As the clock winds down toward the end of the year, the National Capital District Boxing Association is looking forward to hosting its final tournament following the 22nd NCDABA at Porebada Village. The tournament hosted by Fearless Club and Mixed blood Club of Porebada saw a total of 49 Bouts from Cardet to Seinor Male and female. NCDABA tournament director, Junior Kauka Raka told PNG HAUSBUNG that they have one more weekend to go for the final fight of the Year which will be held on the 23rd and the 24th of December at Ben Moide Club, Murray Barracks and is calling on business houses to come out and show support. “I really need Support to host this final tournament." "Just to give boost to our Young Boxers to boost them going into the festive season and come back after Christmas.” So far Bernard Fong, the chapman of Professional boxing control board has given his support us with his company Market 2000 to sponsoring us with trophys for the winners, but Kauka Raka said they need a in need for more support. The NCD ABA’s Boxing Tournaments, which started in June mid 2023 are part of the associations main goal of building and enhancing local fighters from the National Capital District to compete at the highest level of Boxing.

As many in the city look forward to spending the festive period in peace and harmony in the Moresby South electorate, opportunists in the surrounding areas of the Taikone have proven that there is a great need for a vagrancy act to be introduced. After an issue with between an Engan man married to a Gulf woman turned south, bystanders watching the incident used brute force to overcome and loot a tradestore belonging the Engan. Luckily police had arrived on time before things got out of hand. Badili Police Station Commander, Inspector Jerry Obert explained to PNG HAUSBUNG that the violence that had occurred yesterday stemmed from relatives of the woman from Gulf ransacking the shop after police had already attended to the matter. “After officers arrested the man, believed to be the husband of the woman, opportunists, bystanders, and other relatives of the woman attacked and looted the store.” “Officers were dispatched again to stop the fighting and looting.” PSC Obert did not reveal the exact details as to how the fighting started, but police are now looking into the incident to ensure that there is no further escalation.

As part of supporting refugees and international migrants, whilst showing solidarity with members of the West Papuan Community and the Rainbow West Papua Refugee Camp, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands Migrants and Refugee Desk recently commemorated International Migrants Day with the theme; Honouring the contributions of Migrants and respecting their rights. In a small but highly significant gathering, representatives of the CBC along with members of the refugee camp all gathered to witness the event, at the same time the CBC took the opportunity to official open new Wash facilities that were built to cater for the Community. Ephraim Bavi, Migrants officer from the CBC Desk of Migrants and Refugees, expressed happiness for the work that was put in to bring together and officiated the handover of the wash facilities to the Refugee camp. Speaking on behalf of the Director of the Migrants and Refugee Desk, Jason Siwat, Bavi stated that on the 18th of December every year, the world recognizes an important group of people that have been part of the making of many societies around the world throughout history. “Migrants are people that move from one place or country to another. Migration is as old as human reality itself.” “Nowadays people migrate for several reasons, whether for work, school or for business.” “Others move for better opportunities for life and for their children. Whether due to the conditions within their own home country, or a path attracted by the destination country.” He it is very important that society recognizes the role that migrants play in the economy and social life and that they also contribute to building the society that they live in. Bavi said the theme for these years International Migrants Day reminds the people of PNG that they must recognize the values that migrants contribute to the country and society.

The Koki Wanigela village here in the nation’s capital with the sponsorship of the Moresby South MP, Justin Tkatchenko and NCD Governor, Powes Parkop launched the Wanigela Festive Period Basketball and Netball Tournaments, which will see 8 teams from all 8 zones of the settlement compete over the next 4 weeks. Governor Parkop, during his speech to the people of Koki Wanigela, stated that the program that they were gathered together to launch, was another initiative of the Moresby South MP through which they look toward instilling positive values toward each other in the spirit of the festive season. “More importantly for this occasion it’s the festive period. So, it’s not just a carnival of netball, basketball, volleyball or whatever games that are in this program, it’s also to get us into the spirit of this festive period,” Parkop said. The governor mentioned that Koki in recent times has been faced with hardships and many various challenges, noting law and order being the major issue and has called on the people of the Koki area to celebrate this festive season by taking a more positive approach towards one and other. Meanwhile, just over 30 teams are participating in both the Basketball and Netball tournaments in two divisions, both A and B grade, through which winners of each division will progress to taking on the winners from the Motu-Koita Competition.

Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey along with Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science, Technology & Sport, Don Polye, following a virtual meeting have addressed the outstanding TESAS (Tertiary Education Student Assistance Scheme) allocations for all Higher Education Institutions for semester two of the current academic year. Following the virtual meeting, Minister Ling-Stuckey met with the Acting Secretary for DHERST and his staff to resolve certain issues related to the TESAS allocations for the academic year 2023. Both Ministers have reached an agreement that will look to ensure that all Higher Education Institutions, including the eight Universities, will receive all outstanding TESAS payments for the academic year 2023. In addition to resolving current issues, the Ministers also verified the budget for TESAS for the academic year 2024. After a comprehensive review of the facts, they agreed on a TESAS allocation of K83 million for the upcoming year.

Treasurer Ian-Ling Stuckey believes strengthening the resource sector is a vital key in building a stronger economy. The Treasurer stated that since independence, the country has built on its major mining portfolio to add petroleum assets at the turn of the century, and more recently LNG assets. “The resource sector is a critical part of the PNG economy." "Currently, the resources sector accounts for some 25 per cent, or one-quarter of the economy." "As Treasurer, I must foster the development of this area of the economy, including strengthening the way the benefits are shared with PNG.” Ling-Stuckey said that the Government has been keeping an ear out for the concerns of the business community on foreign exchange shortages, a massive problem that he said was created by poor decisions made in 2014. He assured that with new leadership in the central bank, Treasury will be working closely to return the Kina to full convertibility. “The first step to fixing a problem is admitting there is one." "The aim is to return back to full Kina convertibility, where PNG citizens must be able to convert their Kina to any currency in the world, up to any amount, at any time.” According to Ling-Stuckey, a slow depreciation has commenced against the US dollar, although there has been an appreciation against other currencies. At the moment, the Treasury’s current focus is to getting rid of delays for import orders, as this has been the greatest barrier to growth. “More foreign exchange is being released into the market. Initially, back in 2021, the agreement between the IMF and BPNG, with full government support, was to increase the release of foreign exchange to the market of $US50 million per month." "With government encouragement, this has been increased to $US100 per month during 2023.” Ling-Stuckey added that from 2024, a new arrangement that puts a cap on the level of outstanding foreign exchange import orders. “This cap it K150 million at the end of March, falling to K75 million by the end of the year. What does this mean in practice? At the end of September 2023, the level of these outstanding import orders at just one of our banks totalled K854 million.” “The new arrangements, with a cap of K150 million, would have required the release of about K700 mil. Given the current policy of releasing a minimum of K360mil per month, in this example there would be a release of an additional K340mil on top of the K360mil.” He highlighted extraordinary growth expected in the country’s economy, even before the inclusion of the expected new foreign investment projects. Up to K200 billion by 2031, K300 billion by 2035, and a K1 trillion economy by 2048. “Linked to all of the hard work and disciplined approach of budget repair, reconstruction and better economic reforms, the Marape-Rosso government have a vision to make PNG the economic hub between the Pacific and wider Asian region." "This will strengthen our growth prospects even further.”

The 2023 Rookie 7s Tournament kicked off this week in Port Moresby. The tournament started today with the Under 20s matches. This year is also the fifth year for Rookie 7s to include Deaf Rugby. “We are honored to provide the platform to promote and foster the growth and recognition of Deaf Rugby in PNG,” Rookie 7s Founder Cybele Druma said. “Rookie 7s first introduced Deaf rugby in its tournament in 2018 and has consistently hosted its matches.” The three teams in the Deaf Rugby division are Coastal Hurricanes, Highlands Piggies and Deaf Central. The World Deaf Rugby’s intent of including deaf rugby is to achieve equality through participation and the removal of discrimination against Deaf and Hard of Hearing people within rugby. There are forty-eight teams taking part in the Under 20 Division. Unitech Reds are the only team from outside of Port Moresby who are currently in the capital, having arrived in Port Moresby this morning. West Papua and Kimbe pirates are the other two teams from outside Port Moresby. West Papua will also be fielding an Open Women’s team when they arrive tomorrow.

It was a significant milestone for the Department of Petroleum and Energy after its completion of the National Ministerial Determination for the Papua LNG Project that was successfully gazetted and published on the 6th of December by the Government Print Office. But complications come in different forms and the parliamentary leaders of the Gulf province, who have openly objected the Determination. The National Ministerial Determination No. G967, No.G968 and No. G969 for the Papua LNG Project was announced officially by the Minister of Petroleum and Energy, Kerenga Kua recently but this has not gone down well with Gulf’s top echelon. The department believes the determination came to a successful completion after a lengthy landowner identification process identified by the Department of Petroleum and Energy, Total E& P PNG Limited, Gulf Provincial Government, and the Central Provincial Government within its communities by identifying clan-owning groups within the Papua LNG Project. According to the report, so far 277 clans have been identified 191 clans for Gulf Province and 86 clans for Central Province under the Papua LNG Project Applications. Meanwhile, leaders from the Gulf Province have banded together to refute the Ministries announcement, condemning the Papua LNG Landowner benefit sharing ministerial Determination and demanding a fair process. According to a combined media statement released by the Gulf leaders, a number of concerns were raised regarding the process of the determination. This includes concerns regarding the social mapping & landowner identification (SMLIS) Process, lack of consultation and disrespect for leadership. They have called for an immediate extension of objection period to 60 days to allow for proper review and ensure all affected parties have a fair opportunity to participate.

NCD Metropolitan Superintendent Silva Sika has issued a warning to all shop owners and citizens in the Capital that the trading and usage of Firecrackers and Fireworks are banned this Festive period. The Met Supt told PNG HAUSBUNG that he will be making sure that all law enforcement officers in the capital will be briefed on their roles and will be executing their orders soon. “I will issue a ban on the sale of all firecrackers and fireworks as it is dangerous and will soon inform all police personnel to keep an eye out for those that don’t adhere to this directive.” Sika said orders will be issued for officers to conduct inspections on shops. He explained that anyone without the proper documentation to have in possession of Fireworks, Firecrackers or any other form of pyrotechnic equipment will be subject to the law. “Fireworks are very dangerous and we need to make sure that they are being used in the proper way, in proper conditions and by professionals.” Under the Explosives Act of 1953, Part III – Possession and Usage of Explosives, Sect. 14-17; which gives regulations on explosives, A person, other than the holder of a licence or a permit, who keeps, stores or is in possession of explosives is guilty of an offence. A holder of a licence or a permit who keeps, stores or is in possession of explosives otherwise than in accordance with this Act and the licence or permit is guilty of an offence. With the penalty being a fine not exceeding K200.00 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or both. With police Festive season operations already underway, the police wills soon start conducting inspections on shops regarding the fireworks.

The Highlands Eastern Division Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police [ACP] Rigga Neggi has dispelled rumours of escalated violence in Chimbu Province following the death of former Chuave MP Wera Mori stating that those circulating these reports should not assume but rather look for facts when presented with sensitive information. The ACP told PNG HAUSBUNG that the Office of the Eastern Division has yet to receive reports of an escalation in the province calling for people to get their facts right before assuming or taking to social media to vent. “There was a building that was burnt down due in the area but apart from that everything is ok.” This is in relation to an altercation between supporters of the former MP and other in the district who blocked off a road in the province following the former MP’s death, to which the Police addressed last week. He added if there were any further altercations that had occurred following the incident on Tuesday then they would have already heard of this by now. ACP Neggi reiterated that this is the work of people who have their own agenda’s and are spreading rumours for their own personal gain. Meanwhile, the ACP has called on people in the command to enjoy the festive period responsibly, making sure to observe the festivities in good spirits and to not use the celebrations as an opportunity to cause harm to anyone. He advised that it is a well-known fact that people tend to consume alcohol to the point of abuse and has asked the communities in the command to have respect for each other, especially when under the influence of alcohol. “Sometimes people use alcohol as an excuse to create problems which they only come to realize when they are sober, so people need to be mindful of what they consume and how much they consume during this time.” He further stated that this is the time where people are looking forward to spending with family and in that spirit will be travelling back to their homes to celebrate and calls for all to play their part in keeping the celebrations free from violence.

The Capital Rugby Union President, Kori Chan has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Brisbane Brothers Rugby Club that will assist in improving the playing standard and administrative capability of the union. Established in 1905, Brisbane Brothers are a leading foundation club in Australian rugby. With a player base of 1, 100 athletes, XX, the club has won a plethora of premierships and produced a number of players (both men and women) who have played at or are currently playing at state, super rugby, and test level. In the last two (2) years Brisbane Brothers established a high-performance program which has: • maintained and strengthened the club’s competitive edge; and • embolden the club to implement a sustainable business model that has seen the club grow from strength to strength. The MOU provides a framework for the CRU and its member clubs to partner with Brisbane Brothers to develop our players and improve the technical capacity and game knowledge of our coaches and administrators. Under the MOU the CRU will establish agreements with Brisbane Brothers, focused on: • elite player development pathways & programs. • providing CRU coaches access to the club’s high-performance program and coaching environment; and • strengthening governance and best practice (in the CRU) through the sharing of admin and commercial IP. “We are currently working with Brisbane Brothers to finalize the agreements and will announce them when ready.” “With the above in mind, please be advised that the MOU and ensuing agreements (with Brisbane Brothers) should not discourage clubs from seeking their own partnerships with overseas clubs and associations.” He added that any club endeavour that strengthens the union’s player base, improves rugby intellect, and provides international exposure for the competition’s players and coaches is welcomed by the CRU and shall be supported wholeheartedly.

The country’s largest provincial rugby body, in its quest to lift the standard of Rugby to the next level is setting its sight on continuing is objectives of upskilling local match officials. Capital Rugby Union [CRU] President, Kori Chan recently advised that referee clinics for match officials will continue next year. Chan stated that they will be taking a three (3) pronged approach next year, which will see the program include clinics and activities for coaches and players. “In continuing with our Referee Development Program supported by Pacific Aus Sports, please be advised that we shall soon be announcing our referee clinics for 2024.” He added that the premise being that understanding the laws of the game and their application will: • enable Coaches to develop game plans and select and prepare teams; accordingly, and • improve Player performance and conduct. He said this will ensure that Referees, Coaches and Players are on point with knowing and understanding the Laws of the game well, with the aim in developing a fast, skilful, and entertaining brand of rugby (for the CRU) played in a safe environment. “I would like to thank all clubs for their continued support in this endeavour. Improving the standard of matching officiating and ensuring that our Coaches and Players know the laws of the game and understand their interpretation will improve the standard of rugby in all grades.” Currently, the CRU is continuing discussions with PNG Rugby and PNG Rugby Union Referees Association to form stronger and more practical alignment between the national program and provincial level. An agreement is in draft format and currently being negotiated but not yet official.