The Modilon General Hospital in Madang Province reported three deaths and 21 injuries after two separate road accidents that happened during the early weeks of January. Dr. Jude Gawi explained, that the two deaths and the 21 injuries were from a coaster bus that got into an accident while the other diseased was the result of a hit and run accident. “Right now, the doctors are working to carry a out post mortem and then we will clear off all the bodies at the morgue”. Dr. Gawi stated, so far the hospital has been quite with no major diseases and Covid 19 cases at the hospital. “The hospital is operating well, no serious cases reported to us yet”. With the delay of drug supply from Lae Medical store, the staff of Modilon Hospital have capitalized on collecting extra medical drugs from the health centers that have not been used. In a report from Dr. Gawi, he said while they keep waiting for the supply to come in at the end of this month the hospital is treating patients well and they find no issue with medication. Dr. Gawi added, their surveillance team is in place already and at the moment the Emergency Department has been on high alert for any cases that may be brought in. Meanwhile management of the Modilon Hospital have started off well in the new year carrying out several projects targeting main areas of the hospital. Dr. Gawi highlighted, as part of their infrastructure plan they are looking at rebuilding the labor ward which would help cater for the all pregnant mothers coming to the hospital. “We see that we need to build a proper labor ward for the mothers coming to give birth”. In the meantime, the team has started with other upgrades and maintenance to facilities within the wards and hospital buildings.

Elmari Pukai was the recipient of the K2, 500 school fee assistance from the office of East New Britain Governor, Michael Marum. Project officer Birau Redin said, the pledge was made during the Keravat National School graduation in November 2022. The cheque was presented on Tuesday by the Project Officer Mr. Redin and witnessed by DPA Corporate Services, Marakan Uvano. Officer Redin explained that it is the first time the Governor is supporting such students and their main reason for that is to appreciate the students for their best performance as well as encouraging them to further studies in tertiary institutions. “This can be to anyone in the East New Britain Province especially students attending the Keravat National High School”. Elmari, who is looking forward to tertiary studies at the University of Technology, is grateful for the assistance provided by the Governor Marum. “I thanked Governor Marum and the East New Britain Provincial government for the support and this motivation to next chapter in my education," she said. “I would also like to extend my gratitude and thanks to all the teachers of Keravat National High School especially to my class matron Ms. Esther Pitep for her encouragement to keep working hard and give the best”. “Not forgetting my family for always being there for me in every day of my life and giving the inspirations I needed”. Miss. Pukai will be leaving for University studies at resumption of the academic year to take up Bachelor of Business Management, which she is confident and ready to learn new things and be in a new environment. “It is all about God and I thank him for the many blessings." “It will be an awesome journey for me and I’ll try to do my best again and maintain my performance”.  

A call for change in the boxing boards will only be directed from the Minister for Sports or other respective sports foundations within the country and not from Mr. Elvin Wafewa, PNG’s professional boxing gymnasium president. That's the statement from the Chairman of the PNG Professional Boxing Control Board, Mr Bernard Fong when making a public response to an article that was published in one of the daily newspapers on the 9th of January this year. Mr Fong made this respond when President for PNG professional boxing gymnasium Mr. Wafewa made a call in an article in one of the daily’s for a change in the boxing board. Mr. Elvin claimed that the boxing board has not been fulfilling their obligations on promoting boxing in the country and he called on the sports minister to appoint new board members to develop the sporting code to the highest level in PNG. However, Mr Fong stated that a call for change in the boxing board will only be directed from the Minister for Sports or other respective sports foundations within the country and the board only acts as a regulator for boxing. “The control board is not a promotor of professional boxing, they are regulators. Promotors apply for license and when approved, they do all the promoting,” said Mr Fong. “And now there’s a call for change, but question is, has the board done something bad that needs change? “asked Mr Fong. Mr. Fong claimed that this is the first time in history of someone being negative towards the board and he is pretty sure about the possible reasons behind the call to change the board statement made by Mr Elvin’s. “In one way he’s trying his best, in another way he’s not doing the right thing. At the end of the day you got to do the right thing, there is no such thing as halfway either you comply or don’t comply”, he said. Fong urges the boxing president to formally come out clear and follow appropriate procedures to call for change in the boxing board. Currently the Oceania Fight Promotions (OFP) is doing a great job in screening every applicant’s information before they participate in the sport. This is to avoid any unnecessary future incidents like the death of an amateur fighter a year ago due to medical constraints. Mr Fong is calling for more participation in boxing, “I’d like people to rally behind boxing as I know there’s a lot of support nationwide and I just want them to come together, and hopefully through the media they can be informed of what is happening”. We wish to give out as much information as we can about boxing and the upcoming events, for instance the upcoming fight is confirmed and all parties have agreed to this competition." He highlighted one of the upcoming fight that all parties have agreed to take part in the competition is the fight in Australia that will be happening in June this year and he is extending the invitation to local fighters to join stating that all costs will be covered by the Australian Promotor. “We need more tournaments and people with the heart of boxing and those that are organizing fights to do the right thing and and raise our standards, only through raising standards you will get more sponsors and get better fighters”.  

Staff of the PNG Forest Product company in Bulolo, Morobe underwent a two day training conducted by the St. John Ambulance staff this week. The training started off with the staff doing practices on each of the different methods of attending to casualties. Representative from the engineering department, Mr. Oscar Burangat reported that 28 departments of the PNG Forest Product participated in the training and they will be certified with certificates of first aider after successfully completing the sessions. Mr. Burangat said that there have been a lot of staff injured at their workplace; therefore, the training was a bonus to the company to help them in times of emergency or accidents. “Previously the company was attached to Red Cross, but St. John has come on and had developed partnership to respond to emergency cases arising within our working environment”. “Every year we experience at least an accident in each of the department”. Mr. Burangat stated that the training has given them the necessary skills to treat people who are in unconscious condition. “We are not trained doctors or nurses but first aiders to always respond first and attend as soon as possible to any casualty”. “Our job is complete when we do referrals to doctors or staff of St. John who are the rightful people to give medications. We also have limitations and boundaries working as first aiders”. The staff of PNG Forest Product Company are advised that after receiving certificates they will be the front liners helping their colleagues.  

Hunters is looking forward to an interesting season this year when they kick start their games with two rounds away from home. According to Head Coad Stanley Tepend, the team is geared up and excited to playing 11 home games in front of the supporters and fans at the National Football in Port Moresby. “We have not had that privilege of playing home games in the last two seasons”. “The boys are looking forward to playing in front of their families,” he said. “It is really exciting for us to come back and play here in Port Moresby”. Coach Tepend added that this would be a great opportunity and he is confident the PNG Hunters will have an outstanding performance this season. He further highlighted that the boys have been good so far and they have really picked during trainings. “We still got a lot of hard work to do yet, which hopefully the remaining nine weeks, we concentrate on building the best team ready for the season”. Meanwhile, Tepend confirmed that four team members were called to the Redcliff Dolphins camp on a train and trial deal. “Four of our boys have travelled down to Redcliff on Monday, Rodrick Tai, Sherwin Tanabe, Emmanuel Waine and Judah Rimbu”. “Three of those guys are current Kumuls except for Judah Rimbu." The four will be spending eight weeks at Redcliff. Mr. Tepend is grateful for the partnership with Redcliff Dolphins not only for the PNG Hunters but the Country as a whole. “We hope that the boys will learn as much as they can while they are down there, and if Wayne Bennet and coaching staff keep them down there, it would be great.” The partnership between the Dolphins and PNG Hunters is the first of its kind and that Coach Tepend and the team hopes it continues for the years to come.

Eastern Highlands Province 9s team 5Mile Spartans is set to take part in the challenge for the Southern Highlands Province 9s tournament to be held on the 22nd to the 26th of this month in Mendi. The team 5Mile Spartans came about in Gahuku LLG, Goroka District and started their journey in the field five (5) years ago. Ever since the team started taking part in tournaments, they always make it to the finals. The team’s captain Steven Kimisive said it is a privilege to lead such a team that has produced some elites in the national rugby teams. He admitted that being the team leader comes with great responsibility and expectations from team members and supporters as well. “I am very excited and fortunate to be part of the SHP Rugby 9s tournament leading my team players so they can have an opportunity to expose their talents in the field” says captain Kimisive. Team Spartans paid their registration fee of K1000 on the 29th of December, 2022 and have been preparing for the big game since then. Although they’ve been busy with their trainings, they are also doing little fundraisings to raise funds for the team. So far the team did not receive any funds from anyone or any organization so the little fundraisings they are doing will help them with travelling and other needs of the team. Captain Kimisive said some of the challenges he faced as the team captain is when disciplining his team members who are older than him and also the struggle with financial issues. Besides that, he believes that things will work out for them. SP Hunters players Brandon Nima and Norman Brown started their rugby journey with 5Mile Spartans before joining the Hunters and that’s one thing the team always takes pride in.

The Capital Touch is now looking forward to kick start again its tournament after five years of no competition. After a committee meeting today, the executives have finalized the dates and are confident of hosting the kick start the pre-season on 22nd to the 29th of January followed by the proper season. According to President of Capital Touch Association Greg Donald, they have secured the venue at the Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby to host the competition. Development and Technical officer for PNG Touch Federation Billy Karava, confirmed the tournament will be used to bring the vast number of talented youths in the city and give them an opportunity to represent Capital Touch Association at the National Championship in Oro Province. “There are a lot of emerging youths with potentials and good talents we seeing in the communities. The revival of this association is to help them, provide the avenue which they can showcase those talents and be better at it.” Mr. Karava highlighted that they wanted to bring together the pioneer clubs and players to promote good health, which would help them stay fit. “It is also confirmed, we are including all the divisions starting from Juniors up to masters as it is a family oriented sport”. There are eight teams that have confirmed to participate in the competition after invitation letters were sent out. “We have not set the team registration fees, once we have the first meeting with all teams during the pre-season, we are going to finalize things so at least the teams have their say on it”. Mr. Karava said that the association is starting with whatever resources and capital they have with no major sponsors, but they hope to seek assistance from corporate companies in the future. He encouraged the former players of the Association to come along and support the competition which they are doing for the best interest of everyone. “One of the focus is involving the kids, parents, and grand parents who love playing touch footy to come and have fun together”. Mr. Karava is pleased to be one of the executives and he thanked the PNG Sports Foundation and Touch Federation PNG for their full support. “I am working with President Greg and other like minded people to at least get this tournament rolled out and get to have the best team to go to Popondetta Town on the 7th of April”.

The National title champions for Karate will take place this year at Kimbe, in West New Britain Province. After the tournament in Kimbe, the executives and committee for PNG Karate Federation will be selecting a development team to start preparing towards the Pacific Games. National Coach Sensei Julias Piku said the squad for the International Championship will compromise a 17 men squad. They are hoping to have a 17 men squad around April, with their main athletes to come from Lae and Port Moresby as well as outside provinces. “Our focus is preparing them to have a good mindset so by then they will posses the right champion mindset. On that same note, encouraging them on a good sporting attitude and to believe in themselves”. “We want to be the best receiving more gold medals, in the National Olympics”. “PNG High Performance Centre is going to assist us to make sure the athletes are well and fit to represent the country”. Meanwhile, East Gate Karate Academy have resumed classes and is now open to interested individuals to join. The registration fee is K250 for the whole year and will be closing on the 20th of February. Teacher Sensei Julias Piku said, the East Gate Karate Academy has been operating for three years and they are affiliated to the National PNG Karate federation which they do selections for their athletes to represent team PNG in national tournaments. Mr. Piku added, there are two classes they run, and they are the kids classes and the adult classes along with those coming in as first timers. “For kids classes, they are from the age ranging from 5 to 6 where as the adult is a combination of teenagers between the ages of 12 to 17 and adults 18 and above”. “Their training sessions are Saturdays and Sundays and they usually pay a fee of K20. On Mondays and Tuesdays, we allow them to do their private training starting 10am to 3pm in the afternoon”. The East Gate Karate Academy will be conducting their annual grading for athletes at the end of this year on the 11th of December. According to Mr. Piku, last year 60 plus athletes successfully passed the test and he is looking forward for more to be in the annual grading this year. Tests will cover receiving belts for the yellow belts, orange belt, green belt, blue belt, purple belt, and brown belt. Mr. Piku explained, for the black belts they usually send their athlete to go through annual grading at the Brisbane  Headquaters. “There is one athlete, Andrew Molen he will be traveling to Brisbane to do his black belt there”.

Police in East New Britain Province are looking forward to working with communities and other sectors to contain illegal activities according to East New Britain Provincial Commander Vosivai Janarius. “More community engagement and community policing will be established within communities so respective elders or community leaders will assist police to fight crime and uphold the law.” Moving forward into the year, awareness and community policing will be incorporated into church groups, private sectors, wards and communities within the province to ensure people are safe and police can conduct their work effectively. PPC Janarius said the police will work on establishing and strengthening their relationship with members of the community and other influential factors this year, specifically to keep youths away from illegal activities. “We had ongoing challenges last year in terms of equipment and operational manpower and the police cannot be everywhere at once, so it is effective that we work with communities to uphold the law.” Vosivai announced that there will be more recruitment of police personnel this year and more effective police operations will be rolled out to deal with both minor and major incidents. Despite this, the ENB PPC upon giving an overview of the festive celebrations within the province has openly expressed that it’s been quiet with the festive operations ending last week. “The festive celebrations within the province has been very quiet despite the homicides incident that occurred, one in Rabaul and the other in Kokopo. All in all, the festive season was celebrated well all throughout the province.” Information surrounding the two homicide incidents are sketchy at the moment as investigations are still ongoing, stated PPC Vosivai.

Residents in Jiwaka Province will be expecting a one week training base on Project Proposal Writing and SME Program at the end of this month at Minz Route Bung in Jiwaka. This Project Proposal & SME Program training will commence on the 23rd of this month and interested participants are expected to pay a fee of K250.00 before the starting date. The people’s need for knowledge on business development and financial literacy has motivated and inspired facilitator Mr. Chris Pati to go out and educate the fellow citizens of Papua New Guinea up in the Highlands region with knowledge he has about business. Many Papua New Guineans are into SME programs but they still struggle in structuring a good business profile which is a requirement in seeking funds from the government. Mr. Pati elaborated that this training will not focus alone on Project Proposal and SME Program but will also provide training on how one can apply for Donor Aid Programs, structuring your group or company profiles and some more other important aspects in handling a business. Based on their motto “Blessed to be a blessing”, Mr Pati aims to help educate the people in rural areas and also to provide them with a fair idea on how they can write a better proposal letter to the government concerning their run down clinics or aid posts, schools and other services in their villages. Some of the trainings provided, people do it every day but the only problem is they are not doing it right. By far, Mr. Pati has been going around to rural areas during holidays running this training since 2018 and has always been satisfied with the outcome and feedbacks from his trainees. While running this workshop, some of the challenges they faced were travelling into rural areas for hours and also to get people to attend the training is another thing. “With the knowledge I have, I felt that I need to share it with the unfortunate ones” says Mr. Pati.

Residents living in the Bumbu Compound in Morobe Province are in dire need of clean water supply. In late November last year and towards this year people have been overcrowding at the All Saints Parish to fetch water for drinking and cooking. Catechist Sabina Peter stated that for 37 years, she has been serving at the ALL Saints Parish and that time she would observe at least more than 50 people coming to the fetch water at the church area. “Mostly all the people in the Bumbu community benefit from the two tanks that we have here at the church." Catechist Sabina added that, at times when water runs out at the church ground, people fetch water at the creek which she said is very unhealthy for them. “It worries me every time when there is a drought in the community, because where can the people get water?. I always feel for their families and especially the little children who need clean water to drink and also to prepare a healthy meal”. “Some people have been sick because of lack of proper and clean water supply in the community”. Catechist Sabina explained that, although they are located in the Ahi LLG in Lae District there has not been any support from their local government and they are urgently calling on the authorities in the district intervene.  

The Kimbe Rookie 7’s ended yesterday with the 3Ways snatching the title after defeating Hoskins Malings for the men’s division, while for the women’s division, the Biala Baikos outplayed the Ewase Arikans to take home the title. Team 3Ways was outstanding in their games coming out with a score line of 24 points to 16 when the Biala Baikos sent the Ewase Malings out with a two points difference of 7- 5. According to Tournament Committee Allan Zairere, the focus of this tournament was to prepare the best team to represent West New Britain at the Sports Tok tournament during the Easter period in Port Moresby. “In this tournament we are bringing out the raw talents of Biala and Hoskins, the young boys and girls that have potential in sport.” “We are selecting the top squad and on that note, we're also doing this early to put the team in order before the big competition.” All teams were fortunate to have local member of parliament Francis Manake as the major sponsor of the tournament with a support of K5, 000 sponsorship. Both champions in the men’s and women’s divisions were presented with cash prize of K1, 500 and a trophy cup. The runner up teams were awarded as well, receiving the plate trophy and cash prize of K500. Mr. Zairere said it was a great responsibility for the organizing team to hosting the tournament. He admitted that there have been a lot of challenge faced prior to their preparation, but they pulled through.