The new season of the International Sports Promotion Society HANDA Professional Golfers Association (ISPS HANDA PGA) Tour of Australasia, will kick off next week with the return of the PNG Open at Royal Port Moresby Golf Club. The tournament will run from the 04th to the 07th of May and will feature many of the players who competed strongly in the past season, including winners such as Jay Mackenzie and Chris Wood. PGA of Australia Director of Tournaments Australasia, Nick Dastey is looking forward to the tournament after the hiatus caused by the pandemic. “It’s great to welcome the PNG Open back to our Tour after COVID-19 made it impossible to stage a tournament in Papua New Guinea (PNG).” “We are always looking to create more playing opportunities for our members, but we also believe we have an important role in promoting the game throughout our island neighbours. “ “Papua New Guinea, Fiji and Samoa have all hosted PGA of Australia-sanctioned tournaments in the past and we have no doubt that will continue in future.” First played in 1977 when Ted Ball won the inaugural event, the PNG Open didn’t become a sanctioned PGA Tour of Australasia event until 2016. This is the first time it has been held since South Australian Peter Cooke’s win in May 2019. Winners since then include Brad Moules, Cory Crawford, Daniel Gale and Cooke, who won by two in his PNG Open debut four years ago and who returns to defend his title. Other prominent players to have entered the PNG Open are Lincoln Tighe, Michael Wright, Josh Armstrong, and Adidas PGA Pro-Am Series Order of Merit winner Tim Hart. Total prize money on offer is $180, 000 as the South Pacific nation restores its connection to the Australasian Tour. Although the 2022-2023 season has only just drawn to a close, Dastey said that the PNG Open provides an ideal opportunity for players to bank early points and potentially improve their category. “The winner at Royal Port Moresby will be exempt on our tour for the next two years so there is always a lot at stake,” Dastey added. “We will likely have a number of players go straight from Final Stage of Qualifying School to PNG where they will have a chance to improve their category position for the bigger events later in the year. “We were really pleased with how the past season finished and we’re confident that the PNG Open won’t be the only new addition to the 2023-2024 schedule.” There are 10 tournament invitations and 14 international tournament invites that will be distributed in the coming week.

Four PNG Orchids have signed up with the North Queensland Cowboys NRLW team for the 2023 Season. “These four PNG Internationals will bring a real diversity to our squad in terms of culture in addition to their experience from playing in the recent World Cup,” said Cowboys NRLW Head Coach Ben Jeffries. “All four players were regular starters at the recent World Cup and just as importantly, are great humans, which is what we look for when attracting players to the Cowboys. “Shellie, Jess, Essay and Sera are at the infancy of their NRLW careers as they search for their debuts, but we know they’re hungry for the opportunity. This will bring energy to our squad, which is infectious within elite sport. “A major part of our recruitment drive was to bring Queensland players into our team and we’re grateful they have chosen to come to the Cowboys.” Banu (Tully) and Long (Innisfail) are both North Queensland products with PNG heritage, who relocated to South East Queensland as teenagers, but will return home to suit up for the Cowboys. Banu was named in the 2022 BMD Premiership Team of the Year at prop after a sensational campaign with Wynnum Manly. The 20-year-old was rewarded with her international debut for the Orchids at the 2022 World Cup. Long came through the North Queensland Marlins pathways and the 2017 Queensland Academy of Sport program with fellow future Cowboys teammates Emma Manzelmann, Jasmine Peters and Reeves. The 22-year-old centre has been in strong form for 2023 BMD Premiership ladder leaders, Souths Logan. A former Queensland under 18s and Queensland Academy of Sport star, Reeves was named Player’s Player for the Orchids at the World Cup. An aggressive middle forward, Reeves played for the Central Coast Roosters in the 2023 Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership. A utility with the ability to play multiple positions, Koroi emerged as a budding star at the World Cup. The 20-year-old is also currently playing for Souths Logan, spending time at both five-eighth and centre over the course of the first five games of the season.  

Commuters and motorists in and around Port Moresby have highlighted the need to address the problem of drainage to fix the recurring issue of large potholes on the city’s roads. Mr. Jimmy Segodi, city resident from the suburbs of Port Moresby revealed that a drain leading into the street he resides on, usually floods the road when it rains heavily. “The main road is good but it is just the street that is concerning, as the flooded drain is washing away portions of the road,” he said. Ms. Gima Renagi who resides at Koki, shared similar thoughts, saying too that the right authorities need to work on the drainage as the worsened road conditions also pose a safety risks for female motorists. “When it rains, the roads flood and when we slow down to avoid the potholes or when we are stuck in traffic during the rains, we may get held up by criminals.” A resident of the Kennedy Estate said potholes along the Highway are unsafe and may lead to motor vehicle accidents. Resident of NPF Compound at 8 Mile, Ms. Rawali Leka said she usually takes the backroad that exits at ATS and this stretch has so many potholes that causes traffic congestions and she usually ends up going to work very late. “We also come back from work very late as well, especially when it rains and it seems like nothing much is being done to fix this issue." Most of the people that PNGHAUSBUNG spoke to shared similar sentiments about the city roads woes and are appealing to the right authorities to come up with a more lasting solution to fix the potholes in the city. [audio mp3="https://pnghausbung.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/POTHOLE-VOXPOP.mp3"][/audio]

A total of six applicants for the current police recruitment drive were busted for drugs in their system after their drug tests came back positive for two different illicit substances. From the total number of applicants, four were tested positive in the Regular Police Recruit Program whilst two were in the Police Cadet Officer Program. Of the four in the regular recruit program, which are three males and one female, two tested positive for marijuana and two for methamphetamine or ice. They were among a total of 213 applicants who did their medical checks on Thursday and Friday last week. These applicants were among a total of 213 applicants for the regular police recruit program who did their medical checks. Deputy Commissioner Administration Joanne Clarkson said of that the 213 who did their medical checks, 26 failed, including the four who tested positive for illicit substances. She said 24 were disqualified on other medical conditions such as eye test, neck nodes related to Tuberculosis, and pregnancy. A total of 185 applicants for the police regular recruit program now advance into the physical training stage of the recruitment process. For the cadet officer program, a total of 83 applicants were scheduled for medical checks last week. However, three did not attend. Two were tested positive for controlled drugs whilst two were disqualified on medical grounds. A total of 76 applicants for police cadet officer now advance into the physical training aspect of the recruitment process. Clarkson said that from a total of 296 candidates that were scheduled for medical checks, 261 candidates have advanced to the physical training which is scheduled for today, Monday April 24. “There are stringent measures being put in place to ensure that academically qualified and physically and medically fit persons are selected to enter the Constabulary’s recruit and officer cadet training programs. “We must get it right from the start where the applicants are shortlisted, screened, tested, and medically checked. In the screening process applicants were required to provide proof of high school certificates, birth certificates and National Identification cards, amongst other requirements. The medical tests are being done to ensure that we recruit healthy people into the police force.” Clarkson also expressed that the police top management’s grave concern is applicants testing positive for illicit substances. She said they will be vigilant and ensure that they are not allowed into the Constabulary. A total of 13, 039 applicants were shortlisted from the 48,772 applications received from across the nation for the recent police recruitment drive to fill 560 positions. A total of 3,985 applicants were shortlisted for the National Capital District, Central and Gulf Provinces.  

The Nadzab Airport in Lae, Morobe Province, will be changed to TOMODACHI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. This was announced by the Minister Transport and Civil Aviation Mr. Walter David Schnaubelt when he accompanied the JICA President Dr. Akihiko Tanaka to the construction site of the Nadzab Airports, as part of an official visit by the JICA President to the country over the last couple of days. Minister Schnaubelt said this name change is an expression of his appreciation for JICA’s support for the project and is an idea from the PNG Prime Minister James Marape to express the close relationship between the two countries, as TOMODACHI means “Friend” in Japanese language. Lae, the second largest economic city in PNG, and it’s Nadzab Airport will be ready for both domestic and international flights after the completion of construction and is expected to further develop PNG. The JICA President Dr. Akihiko Tanaka visited PNG over the past few days with the purpose to exchange views for socio-economic development in the country and to observe the ongoing JICA projects and programs in the country. Prime Minister James Marape expressed his appreciation for the high quality of projects implemented by JICA and his desire to continue to implement initiatives that will support the development of both countries. For JICA’s education program, Dr. Tanaka visited the University of PNG and the Educational Media Centre. At the university, he interacted with students in the JICA Chair Program, which opened in February 2022 as a lecture to study the process of Japan's modernization and economic growth and consider the development of their own country. At the Educational Media Centre, he inspected several creations through JICA program like the remote teaching materials using the science and mathematics textbooks and the teaching materials and instruction manuals for teacher training programs. Those are granted, provided, and developed under Japan’s ODA. Dr. Tanaka expressed his hope for JICA education program, saying that children are the future treasure and education is the cornerstone of a country's development. JICA is keen to enhance PNG’s development, contributing to the sustainable development of the country, and strengthening bilateral relations.

Eda City Bus service celebrated its first year of service in the city on Thursday this week. The Bus service has grown from just 2 buses and now 5 operational buses and 26 staff, service 3 main routes in Port Moresby city from 6am to 6pm. This bus service started last year, amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, overcoming many hurdles and restrictions but the management and staff preserved to consistently provide much needed service. Bus drivers, staff, and the municipal office faced various challenges especially when it first started when local PMV owners protested this service. But thanks to the efforts of NCDC and the Office of the NCD Governor Powes Parkop, a kind of beneficial consensus, allowed the startup of the bus service and it’s continuity. NCD Governor Powes Parkop said since the inception of the Eda City Bus, there have been a number of developments in terms of service routes, capacity and ease for passengers, ticketing and also advances in technology in which Eda City Bus plans to make this service even better. “There's been many positive stories and testimonies reflecting Eda City Bus's successful evolution over the past year, which also serves as a gentle reminder to the management to focus on its role in transforming Port Moresby into a safe, inclusive, modern, vibrant city.” The first anniversary of the Eda City Bus was an opportunity to reflect on the contribution of the service and celebrate the success and transformation of delivery on year of safe, clean, and efficient bus service that the people need and deserve. Meanwhile, NCD City Manager Mr. Frank Ravu while congratulating Eda City Bus, also thanked the NCDC, stakeholders and staff of Eda City Bus for their tremendous dedication, resilience, and service over this past year.

The Skel Rice Junior Mixed Singles Tournament held recently at the Port Moresby Racquets Club, wrapped up on a high note. The Tennis Tournament Director at the POMRC, Mr. Eddie Mera said they had four junior divisions who took part in the tournament. The results for the tournament are as follows; Under 8 Mixed Singles 1st Mika Tabuchi 2nd Namish Vijayakumar 3rd Maria Makaela Belen Special Award - Elijah Mera Under 10 Mixed Singles 1st River Jorden Hakena 2nd Darren Kiapen 3rd Andrew Aisi Special Award - Jonalyn Waratovo Under 12 Mixed Singles 1st Karadnath Inbasekar 2nd Indiana Kaiulo 3rd Ethan Doyle Brown Special Award – Arthur Was Under 14 Mixed Singles 1st Thomas Hyun 2nd Ivan Mera 3rd Dante Kiapen Special Award – Christelda Wash Under 16 Mixed Singles 1st Christopher Kaiuplo 2nd Michael Kapolis 3rd Pauline Huyn Special Award – Namet Sanewai “The kids did really well." "As expected, the squad kids got the top spot in all events." "All the players did so well and played really good tennis over the 3 days of tournament.” The Tennis Tournament Director extended a word of gratitude to the sponsors of the Tournament. “A big thanks to Skel Rice for sponsoring the Skel Rice Junior Mixed Singles Tournament." "Also, a special thanks to Port Moresby Racquets Club, players, parents and coaches for making this tournament a success.” This tournament was also the first time that the POMRC introduced a new play make called the Fast Four Format. This tournament is one of a number in the lead up to the junior’s international tournaments.

BSP issued a word of thanks to customers for your patience following technical issue impacted account balance availability, system connectivity and batch payments, which resulted in some customer payroll payments and other payments being delayed. The BSP Group CEO Mark Robinson said they are continuing to fine-tune its operations under the new Banking System and confirms KunduPei service is now online. “Cheque processing issues are being addressed and government payrolls, along with most other organizations’ payments have been processed and the remaining delayed payments will be prioritised for clearing.” “BSP acknowledges some customers have been let down by the level of customer service they received from BSP after the implementation of our new Banking System." "BSP is sorry our communication to customers has not always been as frequent as necessary.” The bank has further reassured customers and clients that banking account records are secure and correct and their technical teams are putting in place extra measures to minimise interruptions to customer banking services. Since the implementation of the new Banking System, the Mobile Banking network is operating normally, with an average of 357,000 transactions occurring each day over the past week. Furthermore, EFTPoS transactions have increased to an average of 140,000 per day in the past week, which is well above 120,000 daily average in March, under the old Banking System. ATM transaction volumes are largely unchanged at about 90,000 per day under the new Banking System. BSP advises that if customers are still experiencing issues with their accounts, or payments, and have any issues accessing BSP Internet, Mobile or other banking services to get in contact with their dedicated 24/7 Customer Service Team via the BSP Customer Call Centre to access support. The BSP Website also contains the latest Customer Notices and Product information.

“The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, is only as good as they people around us.” These were the welcoming words of the Minister Internal Security Peter Tsiamalili Jnr to friends and development partners of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, when opening the Maiden Strategic Partnership Engagement Forum (SPEF) today at the Hilton Hotel in Port Moresby. “This forum is about the people around the RPNGC and each and every one of you here, in your space, also have an interest in what is our mandated constitutional responsibility and I just want to appreciate each and every one of you for being part of the RPNGC in looking after and managing law and order because it is everyone’s responsibility.” He said the forum was about connecting people that are in the driver’s seat and how they can all align each other’s resources and intellectual properties to do better in their duties. “We don’t have all the answers but if we work as a team in addressing law and order space, I believe we can leapfrog some of our impediments with our development.” The Internal Security Minister said the Marape-Rosso Government has made it clear that the RPNGC needs collaboration to maintain law and order in the country. “We can mitigate or arrest the current challenges that we face with our people and the continuous dynamics that happens within our space if we can all collaboratively work together in helping us better our service to our people and our country.” The Minister also highlighted that a change in approach is needed, and all the development partners are in strategic positions to help the RPNGC. “Hopefully we can reciprocate this service by what we do in our space, and I hope our discussions today will help us be effective in our strategic alignment, cooperating a lot more than what we have had in the past but more importantly you get a chance to see face to face with ACPs, DCPs, COP and build your relationships." Minister Tsiamalili also added that today’s forum was an important opportunity and he commended the Police Commissioner and his Executive Management and all the hierarchy of the constabulary that were present at today’s forum, for efforts in bring together the RPNGC with development partners. “We appreciate all your efforts thus far and we hope that this alignment and the continue interface going forward with the RPNGC will bring confidence to our people but more importantly, the sovereignty of this nation Papua New Guinea.”

The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary’s Maiden Strategic Partnership Engagement Forum Is underway today, at the Hilton Hotel in Port Moresby. The aim of this forum was to enchance & foster partnerships with existing and emerging key stakeholders to advance the RPNGC's strategic priorities & respond to government reforms. In his opening remarks, RPNGC Commissioner David Manning said today's forum was consistent with his statement at the start of this year, that 2023 is the year of law & order and aligns with realizing the Government's Vision 2050. "We have seen the capabilities of investment from our partners to improve and respond to crime, but there's more to be with our partners." Commissioner Manning asked the partners present at the Forum to examine the RPNGC's Corporate Plan and consider what strategic outcomes along with their priorities and capabilities. "It is only through a transparent & organized approach that we can script partnerships to deliver and improve and build a safer Papua New Guinea." Also present at the opening of the forum was the Minister for Internal Security Peter Tsiamalili Jnr, DCP Admin Joan Clarkson, DCP Dr. Philip Mitna, various other executives of the RPNGC, the Australian Federal Police, representatives from strategic partners in various industries in the country, as well military representatives from the Chinese Government and the Red Cross as well.

The Papua New Guinea (PNG) National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) has picked up an existing partnership with the Mauberema Conservation Center in Sinesine Yonggomugl in the Chimbu Province, by supplying the center with native bean seed varieties. Mauberema Conservation Center Founder, Mr. Kerry Moses mentioned that this partnership was initially set up in 2019, when the NARI set up a kind of demonstration plot for bean seedlings. “Back then, we planted 22 different varieties of bean and we looked at genetically maintaining these beans.” Mr. Moses said the local Mauberema kids got involved in the setting up of these plot and had a first-hand opportunity to learn how to grow and maintain beans. “NARI has provided gardening tools and they showed us how to grow buffalo grass, which is a grass that helps to prevent soil erosion and will help in maintaining our native bean plot.” It is hoped that this continued partnership will improve food security by maintaining the cultivating of native food crops.

The Investment Promotion Authority of PNG through the Office of the Registrar has successfully completed it data migration process. This means entity records from the old registry are outdated and not relevant. Clients who need to access historical information about their entities must search the new registry to get updated information. The information presented will now reflect what was there before the new system went live last year. Meaning, if you search for a registered company, you will be presented with information on who were the last directors, shareholders or the last registered office. The Acting Registrar Harriet Kokiva has advised key users of the IPA’s online registration, especially those that use the registry for their business services such as banks and regulatory agencies, to accept a Certificate of Good Standing (COGS) as evidence of an existing entity when clients present them to use their services. “We urge banks and financial institutions to clear any misunderstandings on extracts and COGS." "As long as COGS are generated by the IPA’s new registry system, they confirm the information maintained by the Registrar of Companies.” She also provided that a fee of K20 is payable for a COGS in short form (shows current information only) or K50 for COGS in long form (shows both current and historical information). The Registrar can certify COGS at a fee of K100 per COG. This fee is in addition to the COGs fees. It is now on business entities to make sure they have reregistered or have filed their transitional update so that COGS are generated. The following are immediate impacts of the exercise on extracts and entity searches; • The Registrar of Companies has ceased to generate extracts from the old system as they now contain outdated information. • Records migrated from the old system are known as historical information. • A Certificate of Good Standing (COGS) is an extract certified by the Registrar pursuant to s398(2) and s397(4) and (5). • The COGS and Certificate of Reregistration are available and can be generated for a fee for Companies that have been reregistered. • COGS can be accessed for Business Names, Business Groups, Associations and Foreign Enterprises that have filed their transitional update notice. No Certificate is issued when one of these entities has completed its transitional update notice. • For companies which have not re-registered and Business Names, Business Groups, Associations and Foreign Enterprises which have not yet filed their transitional update notices, only their historical information will be presented. These business entities must be urged to reregister or file their transitional update notices so that COGS will be generated. • Certificates and COGS are available for new entities that have been registered or renewed since 1 December 2022. More information on the impact of the migration can be found on the Online Registries home page and How to Guides on the IPA Website.