A suspect has been apprehended by police in East Sepik province in relation to the death of a women who was travelling to Maprik from Nuku and was shot dead at Warangon, Dreikikir. Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Chris Tamari said police had gotten word from the community nearby that two suspects involved in the incident had been in hiding around the area. Upon receiving word, police acted swiftly to apprehend both men, unfortunately by the time they had arrived in the area, the prime suspect had already gone. “The suspect was apparently aided by a pastor. The suspect is related to the pastor. So, we’ve picked up the suspect, he was an accomplice in the incident and he’s in Maprik cells now.” The PPC said that right now interrogations are underway to find out the identities of the others involved in the incident. Tamari extended his thanks to the communities that have assisted them with information on the whereabouts of the suspects. “I want to say thank you to them, but the business remains unfinished and I expect to pick up the prime suspect and others in due course.” Tamari has now sent out a warning to all suspects involved in the incident that he and his men will not stop until they have apprehended all suspects.

The Kramer Ausenco Brothers have gone one up against defending premiers Credit Corporation Harlequins after a stunning defensive effort to keep the champs scoreless in the third round of the Capital Rugby Union Pepsi Cup on Saturday (22/04/23). Kick starting the match, the defending champs looked threatening with the ball, creating in- roads into the Brothers defense, who at times during the match seemed to wane due to the barrage of Harlequin set plays. It would however be the Brothers to open up the points scoring after almost what seemed to be an eternity of gameplay within the Harlies half. Discipline was the difference between both sides as Loose head Makam Tanelle stormed over and scored minutes after a penalty for back-chatting match referee Otto Rakone. The Harlequins showcased finesse in attack but could not convert that into points due to the indestructible Brothers Defense. The Harlies did have an opportunity to nab points off a penalty right in front, but was waved away after Ron Butler failed to convert into points. Fast forward minutes later Dumaia Dagono would waltz into the try line to score the second try after a great team effort from the Brothers from broken play. The Brothers went on to win the match 10 to 0 at the Bava Park, Port Moresby.

East Sepik Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Superintendent Christopher Tamari has assured the public that police will be out in force to provide security at the Poro Oval in Wewak town for the home game match between local team EMK Sepik Pride and Bintagor Goroka Lahanis. Almost 70 police personnel, comprising of regulars and reserve police will be on guard and stationed within the vicinity of the oval. For the first time in history, the EMK Sepik Pride will take on the Bintagor Goroka Lahanis at home in front of a jam packed stadium. “Knowing all the attitude of the people, we are on top of our preparations, assisting the Sepik Pride Management, even the Administration and the sponsor as well, so we are honestly good for this afternoon.” The PPC’s message to the people of Wewak and the province as a whole was to take ownership and to support responsibly. He has also assured the Lahanis Management that all will be well for kick off this afternoon. Although short on manpower, police will make do with what they have and Tamari is hopeful that the match will be peaceful. Aside from that, the police have restricted vehicle entry into the oval grounds, this is to ensure there is free flow of movement in and around the oval area.

Four men have been arrested and one is in critical condition after a drunken brawl escalated to an ethnic clash at Gabutu this morning. Badili Police Station Commander, Inspector Jerry Obert said police had to disperse a huge crowd in front of the Patrick’s Wholesale shop when the situation started getting rowdy. Police are still working to ascertain the events that led up to the fight but it is understood that almost 4 ethnicities were part and parcel of the Avengers Endgame level brawl. “Some were Goilalas, Taris, Wabags and Lufa. My boys went out and dispersed the crowd.” According to the Inspector, the fight quickly turned sour and led on to the main road disrupting traffic and causing chaos. PSC Obert said on hand, four of the main culprits have been arrested, the other due to the degree of injuries sustained from the fight this morning was rushed from the police station to Emergency at the Port Moresby General Hospital.

It doesn’t get any better in Round 3 of the Pepsi Cup Capital Rugby Union competition, with the clash of the CRU titans set to make a rumble this afternoon. Last year’s Grand Finalists, Kramer Ausenco Brothers and the Credit Corporation Harlequins will lock horns at 3:45pm straight after the Moni Plus Nova and Gangloff Consultancy University Piggies do battle at 2pm. CRU president Kori Chan said there is no love lost between these teams as they fight for rugby dominance in the capital. “All four clubs featured in the major semi- finals last year with the Harlies and the Brothers progressing to the grand final, a game that saw the Harlequins come out victors.” Nova Head Coach Mr. Eddie Galele on Wednesday mentioned that it will be a big weekend for capital rugby with these blockbuster contests. Its early rounds of the competition, but the scene is being set for an exciting year of rugby in the City Galele said.

The employees of the Alotau Market Management had a lot to celebrate for all their hard work and resilience in ensuring that the market space was conducive enough for trading to take place. The Alotau Market received two awards in the inaugural National Markets Convention (NMC) recently, taking out the Best Performing market and the Most Hygienic market in the Country. Market Manager, Sharon Maiseveni stated that she was lost for words and overwhelmed at the announcement, saying that comparing with other markets they had not expected that they would be receiving not one, but two awards. “There are 14 markets and to become the best, it’s a challenging thing. Credit goes back to my staff, the vendors as well and even the keepers on the ground.” Maiseveni stated that it was the teamwork of all the staff to lift the standard of the market to where it is now, being a safe and healthy environment for trading to take place, adding that it is an encouraging thing to keep ensuring that the market remains conducive for buying and selling. According to Sharon, the market management is anticipating more challenges ahead but remain optimistic in maintain the standard that has been set. Some of these challenges include spacing for vendors, but they try their best to make sure everyone is comfortable with their vending spots. This is something the market management will be looking to address in the future.

The Hela Provincial Education Division Director, Mr. Ronnie Angu has thanked the people and parents of Hela for their support in ensuring the safety of the various Education Institutions around the province. Angu stated that he could not thank them enough for their support and said they will do their best to ensure that the children of Hela receive the best in education. “We thank you for continually supporting the teachers and schools, especially with their safety and well-being in the respective schools.” He said that the division understands the challenges being faced by the people of Hela can be overwhelming, but he has assured that the teachers and their families have made a commitment to provide their services despite the difficulties they may face. He added that it is important that they work together to ensure that they are safe and secure in their homes and in their work. “We urge you to look after the teachers and their families, to offer them support and encouragement, and to show them the same kindness that they have shown to you. By doing so, we can create a safe and welcoming environment that will allow them to continue to provide their valuable services to our communities.”

In celebrating a ten year long partnership with donors and stakeholders in the strive to empowering women economically in women dominated spaces like markets, UN WOMEN Country Representative, Themba Kalua has given a word of appreciation to those who stood side by side in working towards empowering more women. Addressing all stakeholders at the Gala Dinner event, on the second day of the inaugural National Markets Convention at the APEC House, Kalua said he was amazed by how much they have achieved through their partnerships. "I would like to acknowledge our donors and development partners who have funded our work for so many years, in particular partners from Australia." "I would also like to recognize our friends from Japan, the EU and New Zealand." Apart from these organizations, Kalua gave a huge shout out to those in the private sector who actively supported their programs, such as the Women's Microbank and Telikom PNG. He further added that for over 10 years UN WOMEN have supported women in the informal economy level, especially markets, starting in NCD with the construction of the Gordon's Market supported and led by NCD Governor Powes Parkop.

Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko and the UK Secretary of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, James Cleverly signed a Status of Forces Agreement [SOFA] MoU, which will see Members of the United Kingdom Armed Forces continual support and increased activity in training and capacity building for the Papua New Guinea Defense Force and other aspects of National Security. The SOFA agreement signed by both statesmen, as per the Foreign Minister was for security purposes for the region. “The UK will now play a role to help assist and train our defense forces moving forward and many other different activities that the defense have with the UK for the benefit of the security in the region.” Minister Tkatchenko added that Papua New Guinea is one of 14 countries that play a major role especially in the Pacific. Foreign Minister Tkatchenko further stated that Secretary Cleverly is also in the country to strengthen bilateral relations and to ensure Britain’s support in working towards economic prosperity and economic independence and other aspects such as downstream processing. The Ministers believes this is a win for the people as discussions done this their meet was on how the UK will assist in keeping the country economically stable whilst working on other ways that can assist the country and the people for the long term.

Chief Secretary to the Government Ivan Pomaleu has cautioned the general public on a fake gazetted notice in circulation on social media stating an additional public holiday in remembrance of the late Queen Elizabeth the 2nd. According the Chief Secretary, holidays are subjects of NEC decisions and people must not be deceived by this fake notice that is circulating on social media titled Appointment of an additional public holiday in the last remembrance of our late Queen Elizabeth II. “We do not have a NEC decision pertaining to holiday for 21st April 2023 and certainly no holidays pertaining to Queen Elizabeth II." Pomaleu stated that the document is fake and does not have the Government Printing Offices imprint and incorrect format to officially issue. Chief Secretary Pomaleu has further urged that the public to refrain from circulating this fake information as this is a serious matter and has also warned that those who do not adhere to this warning and continue circulating such misleading information will be dealt with by the law.

The United Kingdom’s Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, James Cleverly made a huge statement, promoting the long standing historic relationship and diplomatic cooperation between the two nations. “This is a relationship, whilst wedded in a long standing historic friendship, is focused on the Future.” Cleverly stated that the relations between the UK and PNG is focused on the economic prosperity of the country, it’s national security, the interest of the people of PNG and also that of the UK. He added that this was about building a genuine partnership for the future. “A partnership that protects your natural environment, your fisheries, your natural wealth whilst also ensuring that you’re able to retain more economic benefit from your own natural resources.” He also stressed on the move from polluting energy sources to green energy sources, and further added that he is pleased that talks about £4.5 million [PGK19million] will commence to help communities in the country access green energy.

Being tasked with the honor of reading the eulogy of Late Sir Rabbie Namaliu, old friend and former Lae MP Bart Philemon recounted the special memories that they had as buddies whilst attending the University of PNG. Philemon spoke greatly of the man who was instrumental in the push for Independence, whilst recollecting their days at school, fought to hold back tears at the realization of the loss of his great friend. That may be the case for people who have been friends for 57 years. Like all friendships, they had gone though some very tough periods that had tested their bond, but Sir Rabbie, as described by Philemon, didn’t seem to be the type of guy to let a friend down. He recalled an instance in 2006, whilst on Duty travel as the Treasurer in Honiara, he had received a call from Sir Rabbie, advising him that he was to be sacked from his post and that it was offered to him. “Because I was sacked, he was reluctant to take up my post. My Response to Rabbie was, you should accept the offer.” Philemon further stated that it was very unfortunate for the country that Sir Rabbie lost his seat in the 2007 National General Elections, and further added that the country needs more Political Leaders like Sir Rabbie.