The Madang Provincial Police Commander (PPC) in a statement released today says that the search for a missing boat and its passengers continues at this time as more reports come in to help police further investigate the disappearance of the boat. The PPC, Acting Superintendent Robert Baim stated that the tragic incident unfolded on Tuesday, 12th March 2024, when a boat carrying seven passengers along with the skipper and crew, capsized in rough seas. The missing individuals are believed to be drifting along the coastlines or islands of Morobe, Manus, West New Britain, East and West Sepik provinces. The Madang Trans-National Crimes and National Criminal Intelligence Unit (TCU-NCIU) received reports after family members disseminated information through text messages and social media platforms. This raised the alarm and prompted concerned authorities to initiate search and rescue operations. TCU-NCIU Madang has been collaborating with various agencies, including National and Provincial Disaster Management Authorities, PNG NMSA, PNG NFA, Customs PNG, PNG DF Navy, National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), and social media platforms, to disseminate information and seek assistance from neighboring Maritime Provinces. Preliminary investigations have revealed that the boat involved in the mishap was a 23-foot orange-colored vessel powered by a 40hp outboard motor, belonging to Mr. Sebastian from Mamgak Village, Ward 04 of Saidor Local Level Government (LLG) in the Rai Coast District of Madang Province. The skipper, Mr. Orise Barabang from Baru Ward 03 of Saidor LLG, was operating the boat at the time of the incident. The boat departed from Round Wara/Gagasi Lagoon in Madang town on Tuesday, 12th March 2024, at 01:30 pm, bound for Saidor/Rai Coast. Although initially carrying 11 passengers, three were offloaded at Kranket Island due to adverse weather conditions, leaving nine passengers on board for Raicoast. Among the missing passengers is Mr. Lawerance Numihahu, a primary school teacher, along with several others from Saidor LLG and nearby areas. Ongoing search and rescue efforts include gathering information and recovering Mr. Numihahu's belongings that was found on Siassi Island in Morobe Province. TCU-NCIU Madang is actively collaborating with Mr. Numihahu's family and other stakeholders to piece together the events that led up to the mishap and locate the missing individuals. However, there have been recent developments, including mobile phone communications indicating a potential hostage situation. This is also under investigation. PPC Baim has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any relevant information to the authorities. Search and rescue operations, coupled with intelligence gathering efforts, are continuing to locate the missing persons and determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Pink Panda powerfully pawed out a win in the mix-doubles tournament in the pool competition. The champs blacked out the premiership title, claiming the prestigious K3,000 cash prize and two trophies presented to team members, Kelly Yambi and Dolly Berua, in a handy 4-1 victory in a best-of-7-frames battle on Thursday last week. The three-week mixed doubles pool tournament, organized by the Lamana Hotel in Port Moresby, featured 40 teams and was divided into 8 pools of 5 teams each. From the 40 teams, Black Panther, Pink Panda, Ariku Snipers and Besties made the semifinals before Panda and Panther went head-to-head in the grand final after belting Snipers and Besties respectively. The Panthers, consisting of James Kuni and Mary English, had to retract their claws, walking away with K2, 000 cash. In other awards, semifinalists Ariku Snipers (Ralph Kaina & Mrs. Kaina) and Besties (Noel Ramos/Gina Matapere) received K500 each. Four teams that made the quarter-final and received K250 each were Karameka (Ipi Oala/Konio Vani), Welawee (Willie Vaieka/Kila Vare), Aripuari (Welton Gai/Emily Andrew) and Chalk & Pot (Lee Thomas/Loi Nou). The top-seeded prize of K200 went to team 1 Piece (Eure Kea/Ore Kea). Kelly, Panda’s team captain, expressed gratitude towards Lamana Hotel and Tournament Director, Maryanne Accorin for ensuring the peaceful conduct of the tournament and also conveyed appreciation to their sponsor Jacky Woo and Dr. Sam Yakopua for their generous support. In return, Accorin, extended thanks to all participants, emphasizing their indispensable contribution to the tournament's success and progression.

Manager of the Junior PNG Squash team, Merlyn Alarcos has provided some helpful insights into the journey of Papua New Guinea's emerging squash talents, Feanor Siaguru and Amity Alarcos, as they strive for success on the professional stage. Reflecting on their dedicated training schedule in Brisbane over the past year, Merlyn highlights the challenges of balancing athletic pursuits with academic responsibilities. "Juggling time for training and completing assignments is a significant effort, especially when both the training center and facilities are nearly 40 minutes apart," she remarked. Despite these logistical hurdles, she said Amity manages to secure 3 to 4 days of court time per week, demonstrating her commitment to both her sport and studies. However, Feanor's journey, sponsored by Port Moresby Racquets Club and PNG Squash Federation, is underscored by the uncertainty of future sponsorship. Merlyn acknowledges the pivotal role sponsorship plays in Feanor's continued participation and expresses hope for increased support to nurture his considerable potential. As Feanor and Amity prepare for upcoming tournaments, including the Professional Squash Association (PSA) events, Merlyn emphasizes the significance of these opportunities in their development. "Just gaining professional points and experience against tough opponents is a win in itself," she asserted, while highlighting the importance of exposure to elite competition. Despite realistic expectations of facing formidable adversaries, Merlyn underscores the value of the learning experience, particularly against top-ranked players from Oceania. Moreover, Feanor's potential wildcard entry into the tournament symbolizes a beacon of hope for future PNG players, inspiring confidence in the accessibility of opportunities within the sport. However, Merlyn acknowledged that the stark reality of limited corporate support for elite athletes in PNG, has further emphasized the need for increased investment in their development. "We're seeking support for Feanor and the men's squad as we prepare for the upcoming Tahiti Pacific Games," she revealed, when emphasizing on the pivotal role of corporate backing in elevating PNG’s presence on the international stage. As Feanor Siaguru, Josh Porter, and Amity Alarcos continue their ascent in the PSA rankings, Merlyn's insights shed light on the dedication, resilience, and potential that define PNG’s burgeoning squash stars. Their journey serves as a testament to the talent and determination thriving within the country's sporting landscape, offering inspiration to athletes nationwide.

The Keynote Music House of Papua New Guinea (PNG), the oldest distributor of musical instruments, equipment and accessories in the country, announced that they are stoked and privileged to be sponsoring the prestigious Justin Kili Award category of the YUMIFM PNG MUSIK AWARDS 2024. Mr. Emmanuel Korai, Keynote’s Sales Manager for External Sales Customers stated that as providers of professional audio and musical equipment, Keynote is taking this as an opportunity to brandish its name in the biggest music awards show in PNG, and also as another way to give back to the music community. “With the sort of Industry that we are in, and with PNGFM being leaders in media, especially radio, it kind of works along with what we are as a company and what we provide.” “We saw this as an opportunity to give back to the entertainment, media and music industry in PNG. A few of them come and purchase equipment so by sponsoring this award, we are giving back to them in a different way. ” Keynote was a support sponsor for the 13th YUMIFM PNG MUSIK AWARDS back in 2017, but this year they have come on board as the main sponsor for the Justin Kili Award category for the 19th YUMIFM PNG MUSIK AWARDS. Additionally, being the lead distributor of a full range of musical instruments, sound equipment and accessories that are backed up with unsurpassed technical support and after sales services in PNG for over 40 years, they have been a major contributor to the music industry in the nation. Mr. Korai highlighted that with this great reputation, they would like to be more out there and by sponsoring this award category, Keynote gets to show that support for the music industry. “Not just being us up there but also in supporting the music awards, to be there for the artists in the music industry, because at the end of the day they are the ones that come back to us for their musical needs.” Keynote Music Houses was established in 1968 by Mr. Max Homann, who at the time worked as an air traffic controller, recognized the need for a quality music store in Port Moresby and opened its doors in the original Brian Bell building at Turumu Street, Boroko. Meanwhile, the prestigious Justin Kili Award sponsored by Keynote is given to recognize an artist, musician or music producer who has made tremendous impacts in promoting PNG’s music industry through their work. The Award is named after the late Justin Hansu Kili, OL MBE, who started the initiative of the YUMIFM PNG MUSIK AWARDS in 2004 and was one of the founding members of Yumi FM.

The Papua New Guinea (PNG) Customs Services Chief Commissioner, Mr. David Towe, recently announced a significant development in trade facilitation with the introduction of the electronic Single Window program. This program follows a comprehensive study conducted by the PNG Customs Service into the current setup of various agencies involved in import and export clearance processes. That study was focused on analyzing the existing arrangements, whether they are manual or semi-automated processes, in line with the World Trade Organization's (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement. As part of this effort, the National Trade Facilitation Committee (NTFC) was established, chaired by the Chief Commissioner himself and comprised of 23 State-owned Enterprises (SOEs). The primary objective of this initiative was to streamline trade processes by creating a unified platform accessible to all importers and exporters. This is because currently, businesses have to navigate through different regulatory agencies to obtain permits, licenses, and fulfill other requirements. The electronic single window platform aims to simplify this process by allowing users to submit declarations, license applications, permit applications, and import and export declarations through a single interface. Under the proposed system, regulatory agencies would operate behind the scenes of the single window platform, enabling importers and exporters to access the platform and significantly reducing administrative burdens and enhancing efficiency. Several countries have already implemented similar platforms successfully, and PNG aims to adopt and integrate such technology. While private sector entities have been successfully connected to the single window platform, the project aims to bridge the gap between the private and public sectors, so to enable agencies to utilize the customs single window system for various processes like tax payments related to customs import duties. The program represents a significant step forward in modernizing trade processes, improving transparency, and facilitating smoother transactions for businesses in PNG.

Since 1988, Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) has shown its support to train young Papua New Guineans in the technical and even in the administrative fields by providing the Graduate Development Scheme (GDS) program for students at the tertiary level of education. To this day, OTML has trained 590 graduates under the GDS program, and continues this commitment by recently welcoming 16 new intakes under the 2023 graduate batch, who recently completed their respective university programs in 2023 and were selected after meeting the GDS program entry requirements. OTML General Manager Social Performance and Sustainability, Jesse Pile, expressed gratitude and appreciation, and urged them to grab this opportunity with open arms. “Depending on the department field you’re allocated, you will work with highly specialized people as we have a high caliber of technically skilled people. Embrace the opportunity with open arms,” said Mr. Pile. He also added that there is a professional career pathway within OTML through the GDS program should the intakes desire to pursue and revealed that OTML’s current Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Kedi Ilimbit, is a product of the GDS program. The 2023 cohort includes 10 graduates from the Papua New Guinea (PNG) University of Technology (UOT), 4 from the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) and 2 from the Divine Word University (DWU). They represent disciplines in Accounting, Human Resource Management, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Geology, Mining Engineering, Mineral Processing, Electrical Engineering, Information and Technology, and Applied Physics and Instrumentation.

In a thrilling development for the PNG Squash Federation, their elite athletes based in Brisbane, Australia are primed to compete in the upcoming PSA World Oceania Championships Qualifier. Scheduled to be held at Carrara, Gold Coast from the 5th to the 7th of April 2024. This marks a significant milestone for PNG players on the international stage after a prolonged absence. The PSA World Oceania Championships Qualifier serves as a crucial steppingstone for players aiming to secure a spot in the prestigious 2024 PSA World Championships in Egypt, slated from the 9th to the 12th of May. With 128 slots of the world's best players open to compete, the qualifier presents a golden opportunity for emerging talents to showcase their skills on a global platform. Among the standout athletes gearing up for the qualifier are Amity Alarcos and Feanor Siaguru, representing PNG with passion and determination. Amity Alarcos, a 20-year-old and KPMG brand ambassador, expressed her eagerness for the upcoming challenge. "I am feeling anxious and it’s a very big tournament, I will do my best. Being from the Pacific Islands and PNG, it is awesome to see that they give us this chance." Feanor Siaguru, aged 21, stated similar views, expressing his excitement at securing a wildcard entry and the chance to enhance his PSA rankings. "I am excited that I got the wild card and the opportunity to earn more points to increase my PSA rankings," said Siaguru, while thanking key stakeholders for their support. Their coach at Daisy Hill Squash and Racquet Club, Bradley Hindle, expressed pride in the athletes' progress, stating that he couldn’t be prouder of Amity and Feanor. “They have applied themselves and results are starting to pay off," he said. As PNG prepares to make its mark on the world squash stage, Hindle emphasized the crucial role of sponsorship in sustaining the momentum. Lady Anna Togolo, the President for PNG Squash Racquets Federation said that this is just the beginning for the PNG Elite athletes but their upcoming squad need sponsorship to keep PNG Squash on the path to winning Gold at the 2027 Tahiti Pacific Games. With anticipation building and support pouring in, all eyes are on Amity Alarcos and Feanor Siaguru as they gear up to represent PNG with determination and grit at the PSA World Oceania Championships Qualifier. As they step onto the courts, they carry with them the hopes and aspirations of a nation, poised to leave a lasting impression on the global squash scene.

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak starred as the Warriors came from behind to kick start their 2024 campaign with an 18-10 defeat of the Raiders in Christchurch on Friday night. Coming off back-to-back narrow losses, the Warriors found themselves in another close contest but Tuivasa-Sheck and Watene-Zelezniak ensured they were on the right side of the scorecard in front of a full house at Apollo Projects Stadium. Chasing a 3-0 start to their season, the Raiders stayed in the contest until the end but the Warriors bounced back from last weekend's heart breaking loss in Melbourne after Xavier Coates scored on the last play of the game. The Warriors showed some early confidence on the back of a Raiders error with Shaun Johnson finding Addin Fonua-Blake in space who brushed off Raiders defenders before strolling over the line. The Raiders looked to hit back in the 30th minute when five-eighth Ethan Strange muscled his way over the line, however the try was denied after the bunker ruled a loss of possession. But the Raiders had momentum and in their next set star centre Matt Timoko stamped his authority, powering through Tuivasa-Sheck and Marcela Montoya to make it 6-4. Canberra were on the attack in the shadows of half time and in range for a two-point field goal but Watene-Zelezniak laid on a huge tackle on Albert Hopoate to ensure his side took their two-point lead to the sheds. After holding off the Warriors for repeated sets on their line, the Raiders stole the lead when Jamal Fogarty delivered a peach of a pass for Timoko, who tipped on to right winger Nick Cotric to score. Fogarty converted to make it 10-6. However, Canberra's lead was short lived as Watene-Zelezniak took the ball across-field before finding a perfectly positioned Luke Metcalf, who dived over next to the uprights for a 62nd minute try. Metcalf converted to make it 12-10. Tuivasa-Sheck put the Warriors further ahead just three minutes later after swooping on a fumbled Metcalf kick before powering through Hudson Young and Albert Hopoate to stretch the lead 18-10. Source: NRL.com

A new duplex house for police officers along with four new police vehicles were handed over recently to the Wau-Waria district of Morobe province in an effort to bolsters police strength in combating law and order issues in the district. The ceremony, which was held last Friday, was attended by the Police Minister, Peter Tsiamalili Jr, who officiated the opening of the duplex and conducted a groundbreaking ceremony for another duplex intended for police personnel. During the event, Minister Tsiamalili also handed over four new firearms to the Wau-Waria police, procured through district funds. He emphasized the significance of these acquisitions, portraying them as a direct reinvestment of tax contributions back into the community. The Minister expressed gratitude to Wau-Waria MP Marsh Narewec for his leadership and strategic vision for the district's progress. When presenting the new vehicles, Minister Tsiamalili outlined the Police Department's aim to expand its fleet nationwide to 600 vehicles. This expansion is designed to empower law enforcement officers to execute their duties effectively and reduce reliance on expensive hire cars. He called for collective effort from citizens to foster discipline within households, stressing the importance of personal responsibility in cultivating positive attitudes without solely depending on law enforcement. Moreover, Minister Tsiamalili cautioned police officers to prioritize the maintenance of vehicles, residences, firearms, and other assets, stating that negligence in this regard has led to substantial financial burdens for the department. In response, Wau-Waria MP Marsh Narewec expressed gratitude to the Marape-Rosso Government for its continued support in enhancing the district's infrastructure and law enforcement capabilities. He acknowledged the persistent challenges of law and order across the country, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts across various sectors to address these issues effectively. MP Narewec also commended Minister Tsiamalili for implementing strategic solutions to enhance law enforcement nationwide. He emphasized the importance of establishing robust systems to restore law and order, positioning it as a primary focus for development initiatives in Wau-Waria. He reiterated that prioritizing law and order remains a fundamental objective for the district, underscoring its critical role in fostering growth and prosperity in Wau-Waria.

In an effort to foster the sport of softball for women and girls in Port Moresby, the Port Moresby Women’s Softball Association Inc. (PomWSA Inc) is gearing up for its annual Corporate Slow Pitch Softball Competition. With over a decade of success, the competition serves as a vital fundraiser for the association, which faces challenges in securing corporate sponsorship. Despite this, the Management Committee's innovative approach has ensured the event's continuity, attracting more than 30 companies each year. The philosophy underpinning PomWSA Inc. emphasizes an inclusive and enjoyable recreational experience for all participants. Beyond honing physical skills, coaches are tasked with nurturing social and emotional well-being, promoting self-discipline, and fostering sportsmanship among players and officials alike. The competition's ground rules prioritize participation, enjoyment, and friendship over a win-at-all-costs mentality, with success measured by friendships forged and skill advancements rather than mere victories. Key dates for the 2024 event have been announced, with the competition flyer released on February 22nd, marking the commencement of registration, which closes on April 4th. Draws, team pools, and training schedules will be unveiled on April 5th, followed by team training sessions commencing on April 8th. The eagerly awaited competition opener is scheduled for April 27th, culminating in the Grand Final on June 29th. Operating under the support of the PNG Baseball Softball Confederation (PNGBSC), the competition adheres to official Slow Pitch softball rules set forth by the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC). PomWSA Inc. has streamlined these rules for the event, ensuring simplicity and accessibility for all participants. To facilitate participation, PomWSA Inc. will provide all necessary playing and training equipment, although teams are encouraged to acquire their own. The association will also coordinate training and competition venues throughout the duration of the event, ensuring a continuous experience for all involved. In the spirit of corporate friendship, participating companies are tasked with designing and providing their team uniforms, complete with company logos. The competition embraces a co-ed format, requiring teams to field a balanced roster of five male and five female players, or a combination of six-four players of either gender, in regulation games. Notably, player registration is restricted to company employees and legal dependents, with no provision for extended family members. Teams will be seeded based on previous competition results, with new teams initially grouped together for fair play. In addition to the on-field action, gate fees will be levied for spectators, while team members and their dependents will enjoy complimentary entry using player passes. Furthermore, each team will receive three vehicle passes for company vehicles, allowing for free entry to the venue. With preparations underway and anticipation building, the 2024 Corporate Slow Pitch Softball Competition promises to deliver yet another thrilling season of sportsmanship, friendship, and community engagement in Port Moresby.

Representing her people of Barakau village in the Central province, 21-year old Nancy Tau is excited and looking forward to take a part in the 50th Hiri Moale Festival as Miss Barakau Hanenamo. Tau stated that at the beginning of her journey, it was quite challenging for her as she was lacking the confidence, but over time, she gained the courage to step out of her comfort zone. “It was quite challenging at first, I wasn’t confident enough to take part in the 50th Hiri Moale festival; however, I had the support of my village people and my family.” “They gave me the courage to step out of my comfort zone to show my culture. I mean it’s my culture, so I shouldn’t be embarrassed where I got my courage and strength and confidence from.” She highlighted that the pre-judging at Tutu Beach was an eye opener as it was one of the events that has contributed to her gaining her confidence to represent her people. “When we had our pre-judging at Tutu beach, it was the first time for most of us to perform in front of an audience.” “Most of the ladies were so embarrassed but then after that, we had finally had a feel of what it would be like to face a big audience and we are now looking forward to the big event this weekend.” Additionally, the 50th Hiri Moale Festival will be celebrated this weekend from the 22nd -24th March. “It will start on Friday at the APEC Haus with the crowning on Sunday. I feel confident to take part overall.” Furthermore, young Nancy hopes that she can be a good cultural ambassador and set a good example for the younger generation. “I hope that I can be a good cultural ambassador and to lead by example to teach the young ladies out there not to feel embarrassed about exposing themselves in public when it comes to cultural activities, because most of the time our cultural dances we perform without clothes and it can get embarrassing.” “We wear traditional costumes to represent our culture and most importantly our ancestors.” “My encouragement is to not feel embarrassed to represent your culture because if it weren’t for our ancestors, we would not be here today.” Meanwhile, she thanked the Motu-Koita Association for giving her this opportunity to take part in this year’s Hiri Moale Festival as well as her family and the village of Barakau for believing in her and supporting her.

With the Vibez Music Platform's recent introduction, a lot of excitement is already being created about how it might affect the music scene in Papua New Guinea (PNG). With the platform's impending activation, which was created by seasoned application developer and music producer, Gideon Niakra, local musicians stand to benefit from a new era of digital innovation and worldwide connectedness. From industry insiders to music enthusiasts, the Vibez Music Platform has garnered a lot of interest since its March 2nd premiere at the Cosmopolitan's Crystal Lounge, Port Moresby. Still, excitement is growing as the platform gets ready for its official launch, which is scheduled to happen when its downloaded app becomes available on vibezmusic.net. Though the platform's integration with financial institutions such as BSP and current negotiations with Kina Bank are encouraging developments, its real potential is found in enabling local artists and giving them a stage on which to perform for a worldwide audience. Vibez Music Platform, with features like concert and event ticketing choices, provides a complete solution that is specifically designed to meet the needs of PNG's dynamic music community. For Mr. Niakra, the man behind Vibez Music Platform and Jerubaal Technologies Limited, this project is the result of more than ten years of hard work and self-funding. Niakra, who is passionate about technology and has a degree in electrical engineering, is well-positioned to spearhead efforts to improve the music sector in PNG. Fans and artists alike are growing more and more excited as the platform approaches its activation. Vibez Music Platform has the potential to significantly alter the cultural environment of PNG by providing chances for local artists and more visibility.