks were built and established between the 1950’s and 1970’s to connect a relatively low number of people and places despite improvements in recent years. Many roads in the country remain in poor condition and remain unconnected to major economic hubs, constraining business, trade and delivery of services.

Drama in the National Parliament house today on the second day of sitting as Vanimo-Green MP, Belden Namah stormed out of the Parliament chambers when Moresby South MP, Justin Tkatchenko was granted leave to make his statement of Apology. Just as Tkatchenko stood up to give his explanation, Namah raised a Point of order, calling for him to resign and remove himself from parliament, quoting the words of the former foreign affairs minister from his interview with ABC Pacific. “Mr. Acting Speaker, he cannot be allowed to speak in this Parliament.” “This house is the house of primitives and animals! Why is this stranger being allowed and given parliamentary privileges to make a statement?” Following this, Acting Speaker of Parliament and Member for Markham, Koni Iguan explained to the Vanimo Green MP that Tkatchenko was also a part of the house as he was duly elected as the representative of the People of Moresby South. Upon hearing this, Namah stormed out of the floor of Parliament as Tkatchenko began his formal apology and soon after left the National Parliament house.

Despite the Police Commissioner David Manning’s advice that there would be no protests outside National Parliament on Tuesday, a sizable crowd gathered around 10am, just outside the Port Moresby Arts Theater heading toward the back entrance, calling out for the removal of disgraced Moresby South MP, Justin Tkatchenko. The Commissioner had advised that there would be no protest, and that no gathering would be allowed within the vicinity of the Parliament as the June sitting would be held. However, the peaceful protest lead by The PNG Trade Union Congress and various Non-Government Organizations, Civil Society Organizations and student representatives from the University of Papua New Guinea banded together in a show of solidarity. Mr Dilu Okuk, a candidate who contested the 2022 National General Election, stated during the gathering that those that take up the mantle of leadership when they are mandated by the people should portray themselves in a manner befitting one. “When you hold a position within the public space as a leader, everything you do becomes public, because the Public pays you.” “You must take into consideration what you do or say because you have given yourself up to serve the people.” He added that this protest is also an eye opener for the people, stating that as public servants, Members of Parliament should not take advantage of the privilege. During the peaceful march/protest, alleged supporters of Mr Tkatchenko also showed up in huge numbers to deter the protesters almost leading to an altercation. Fortunately, due to the presence of the police on ground, this deterred any notion of violence and police were able to maintain order.

A man believed to be a student was killed and several other people were reportedly wounded in clashes between students of the Port Moresby Technical College and residents of Gabi and Hanuabada villages on Tuesday. Several properties including homes and vehicles were also damaged in these violent clashes. The fighting culminated from a robbery incident, in which a male student was reportedly robbed and valuables including two mobile phones, some school text books, a certificate and a laptop computer were stolen by thugs at the roundabout leading into Badihagwa high school on Monday afternoon. NCD Metropolitan Superintendent Silva Sika said student leaders went to Gabi in their bid to recover the stolen items but the talks failed and fighting broke out between the students and the local residents. Police responded and dispersed the violent crowds on Monday night, but the situation remained tense, he said. "We stopped them, but when the day students arrived in the morning, their numbers swelled and they waged another attack on the community in Gabi, and Hanuabada villages, Metsupt Sika said. The fighting flared at around 7am yesterday and a man, believed to be a student at Pom Tech was found dead and reported to police. The students retaliated by confronting the villages along the main Kanudi highway early yesterday. Mr Sika said some of them converged on the hills overlooking Gabi and several police vehicles and personnel were also pelted by rocks. He said police reinforcements from the Mobile Squads and other sectors within the NCD Metropolitan Command were brought in to quell the fighting. The fighting has stopped but police are still deployed in the area to prevent further clashes. Mr Sika said the police sought assistance from the community leaders and three suspects involved in robbing the student were arrested and detained. He said the stolen text books were recovered from the three suspects detained by police. Two more suspects in possession of the phones and lap top computer are still at large. Police will investigate the killing, and they will also assess and establish the extent of injuries and damages caused by this violence.

The National Judiciary Staff Services Corporate Plan that was launched recently, recognizes 4 key objectives of the National Planning Framework, and the 6 key focus Areas. These key areas include the Establishment of permanent Court of Appeal, Judicial Training, infrastructure, ICT, E-Judiciary and Governance. This is according to the new Law & Justice Sector White Paper Policy, in which 6 key focus areas have been highlighted that must be addressed in the next 5 years, as the National Judiciary Staff Services embark on achieving their set goals. Along with their priorities outlined, the NJSS plan to ensure that planned activities will be appropriate to support the implementation of priorities. Establishment of the Court of Appeal and it’s Judges will also see the PNG Centre for Judicial Excellence fully funded by the LJS to deliver training to Judges, Magistrates, Court Staff and other officer of the Law and Justice Sector Agencies. Infrastructure is also another key area that the NJSS is aware of that needs attention. T he Completion of the multi-functional court complex at Waigani and the commencement of the Lae, Mt. Hagen and Kokopo Court Houses are also currently underway.

Koloale Women’s Football Club (FC) dug deep in the final quarter of day 3 matches of the Women’s OFC League to down a gutsy Kiwi FC on Monday. Earlier on in the match, Koloale captain Ileen Pegi looked dangerous with two missed opportunities in front. Kiwi FC also had their chances in front after mistake by Sylvester Maenu’u almost proving costly as Evelyn Seali’imalietoa failed to capitalize on that mistake. Both teams had great opportunities in the first half, but it was not until the second half did the Kiwi FC break the deadlock to open scoring their first goal of the championship through the youngest player in the comp, Florecina Kalifa in the 56th minute. Hana Malo Vaga almost catching Maenu’u napping off a free kick, fortunately for Kiwi, the ball ricocheted off the posts and young Kalifa was in position to ram the ball into the back of the net. With Kiwi FC in front, it was now Koloale’s turn to even up the match and after pressing the Kiwi defense, equalized in the 73rd minute through Merina Joe, who received a lovely through ball by substitute Donna Kairi. Kairi got her name on the score sheet as well in the 84th minute after Pegi reciprocated Kairi’s effort. Even though they didn’t get the win, Kiwi FC can hold their heads high after their stunning defensive effort. Their captain, Repeka Asofa Salele took the player of the match award.