After receiving word of her nomination, Mama Masalai, Mereani Masani is thankful that she’s been nominated again, this time for the Female Artist of the Year 2021. Speaking after receiving her official nomination letter, she said, “I love that I’m still able to be one of the nominees, I mean honestly over the years more females have come up and I’m very proud of them and I’m very happy that I can still be in the game.” So much has happened over recent years, she mentioned and is happy that she hasn’t been able to stay at the same level adding that her biggest competitor is herself and is always pushing herself. “There’s so much that has happened over the last 2 years, but the main thing is that I’m not in the same place I used to be. I feel like I’m growing and I’m still growing and I’m very proud of myself.” With a very down to earth personality and sweet smile, it looks as though she’s taking every moment at her own pace. Lately, she’s been contemplating on life after her music career but deep down, she knows inside that music will always be ingrained in her. “I know my life is always going to be around music whether I’m teaching music or teaching kids to sing, I’ll still be a very passionate musician till the end of time. Yeah, I’ve got plans but that’s all gonna be a surprise and we’ll see where that takes us.” She has plans for the future and when the time is right, she’ll be more than happy to share that with everyone. Mereani thanked all her fans, especially her day ones for their support over the years and has given a few hints on what to expect from her this year. Even though she’s keeping it on the down low, she has mentioned that she is currently working on a few projects that she will reveal later on this year.

The media in any country in the world, plays a pivotal role in informing the public, formulating opinions and keeping the ones in authority accountable for their actions. That was the key message given by the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) School of Humanities & Social Sciences Dean Professor Leo Marai, when addressing the Journalism & Public Relations Strand students and guests during the commemoration of World Media Freedom Day on Wednesday 03rd May. He mentioned that as members of this important community, the day outlines the importance of these values and the responsibility ahead that needs to be defended. “Today we gather and reflect on the importance of a free and responsible media in promoting the pressing and accountability.” He said this year’s theme declared by UNESCO was about shaping a future of rights; Freedom of expression as a driver for all human rights. He added that the theme signified the importance and the power of free speech as it paves the way in empowering societies on their human rights. Professor Marai expressed his appreciation for the partners and sponsors of the event and those that had been with them throughout the whole day and is looking forward to strengthen their ties in the years to come. The event was organized by the students as part of their assessment for those majoring in Journalism and Public Relations (JPR) particularly the Public Relations class. By the end of the night the students received praises from most of the invited guests for the successful hosting of the event to mark World Media Freedom Day.

Amidst logistical issues being faced by franchises taking part in the Digicel Exxon Mobil Cup, PNG NRLC Board Director, Lorna Macpherson, General Manager, Leith Isaac and Competitions Manager, Paul Joseph made the announcement of the introduced Pooling System and Draws to be put in use for the remainder of the 2023 season. Macpherson stated that they had met last week to deliberate on the issues faced in the first 3 rounds. She said the board were really determined to see the game continue successfully. The Director mentioned that while the competition has seen much progress, those following the comp can see clearly the challenges being faced. “It’s about being transparent about the challenges and working as a team, and that includes working with the fans, the Franchisee owners as well, sponsors and of course the board to make sure that the game continues well and be successful.” General Manager, Leith Isaac reiterated the sentiments of Macpherson, stating that due to the competition having already undergone the first 3 rounds of the season, the board was prompted to make a few adjustments to the draws. “We’ve decided to be more proactive in what we’ve seen so far with the competition, and we’ve seen that we are facing some challenges with our airline transportation in moving our teams around the country and decided to look at how we can improve movement of teams around our competition.” With the changes being finalized for this weekend, all highlands-based teams, including the Snax Tigers and the Kimbe Cutters have been pooled together in one group, while the 4 Moresby based teams, the Agmark Gurias and the Sepik Pride in another. This way, teams based in the highlands can utilize land transport to get to other centres for away games and those based in the capital can play at one central location.

West New Britain Police are now content with their work after a positive reception to the safety measures introduced to Kimbe Town following the recent chaos. Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Peter Barkie has expressed relief, stating that the town has gone back to normal and there has been little to no push back by the people regarding the measure introduced. “Everything is normal. Usually there are questions being asked by the Public.” “That’s only natural but, otherwise the public understand the situation and are very cooperative.” He mentioned that at first, people were curious about the curfew because they were not allowed to go out at night. Now they must acquire a curfew pass to move around at night. Barkie added that slowly people are adjusting and getting used to them. “It’s business as usual now, we are processing Curfew passes for genuine citizens to go about their local businesses after curfew hours.”

After an unexpected incident in 2014 led to the burning down of their Office in Port Moresby, the Caritas PNG celebrated the christening of their new office building here in the nation’s capital. The Ceremony was witnessed by 22 bishops of the Catholic Church in PNG and Solomon Islands, who were here to attend the Annual General Meeting. Director of Caritas PNG (CPNG), Mavis Tito stated that it was not an easy task when trying to establish a new office and expressed gratitude to the support given. “Since its establishment, we now have an office of our own to fit the needs of our growing staff, clients, and partners.” “I would also like to thank the management of CBC for their support in preparing this office for us and for also seeing that this day was a success.” Tito further acknowledged the appointment of the new Bishops of Caritas PNG as elected by the Bishops during the AGM. They are Bishops Justin Ain Soongie of the Wabag Diocese and the Archbishop of the Madang Archdiocese, Abp. Anton Bal. The new CPNG office is located within the CBC compound, Godwit Street, Gordons, green building behind the main CBC building. CPNG was originally established in 1974 by the Catholic Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands and was known as the Catholic Commission for Justice, Peace, and Development. In 2021 the name changed to Caritas Papua New Guinea under the six Caritas Confederations worldwide under the umbrella of Caritas Internationalis.

The Somare Institue of Leadership and Governance (Formerly PILAG) will deliver six training programs to the newly recruited Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) Officer Cadets for this year. For the first time in history the RPNGC will include SILAG Public Service Training Programs as part of the Cadet Training Package at the Bomana College of Excellence kicking off with 60 cadets. To officially formalize this training. SILAG received a check of K228, 000 today from the Bomana Police College. SILAG CEO Micheal Barobe expressed happiness with the partnership and stated that SILAG will strive to train leaders in the Police Force. “Working with SILAG should not be an option. Working with SILAG should be compulsory and a must in Public Service.” “At the end of the day all of us are public servants and we must work together.” He added that SILAG is the Premier Government Training Institution in the country and for the RPNGC to recognize this is the way forward for every other government department in the country. “SILAG is there to provide capacity building.” “To have the right people you have to train them to have the right skills and competencies so that they become very good people at the workplace.” The 6 courses that cadets will be going through as per the Institute’s mandate for implementing the competency-based training and assessment [CBTA] framework in PNG are: • Strategic Planning • Budget Preparation & Expenditure • Project Management • Recruitment and Selection • Public Service Ethics • Compliance and Legislation Barobe further acknowledged the support from the RPNGC and the Bomana College of Excellence and has pledged to work closely with both.

Police in West New Britain (WNB) are hot on the tails of those involved in the recent riot in Bialla and will not stop until the perpetrators are arrested and charged. Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Superintendent Peter Barkie has advised that, CID officers, after going through footage of the looting, have identified those involved and are working with locals to track down the suspects. It has been determined that most of the suspects have fled Kimbe and are in hiding. “Most of the people involved have left town. There was a raid that was supposed to have been conducted yesterday, when police went in there behind the settlements, they only found women and children.” Barkie said the suspects have nowhere to run, and police manhunt is underway to apprehend these suspects. Thanks to CCTV cameras installed in the shop that was looted, police were able to identify all persons involved in the looting. Meanwhile, Superintendent Barkie is satisfied with the amount of support been received from the Provincial Government, stating that they have been very helpful and have guaranteed support for the police. “They have been very helpful in their support, but these are short term measures to deal with the current situation. Now whilst the situation is contained they will now go into addressing long term measures.” He said some of the short term measures that they have come up with is to impose a curfew for the next 2 months, put a ban on take away alcohol in town and re-route traffic. Apart from this they will be looking to recruit 100 reservist to help the law and order situation.  

A total of 26 people have been arrested in Bialla Town following the unrest that occurred almost 2 weeks ago that led to mass panic and distress. West New Britain Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Peter Barkie has confirmed that the Criminal Investigations Division (CID) in WNBP conducted the arrests and have successfully detained all 26 suspects as investigations continue. “Yes, it is a working progress. 26 people have been arrested, this includes a couple of teachers and students.” According to PPC Barkie, CID Officers are still sifting through evidence and CCTV footage to identify the remaining instigators of the unrest. He added that with the additional support of a police mobile squad unit in the town, police have made headways into the investigation. “Due to lack of manpower in Bialla, they were not able to pick up suspects, but with the addition of 30 officers, they should be able to do that.” Barkie explained that the mobile squad unit will not be dealing with the investigations into the rampage, but will work with local police to maintain law enforcement in town and outstanding issues in Nakanai district.

The Canberra Raiders NRLW team is close to finalizing its final 24 squad for their inception into the first NRLW season for the club Head Coach, Darrin Borthwick told PNG HAUSBUNG that they are still building the squad at the moment and will all be in camp to start preseason on the 28th of this month. “The Girls will come together over the next 4 weeks then preseason will start. We’re still building the squad at the moment but we still weeks away from the team coming together, which is exciting.” At the same time the Raiders women will be looking to have a squad with a mixture of experience and young blood with the recent signing of Veteran Fullback and Kiwi International, Api Nicholls being brought into the fray. Borthwick added that her inclusion will be key in providing leadership for the team. “For me it was about making sure that we have some good leaders in and around our team, you know Api’s got a lot of experience in the game and she’s played at the highest level for her country and what she will bring on the field and off it will be very valuable.” Apart from Nicholls, Canberra have signed niece of Raiders Legend Sio Soliola, Monalisa Soliola, PNG Orchids utility Ua Ravu, and England international 19-year old Hollie-Mae Dodd among others.

Commissioner of Police, David Manning has advised that preparations for the security profile of the visits of Indian Prime Minister, Nahendra Modi and United States (US) President Joe Biden are underway for this month. Mr. Manning stated that at the moment, details will not be released and they are working to ensure that measures are taken to make the visits a successful one. The Indian Prime Minister will be in the country for a two-day visit for the Forum for the India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) whilst US President Biden will be making a three hour stop-over enroute to Sydney, Australia for the Quad Leaders’ Meeting. Manning advised that other 18 Pacific Island Leaders will be in Port Moresby as well so planning has begun in earnest to ensure they accord these world and regional leaders a safe and memorable experience in the country.

The SP PNG Hunters braved the hot Saturday afternoon in Port Moresby and the full brunt of the Mackay Cutters attacking play to hold on to a 8 point lead and defeat the Cutters at home. Early on in the match it was the cutters who went on the attack first after a penalty gifted them an easy walk up field to set up their attack but were repelled by strong Hunters defense in Junior Rop who denied the Cutters an opportunity to open the scoring. The game then went into a slow grind with both teams working to maintain possession and gaining meters, it was the Hunters not being able to maintain possession of the ball. This looked to be a golden opportunity for the Cutters, but they failed to convert this into points due to the relentless Hunters defense. Ill-discipline from Mackay around the ruck gave the Hunters another chance to trouble the scoreboard soon after, and Benji Kot took it with both hands. A backline movement on the Cutters line ended with Kot on the left edge, where he showed some nice skills to fool the defense with a dummy and sneak through the line. As fatigue grew into the game, the home side dominated the ruck, with one of carries from fast play, the boys gaining meters and granting the halves space to execute their set plays. Eventually, it was back to back Footy which saw the Hunters dominate the middle third and momentum swinging both ways. The Hunters however, looked to be the hungrier team, which resulted in the final score 18-10 at home for their second win of the season.

NCD Metropolitan Superintendent, Silva Sika is calling on residents, motorists and commuters in the city to observe Traffic rules so to avoid road accidents. “Everybody knows them but still do not adhere to these simple rules. Police cannot be babysitting every time a traffic incident or accident occurs.” He added that police are trying their very best to enforce Traffic Laws in the capital, but due to lack of number of personnel in the force, this has become a mammoth task and in order to alleviate some of this, people need to start respecting the laws in place. “People must use their heads. It’s common sense. It’s slowly disappearing and disrespect and disobedience is now taking over.” A large number of Road traffic Offenders happen to be Public Motor Vehicles (PMVs) who are poorly trained and at most of the time unlicensed operators. He added that police are doing what they can with limited resources in hand and hopes to work closely with the City Commission to sort out these issues. Apart from this, the Met. Supt. said there is a need for the expansion of roads, as these days there is quite a large number of vehicles and the roads in the capital cannot cater for this huge number.