Police in East Sepik have advised that the Woman responsible for the death of the 10-year child in Wewak, over the weekend has now been arrested and is behind bars. This while police conduct investigations to determine facts surrounding the death. Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Christopher Tamari told PNG HAUSBUNG that per the information from investigators, the 10-year boy had succumbed to his injuries following ongoing abuse by the suspect, named as stepmother of the deceased child. “The mother of the Child is a Morobean woman who left for reasons unknown and then the father married a second women from Enga.” PPC Tamari added that the father of the child, happens to be a soldier stationed at the 2nd Pacific Islands Regiment at Moem Barracks and was understood to be out on deployment in Vanimo at the time of the incident. He stated that suspect was apprehended and is now being kept at the Wewak Police Station. Meanwhile, the father of the child is expected to return from Vanimo today and upon arrival, will be taken in for questioning.

Prime Minister James Marape has sounded a strong call to the government and public service bureaucracy to move along the work of reforming the provincial government system so these governments can be able to better deliver services to the people. The Prime Minister made the call as he opened the two-day Provincial Governors Conference in Port Moresby Friday afternoon. The conference is themed ‘Continuing Dialogue to empower Provinces for Improved Service Delivery, Economic Growth and Self Reliance’. “Provincial governments are the anchor posts of our country and we must empower them with clarity.” “I realise the struggles and the inherent weaknesses we have carried as we endeavour to deliver services to our people.” “This is why these reforms are important. We must bring reforms that will allow for positive change that translate to actual delivery of goods and services.” "Evidence must point to the structure that we must set up, a structure that this is good for our people.” “Pangu created the provincial government system in 1975 and this Pangu-led government will empower the provincial governments to work better for our country.” “The vision and the rationale of establishing the provincial governments is correct because in a land of so much diversity, a centralised form of government in Waigani has no complete answer for our people.” “The government closest to our people must be functioning better to provide services to our people.” “I want to assure you governors; we are not here to dilute or remove your powers or suppress you.” “We are here to make you work better to assist the National Government in translating policies to our people.” “By now we have four years of experience as National Government under this leadership. In the last four years, though hard it may have been, we have not held back resources but given resources to you. This is evident of our government trying its best to empower you in the ambit of the existing Organic Law on Provincial and Local Level Government that guides and shepherds our functionality.” “In the last four years, we have averaged about 30 percent of our total government expenditure to you at the provincial level.” “That is the indication that we are committed to assisting provincial governments.” “The conversation today is contemporary, it is relevant. What is decentralisation in 2023? What are the functions of the National Government, the functions of provincial governments, and the districts? These must be clearly defined so we are not reinventing the wheel or overlapping our responsibilities.” “I want to give you all my fullest assurance. On the margins of delivering the next MTDS for our people, in the context of Vision 2050 focus range to make our country a middle-income earning nation by 2050; I want to give you my assurance that this government is committed to ensuring that your calls for reforms is honoured within the context that you are delivering to the expectations of our people.” “Provincial government systems will be strengthened and supported and the reforms that you want must be consistent with service delivery to our people.” “The call is on us to work with haste. This conversation with the governors has been going on for the last 48 years. We cannot defer any more. The Prime Minister speaks but the entire machinery must roll so that the results are coming.” “We must define what the role of DDAs are in the context of supporting development in the country.” “DDAs must not overshadow provincial governments; DDAs are not government but the delivery arm of the government. We have these weaknesses we must identify, get them fixed so we do not pass these onto the next generation.” “What is the provincial government in 2025 and going forward? It must be cost-effective; it must be our government’s delivery arm to our people. It must have the ability to raise revenue, so Waigani can be elevated to supervise policy directions and legislate,” added Prime Minister Marape.

The National Judiciary Staff Services is looking to be on the right path, following the recent launch of the Anti-Corruption Strategy. The Strategy, which has been in the works for over 18 months, with assistance from the Transparency International, seeks to address 3 key areas in the NJSS. These key areas include; strengthening the HR and recruitment processes, strengthening the Judiciary Complaints mechanism and to develop an agency wide code of conduct. As per NJSS Secretary, Jack Kariko the NJSS Anti-Corruption Strategy is necessary to respond to the disease of corruption in the country and as the 3rd arm of the Government, the Judiciary plays a crucial role in delivering socio-economic Justice for the citizens. “Building on the Fundamental tenets of our constitution, our anti-corruption legal framework, the national development plan and other instruments, the strategy uses research and stakeholder inputs to outline the actions needed to a judiciary free of corruption.” The strategy was developed in reference to the MoU signed between the NJSS and TI PNG. The NJSS already has an existing Judiciary Complaints committee that was established under the previous Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia during his term. The creation of the JCC gave provision for complaints made against court staff (Judicial and non-judicial) to be investigated internally for appropriate action to be taken or recommended. In terms of human resources, the planned NJSS HR project looks to improve human resources management and enable a strengthening of accountability and discipline through electronic capture of staff performance. Meanwhile, the development of the NJSS Code of Conduct will set an expectation of high standards of professionalism and integrity from all staff.

A single goal in stoppage time proved the only difference between Koloale FC and Labasa Women FC in the Women’s OFC League over the weekend with Koloale FC Capitan, Ileen Pegi nailing the match’s only goal in the match. Both teams looked dangerous with ball in hand but unfortunately for Labasa, several players that took the field collected injuries as they tried to expose the Koloale defense. Meanwhile, the Koloale flanks terrorized Labasa throughout much of the game, Merina Joe threatening at certain points. Labasa had chances to early in the second half, but were unable to convert those chances into points. Arthur Simmons, Lambasa Women’s FC Coach post- match stated that they had their chances in the first half but were very unlucky not capitalize on them. “Second half we just didn’t capitalize on it and that’s how the game goes. For us, we don’t think it’s over yet, there is still a long way to go.” On the other end of the spectrum, a jubilant Koloale Coach, Crystal Bakolo stated that she is very proud of her girls’ performance and is very excited about their first win. She said there are a few things that they need to polish up on in terms of attack and combinations in the final third. “We played according to our game plan, so we played as a team, we didn’t lose hope. We know Labasa are good to and the goal changes everything and we are very happy.” Koloale will take on Kiwi FC today, while Labasa Women’s FC are scheduled to take on AS Academy Feminine.

The Papua New Guinea (PNG) Trade Union Congress (TUC) in a letter to the NCD Metropolitan Superintendent, Silva Sika has requested to be granted approval to stage a protest to the parliament to hand in a petition to the prime minister regarding the removal of Justin Tkatchenko from his position as a Member of Parliament. According to the letter written to the Met. Supt. by PNGTUC General Secretary Anton Sekum, the PNGTUC and its affiliates in coalition with Civil Society Organizations, FBO’s, Women’s Groups, Youth Representatives, Non-Government Organizations and other concerned groups including ordinary citizens regarding the Justin Tkatchenko scandal, want action. “With the growing suspense as each day passes, we now consider rolling out our next move.” The purpose of the letter was to inform the Met. Supt. about their intention of hosting a gathering outside the Parliament House tomorrow (Tuesday 06th June) when parliament sits for the June session, to make their voices heard and to stop the disgraced MP from entering Parliament. They have requested that the NCD Police cordon off the Boulevard as they conduct a sit-in protest. Attempts by PNG HAUSBUNG to speak with NCD Met Supt. on this matter were unsuccessful.

The Hekari Women's FC bounced back from a narrow 1 point loss to AC Academy Feminine in the first day to a 9 goal thriller after downing the Kiwi FC in Day 2 of the Oceania Football Women’s Champions (WOFC) League. It was 15 minutes into the game when Hekari drew blood through Ramona Padio after a huge onslaught of attack. Leading from the front, skipper Marie Kaipu nailed 4 goals to keep them in the running for the inaugural silverware. Although down the Kiwi FC girls put up a fight of their own having two shots on target, but diffused by Hekari Goalkeeper Fidelma Watpore. In the 35th minute Shalom Waida, used her head to take the lead up to a 2-0 deficit. Kaipu opened her account for the night in the 41st minute, taking the scores to 3-0 heading into the break with Erickson Komeng’s girls looking extremely confident. Substitute Nenny Elipas grabbed a double, the first one after a minute spent on field following halftime. Mavis Singara also got a point on the scoreboard. Not to be outdone, Leti Tamasese’s women pressed on, competing till the final whistle both in attack and defense, with captain and Goal Keeper, Repeka Asofa Salele being kept busy all evening between the sticks and Hana Malo Vaga coming close to scoring off a free kick with the ball just grazing the topside of the cross bar. The match ended with a final score of 9 goals to nil in favour of the Hekari girls. Meanwhile, only two changes were made to the Hekari side that went down to AS Academy Feminine on day one, those being the inclusion of both Grace Batiy and Christable Maneo.

Police Commissioner David Manning has commended those that have and continued to work tirelessly in the pursuit of Justice pertaining to the Paul Paraka case, which resulted in a conviction recently by the National Court. “This includes the Prime Minister, the Public Prosecutor’s office, the Department of Justice and Attorney General, the Solicitor General, and members of the Fraud Squad,” said Manning. “I thank you one and all for your contribution one way or another in successfully assisting the State prosecution.” Manning said the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) is responsible for investigations, maintenance of peace, law and order and upholding of the Constitution, and has assured the country that this is not the end of this investigation into the Paraka case because further prosecutions will follow. “The RPNGC will do all things legally mandated and required in order to pursue, investigate, charge and arrest those involved, and to recoup all money lost in these illegal deals.” He stated that the actions of corrupt individuals involved in this matter have caused terrible impact to the economy of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, and the welfare of the people.

Police Commissioner, David Manning has said that the case pertaining to lawyer Paul Paraka will continue to uncover each and everyone who were involved in the whole saga that saw over K100million misappropriated. Commissioner Manning said this when giving an update on the recent decision by the National Court on the ongoing investigations into other individuals involved in the corrupt dealings and efforts to recover misappropriated funds. Charges of Fraud against Paul Paraka were laid in 2013 and was dismissed by the National Court with a ruling citing an abuse of process by the state in failing to provide evidence of his misdeeds. According to the Commissioner, similar charges were laid against Paraka were also dismissed, but after 10 years of lengthy court litigation, the National Court convicted Paraka of misappropriating K162 million in public funds. “This National Court decision now warrants and gives rise to other related matters of fraud, money laundering and misappropriation that are the subject of ongoing investigations. The Court has now ruled that there has been a treacherous and corrupt scheme to misappropriate public funds for personal use.” He stated that the Paraka Case has attracted significant national interest, due to the large amounts of public money being misused in fraudulent dealings and the way and manner in which these funds were syphoned through the Department of Finance to various law firms, were very peculiar. “Who would then transfer this money to Mr. Paraka himself, has been the subject of public outrage,” said the commissioner. “The National Court decision is a matter of significant public concern, and the people of our country demand that Mr. Paraka, and all those involved in this corruption saga, are fully investigated and prosecuted.” Citizens and officials have raised serious concerns and want justice to be served, and the recovery of this public money that should have been used for essential services such as healthcare and education. Mr. Manning said the Paraka case has been a long saga and has been the subject of ongoing investigation to bring corrupt parties to face justice and the process is by no means complete.

The Wests Tigers are coming off a record win in Round 12 and a bye in Round 13 ahead of taking on the red-hot Raiders at home. The joint venture may have breathed a sigh of relief when Raiders coach Ricky Stuart decided to rest veteran Jarrod Croker, with the Green Machine guaranteed to have put it all on the field for their favourite son in what would have been his 300th game. How in-form young guns Junior Tupou, Jahream Bula and Starford To'a rise to the occasion at Campbelltown Stadium on Friday will determine if the Wests Tigers can claim their fourth win of the season and continue their rise up the ladder. Meanwhile, the Raiders are hot on the back of a Round 13 win against the Rabbitohs with Corey Horsburgh laying the platform in the absence of forwards Elliot Whitehead (suspended) and Hudson Young (Origin). Sitting seventh on the ladder, only two points behind the four tied at the top, the Raiders will be hoping to cement their place in the eight before they face the Warriors at home ahead of a Round 16 bye. Source: NRL.Com

Queensland Maroons will head to Suncorp Stadium on June 21 looking to wrap up the series after defying the odds late to overcome the Blues 26-18 at Adelaide Oval on Wednesday night. The Maroons trailed by two with six minutes left and despite being down a man in the sin-bin, Cameron Munster and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow combined down the Blues left edge to snatch an unlikely 1-0 series lead. Tabuai-Fidow, who finished the match with a double, backed up Billy Slater's decision to pick the Dolphins fullback over veteran Dane Gagai with a mammoth effort that included the match-winner. Queensland's victory was built on effort with multiple try-saving tackles throughout the clash before a freak play from Lindsay Collins, who leaped above Roosters teammate James Tedesco to set up Munster for an unbeatable eight-point lead. The Maroons were forced to win without Tom Gilbert (shoulder), Selwyn Cobbo (hip) and Murray Taulagi (head knock) in the final stages as the Blues struggled throughout the evening in attack, while their defence was questionable. This is very special NSW's backline struggled to contain the Maroons on the edges with Josh Addo-Carr and Tom Trbojevic failing to inject themselves into the game. Addo-Carr, who was recalled, was burnt by Tabuai-Fidow late while Trbojevic looked uneasy. Earlier, the Maroons took a 10-6 lead into half-time after tries to Tabuai-Fidow and Cobbo early before Liam Martin provided the spark for NSW to get on the board. A perfect start for the Maroons A try out of nowhere to Api Koroisau in the 44th minute, who pounced on a Valentine Holmes offload, cost the Maroons with the Blues hooker cleaning up the loose ball to stroll over four minutes after the break to get NSW in front. Queensland took advantage of a similiar error from Tevita Pangai Junior, who attempted to offload the ball which was scooped up by Reuben Cotter and allowed the Maroons so strike again through Cobbo on the right edge. NSW were back in front with 14 minutes to go when Penrith's combination proved pivotal for the Blues with Nathan Cleary providing a kick for Stephen Crichton to pounce out wide. The sin-binning of Tom Flegler for a high shot on Trbojevic in the 69th minute put the Maroons down a man but the Blues couldn't capitalise with short dropout allowing Billy Slater's side to march back upfield. Earlier, three penalties inside six minutes created a stop-start opening for both sides as Blues debutants Tevita Pangai Junior and Hudson Young got into the action early while Reece Walsh was tested under the high ball immediately. Martin flies through the gap Queensland struck first through Tabuai-Fidow when Munster placed a pinpoint grubber kick that split Trbojevic and Addo-Carr on the edge in the eighth minute. The Maroons went back-to-back when Young was penalised for a two-man strip which enabled more field position for Cobbo to take advantage of opposite number Brian To'o slipping over in the defensive line to cross out wide. A game-ending injury to Gilbert, who dislocated his shoulder in the 18th minute, was further drama-filled with the Maroons penalised for having 14 players on the field while an interchange was being made. Origin One: As it happpened For all of the possession and territory NSW started to create though they were denied twice by try-savers from Taulagi on James Tedesco and Tyson Frizell to further frustrate Brad Fitter's side. The injection of the Blues bench - Martin, Junior Paulo and Cameron Murray - sparked NSW into points with Martin running off Jarome Luai to the line on the left edge. A head injury assessment for David Fifita added to Queensland's injury woes but NSW couldn't capitalise before the break as the Maroons again denied the Blues with last-ditch defensive efforts.

Ahead of Game One of the 2023 Ampol State of Origin series, a handful of decisions shape as being key factors in deciding who leaves Adelaide Oval with a victory. Match preview: State of Origin Game One Final team lists: State of Origin Game One We take a look at some of the crucial coaching calls which could determine the outcome of Origin I. Picking Reece Walsh at fullback Compared to Kalyn Ponga in 2023, Reece Walsh has form on his side and runs on the board as a fullback at club level. With 13 try assists and averaging 152 run metres per game, few can argue he's been a dynamic threat for the Broncos. But the Maroons debutant has also been full of errors, with his 21 so far being the most among fullbacks and fourth most across the whole NRL. Ponga on the other hand, during a 2022 series in which he was among Queensland's best players, made just one handling error in three games, and is a proven quantity at Origin level. Unsurprisingly the Blues have vowed to target Walsh, and the way in which he responds will be crucial to his side's chances. Reece Walsh's Origin Mixtape. Pairing the Penrith playmakers The decision to retain Jarome Luai at five-eighth over Nicho Hynes was arguably the biggest NSW coach Brad Fittler faced ahead of the opener. On one hand it gives the Blues an all-Penrith left edge, with the withdrawal of Latrell Mitchell (calf) meaning Stephen Crichton is now set to partner Luai and Brian To'o on that side of the field, presenting some major potential positives. On the other, what is the opportunity cost of opting to leave one of the competition's form players sitting on your bench? Time will tell. The Hammer nailing his positional switch Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has been one of the NRL's form fullbacks this year, but the switch to centre – where he will have to mark on up on either Tom Trbojevic or Stephen Crichton – will be a different kettle of fish. How he adapts to making defensive reads in the position will be key, while physically it'll be an adjustment as well. Tabuai-Fidow has been asked to make less than seven tackles per game on average this year, a number which is set to double on Wednesday night In three NRL games at centre last year, The Hammer made 25 tackles and missed nine, while in his Origin debut back in 2021 he lined up in the No.4 jersey and made 10 tackles with two misses. Tabuai-Fidow: 'Pretty stoked with where I'm at' How do the Blues limit David Fifita? David Fifita has been causing issues for right edges in the NRL all season, and if NSW don't get it right on Wednesday night he could be a difference maker for the Maroons. Tyson Frizell, who boasts a 96.3 percent tackle efficiency rate this year, is set to mark up on Fifita, after the pair met at club level back in Round 11 in a clash which Frizell's Knight's won despite Fifita having a field day with ball in hand. The 23-year-old ran for 234 metres that day and scored two tries, and while a fair chunk of that had nothing to do with Frizell, it'll be interesting what lessons were learned and if there'll be an impact on confidence for either player. Just as important as limiting what impact Fifita has will be taking away his chances to zap the energy of Nathan Cleary by making him tackle, leaving Frizell and Tom Trbojevic in particular with a key role as bodyguards. David Fifita is in some form How each team operates at hooker On paper Queensland have a potential advantage at dummy half, but how Billy Slater opts to use Ben Hunt and Harry Grant will go a long way to deciding what that actually turns into on the field. Hunt gives Queensland another organiser and crucially another elite kicking option, but Grant – who averaged 47 minutes per game off the bench in the three games last year – is the man who can speed the ruck up if the Maroons see a path to wearing New South Wales down that way. While splitting minutes evenly as dedicated hookers is one option, they could share the field at times too with both players able to do stints as roaming middle forwards. Much of it may be dictated by what New South Wales opt to do. If they play Api Koroisau for 80 there could be chances to take advantage of fatigue, while potential back-ups, Jarome Luai and Nicho Hynes, have little experience in the position. Source: NRL.Com

Cricket PNG has announced the final squad that will be heading down to Darwin to take part in the ICC Men’s U19 Cricket World Cup EAP Qualifier in Darwin from 10th to the 22nd of June 2023, with Hamish Bennett, former NZ Test Player will join the team as a specialist coach. The First eleven selected include the likes of Tau Trevor Griffin as captain, Nelson Pate [Vice Captitan], Ware Robin, Dauncey Tom, James Frank Momo, Igo Pako Morea, Gaba Frank, Razmi Stanley Bau, Methuselah William, Anthony Tamarua David, Suvenia Sean Tau, Nao Tau, Aluend Robson Boge, and Martin Taboa. Three others players were selected in reserve but will not be travelling include, Lekwa Henao Nao, Arua Gavera, David Taraka. They will be coached by Jack Vare. Thomas Vuivagi was also selected as a non-travelling reserve but unfortunately has passed on and Cricket PNG has extended their sincere condolences to the family of Thomas.