Another MP has succumbed to his battle against illness. Porgera-Paialla MP, Maso Karipe has been confired to have succumb to his long term battle against stomach cancer while receiving treatment in Brisbane. This information was relayed to PNG HAUSBUNG by the MP's First Secretary, Standford Tokoya. Tokoya advised that Karipe, who was in Brisbane for treatment, passed on at around 9pm last night. The late member is believed to have succumb to a long battle with Stomach Cancer. Tokoya stated that Karipe has been in and out of the country since October last year for treatment for his condition. At the moment, he is now working to inform the House of Parliament of his passing, in order to repatriate the late member.

The Government is set to make a major announcement concerning the Wafi-Golpu Mine project in Morobe. This eagerly awaited announcement is set to take place during the forthcoming PNG Mining and Petroleum Conference scheduled for next month in Sydney, Australia. The Prime Minister, James Marape revealed this during a press conference recently where he officially extended a warm welcome to Newmont Corporation, into Papua New Guinea. Newmont Corporation has assumed control over all Newcrest operations in Papua New Guinea, including the Wafi-Golpu project. "We're now at the stage where the principle of what constitutes the Mine Development Contract (MDC) and Special Mining Lease (SML) is waiting to be agreed upon.” He said both documents would be ready around that time and are hoping that at the December Mining and Petroleum Conference, they will make an announcement to the market. Marape noted that stakeholders were able to successfully collaborate in creating an MDC and SML for the Porgera Mine in Enga, and he believes that similar progress can be made for the Wafi-Golpu project. He continued to express his gratitude to Wafi-Golpu partners Harmony, Newmont (formerly Newcrest), and Kumul Mineral Holdings for their commitment to working within a defined timeline. Prime Minister Marape revealed that a 36-month timeline has been stipulated for the partners to reach a Final Investment Decision, underscoring the State's vested interest in advancing this pivotal project. "We want to make some good announcements at the mining conference in Sydney.”

A new player in the mining industry has been introduced to the country. Prime Minister James Marape welcomed Newmont Corporation, the world's leading gold company, into Papua New Guinea. He made the welcome, during a joint press conference with Peter Toth, Chief Development Officer of Newmont, marking the company's acquisition of all Newcrest operations in PNG. Prime Minister Marape said the significance of this corporate transaction, as Newmont assumes control of all Newcrest operations in Papua New Guinea, including the Lihir mine in New Ireland and the Wafi-Golpu project in Morobe. "It adds value to Papua New Guinea's global branding as an investment destination. What this country effectively has now is the world's No. 1 gold company." He further highlighted that both Newmont and Barrick, the world's second-largest gold company, are now operating in PNG, reinforcing the country's appeal as a favourable investment destination for mining. Prime Minister Marape expressed his gratitude to Newmont's Chief Executive Officer, Tom Palmer, Toth, and the Newmont executive team for their faith in PNG as an investment destination. He highlighted his firm stance during negotiations, emphasising the importance of the company being headquartered in PNG, a commitment that Newmont has agreed to with plans to establish an office in the country. Additionally, the Prime Minister announced an agreement for Newmont to conduct an initial public offering (IPO) on the Port Moresby Stock Exchange, allowing the PNG public to purchase shares of stock to the value of K100 million. He reaffirmed the commitment to the Wafi-Golpu project, stressing the importance of adhering to the agreed timeline and ensuring that the project commences operations as soon as possible. He also called for increased local employment and content, with the preference for nationals to fill positions over expatriates. He further stated that he encouraged the procurement of goods and services within PNG, wherever feasible, to stimulate the local economy.

Although the Fiji Bati may have fallen short of the silverware in the inaugural Pacific Championships Bowl Challenge, the team can hold their heads high for the stunning performance they have given rugby league fans over the past 3 weeks here in Papua New Guinea. Fiji Bati coach, Wise Kativerata post match, hailed his boys for their outstanding performance, given the number of debutants that were fielded in this year’s international Rugby League Calendar. “We got a lot of young kids in the dressing room, and I said to them you gotta put your heads up. It’s a building block for the Fiji National Rugby League side. I can’t thank Tui [Kamikamica] for being a great leader for us in this team.” He said for the team, this is a good learning curve for them as they look to build for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup. Nine Bati debutants were bled during the course of the Pacific Championships Bowl Challenge held in Port Moresby, and Kaiverata is grateful for the experience these past 3 weeks. Fiji Bati Captain Tui Kamikamica said he was happy with the outcome of the Pacific champs and called for more international matches to be staged moving forward. “There’s heaps of talent in the Islands. Like imagine PNG, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga. The more we can explore those islands and promote them to come and play more Rugby League.” Kamikamica said he is looking forward to more international matches, especially the Pacific Championships Bowl Challenge next year, which will most likely be hosted in Fiji next year.

Air Niugini has welcomed the arrival of the awaited Boeing 737-800. Arriving this morning to a small reception at the Jackon’s International terminal. Combining the longest range, lowest fuel consumption and widest cabin in the 100-150 seat category, the Boeing 737-800 will be operated by Air Niugini across its domestic and regional network. The new fleet will deliver more capacity and greater reliability across the domestic network and enable the carrier to fly from capital Port Moresby to new destinations across the Asia-Pacific region. This is the first of an expected 6 planes to be received by Air Niugini and PNG.

In front of almost 15, 000 screaming fans at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby, the PNG Kumuls exacted sweet revenge against the Fiji Bati, putting up a brutal defensive effort to claim the inaugural Pacific Championship Bowl final. The Kumuls with last weekend behind them, battled through an intense barrage of attack from the Bati in the early stages of the second half to cruise to a 32 - 12 victory. It was a tight arm wrestle in the first half, but Edwin Ipape would break the dead lock, bumping through a number of defenders to cross over in the 15th minute. This opened the door for the Home team to go to 18 up as they exploited the Bati's right hand defense. Rob Derby crossing twice, grabbing his double in Kumul colours. A try as well by Alex Johnston saw the Kumuls at 26 before the break. The second half saw an intense defensive effort from the Kumuls, but the Bati were not done yet. Waqa Blake scoring twice for the visitors. With the intensity of the match at full capacity, tensions boiled over, both Epel Kapinias and Taane Milne both binned at separate occasions. Kapinias would have the last laugh, scoring the final try of the match and taking the Game out of the Bati's reach and securing a 32 - 12 victory.

After responding to the cry of the people of Hanuabada village regarding the spike in illicit alcohol related incidents and consumptions of home brewed alcohol, NCD Metropolitan Superintendent Silva Sika has advised that police will be compelled to enforce the Distillation Act to address the issue. The Met. Supt. said this following a consultation held with the villagers of Hanuabada this morning, which saw many concerned villagers express discontent with how much damage the illicit substance has brought to their community between the 9 years hiatus by the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC). “Section 45 of the Distillation Act, it spells or outlines every law concerning the distillation of illicit alcohol products. So, if anybody is caught after this meeting here, will face the full brunt of the law.” This comes after consultation with village members and the Met. Supt. is adamant that NCD police will be working with everybody to ensure law is enforced in the village. “People must stop doing illegal activities and making business the illegal way. Because the consequences mean the law will come upon them, without hesitation the law will deal with them.” The punishment for failure of adhering to the Distillation Act includes a K5, 000 fine and one and a half years of imprisonment.

After a year and two months, the Wewak Open seat in the East Sepik Province official has a new Member of Parliament (MP) following the death of former MP, late Kevin Isifu. Stanley Muts Samban, the newly elected Member for Wewak, today was officially sworn in as Member in a short ceremony at the Parliament House State Function Room this morning. Acting Speaker of Parliament Koni Iguan, officiated the swearing-in ceremony for Member for Wewak Open Electorate with the declaration and signing of oath, done in the presence of the Governor of East Sepik Province, Allan Bird, MP and National Capital District (NCD) Governor, Powes Pakop, MP. Stanley Muts Samban, a member of the Social Democratic Party will now officially take over the duties as member for Wewak.

As the days continue to countdown to the Oceania 7s, the PNG Palais are getting ready to take to the international stage once again in a fight to secure a spot in the Paris Olympics. PNG Women’s 7s coach, Cecil Davani told PNG HAUSBUNG that preparations have been going well so far. The Palais have been training for about six to eight weeks now and although they may have a couple of walking wounded in the team, the girls are ready to jet off to Brisbane next week for a full week of 7s Rugby. “We’ve managed to get a decent squad together so were able to cover up those injuries quickly, so far things have been going well, we’re quietly confident that we will do well at the tournament.” According to coach Davani, the core of the Palais team is made up of those that travelled for the HSBC World Seven’s Series in Sydney at the beginning of the year and the World Rugby Challengers Series in South Africa in April. Davani said there were a couple of new flyers in the team, and they are excited to see them take part. “We’ve got some experienced hands in Mavis Biyama, Fatima Rama, Alice Alois and Esther Gigimat. These girls will sort of be the foundation. They’ll be the core that we’ll build the team from.” Joanne Logona has also been called in recently, bringing her experience to the side as well. Davani stated that it’s a good dynamic team for them at the moment, with both the experience from the older girls and the talent of the younger girls both complementing each other. “Even the younger girls that are in the team, girls like Magdelene Swaki, Jessica Rifireka, and Joyce Taravuna. They’re relatively fresh internationally but they’ve been training in the system for over a year now so it’s nothing new to them in terms of how we want to play our game.” With Australia and New Zealand already qualifying for the Paris Olympics in the women’s division, the Palais now got their eyes on Fiji and Samoa, noting their dominance in the region and will be looking to put up a fight. But Davani said you can never count out teams like the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. Both the men’s and women’s teams will depart for Brisbane next Tuesday.

Australia in its aim to deepen its relationship with Papua New Guinea (PNG) recently donated two new light transport aircraft to the PNG Defense force in the form of two new PAC 750 light transport aircraft. Australian Assistant Minister for Defence, Mr. Matt Thistlethwaite joined PNG Deputy Prime Minister, John Rosso, to formally handover of the aircraft in Port Moresby. In consultation with the PNGDF, the PAC 750 aircraft was selected because of its ability to take off from short and remote airfields. An asset given PNG’s diverse terrain and geography. The new aircraft will enhance existing activities already underway through the Defence Cooperation Program, including the recently announced Defence Pacific Air Program which sees a RAAF C27J operating from PNG to support PNG Government and the PNGDF. Australia and PNG also continued to partner in support of PNG’s security infrastructure priorities, with construction works underway to refurbish the PNGDF’s Air Transport Wing at Jackson’s International Airport in Port Moresby.

With the result of the 27-points deficit loss still stinging PNG Kumuls Coach, Justin Holbrook, getting better for the final game is pivotal to getting revenge against the old foe. The Kumuls have one chance to get back against the Fiji Bati in the Pacific Championships Bowl final this Sunday. Holbrook said that his side wasn’t able to handle the speed off the ruck and admitted that they will need to improve their discipline, something that they have been doing for the past few games. “We just gave Fiji too many opportunities which we don’t want to do this week.” The Kumuls coach said last week he wanted to give the guys who made the effort to come over from the UK a chance to run and so far, some of the boys over the previous matches in camp have made a good impression for Holbrook. He said he was happy with the players’ individual performances, but rather of the team performance as a whole. “I wasn’t happy with any individual performance; I was unhappy with the way we played collectively as a team. But you got to learn from it.” He said for the last couple of weeks they have been doing well and the expectation to win easily cost them the game.

Finally, Air Niugini has officially signed a firm order for the purchase of six A220 series 100 jets. The order was announced at a special event in in the capital by Gary Seddon, Acting Chief Executive Air Niugini and Anand Stanley, President of Airbus Asia-Pacific. In addition to this, the airline will lease a further two A220-100s and three larger A220-300s from third party lessors, for a total fleet of eleven aircraft. The eleven new A220 jets will replace Air Niugini’s existing fleet of Fokker 100/70s and Boeing 737s on domestic, regional and international routes from next year onwards. Seddon stated that this is a milestone in the history of the national airline as the A220 brings with it the latest technology, fuel efficiency, and the most comfortable passenger cabin in its class, and will transform the way the nation flies. “The A220s will primarily service our domestic routes, but also have the flexibility to operate new regional international routes of up to 7 hours duration, which will support the growth of trade and tourism for Papua New Guinea”. Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International, said “The efficiency and range capability of the A220 make it the perfect solution for Air Niugini’s network as it charts a new trajectory. We thank Air Niugini for its confidence in Airbus and are committed to offering our full support to the airline as it transitions to its new fleet.” As at the end of September, Airbus has received over 800 orders from around 30 customers for the A220, of which more than 280 have been delivered. The A220 is already in successful service with 17 airlines worldwide.