Three great squash players from Papua New Guinea (PNG) have just joined the Professional Squash Association (PSA), which is a ground-breaking development for the sport and a big step forward for the country and the PNG Squash arena. The PNG Squash Racket Federation President, Lady Anna Togolo, acknowledged her excitement for this accomplishment and emphasized the possibility of future expansion and success. "This is the first time that Papua New Guinea squash has had three representatives in the PSA," said Lady Togolo. "We see this as just the beginning of a promising journey, with several talented juniors emerging in our ranks." Joshua Porter, one of the three athletes, joined the PSA in 2023 after growing out of the junior division. Amity Alarcos and Feanor Siaguru, who both recently joined the PSA, will be accompanying him. Based in Brisbane since early 2023, Alarcos also represents the PNG Squash Racket Federation's elite girls' squad as the KPMG brand ambassador. The federation's strategic plans were presented by Lady Togolo, who highlighted the importance of developing talent for upcoming international events. "Our elite girls' squad, formed in 2023, aims to prepare a team for the 2027 Tahiti Pacific Games," she explained. "With players like Amity Alarcos leading the charge, we are optimistic about our prospects." The recent triumph of Feanor Siaguru in the Mulgrave competition in Melbourne highlights PNG squash's increasing stature in the global arena. "Feanor's impressive performance, securing a sixth-place ranking in a competitive field, reflects the dedication and skill of our athletes," she remarked. While acknowledging the difficulties squash has experienced on a global scale, Lady Togolo noted that interest in the sport has increased, especially after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. She attributed the resurgence of interest in squash in PNG to the competitors' outstanding performance at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Lady Togolo gave an overview of forthcoming competitions and programs that will encourage grassroots involvement and talent development. These include the Queensland Junior Open, the Oceania Junior Championship, and the Australian Junior Open, which give PNG's potential squash players a chance to compete on a national and international level. She emphasized the federation's grassroots squash promotion initiatives in addition to its competitive events. "Every Saturday morning at the Port Moresby Racquets Club, beginners are welcome to experience squash firsthand," she shared. "We aim to inspire a new generation of players, nurturing them through our junior development programs towards national and international success." PNG squash looks to have a bright future with a clear strategy and a talented athlete base, ready to make more strides on the regional and international scenes. "We're witnessing an exciting chapter in the history of Papua New Guinea squash, and we're dedicated to building on this momentum for greater success in the years to come," Lady Togolo succinctly stated.

With the West Pacific Junior Tournament coming up in Fiji, the Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited (KPHL) PNG Tennis Team is getting ready for what should be an exciting competition. The tournament which starts on the 1st of April, and with only a week to go, the team has stepped up their training under the direction of seasoned trainers, concentrating especially on match-play to hone their abilities and increase their self-assurance on the court. Players from Port Moresby and Lae showcased their skills at the KPHL PNG Junior Tennis Championships, which were held in late February in Port Moresby, as part of the tough selection process for the coveted competition. The national representative team was assembled with elite talent willing to represent their nation internationally after outstanding results at the championships. PNG Tennis is taking care of all the logistics for the team's lodging and travel while they are in Fiji, so the players and coaching staff will have an easy time. The team will be accompanied by two committed coaches, and every element of their time in Fiji is planned out to ensure the best possible performance on the courts. The team's expectations and main goals are very clear as they get ready to start this thrilling journey. Many of the juniors are competing in this event for the first time against peers from throughout the West Pacific, which gives them a useful indicator of their ability level and a chance to move up the rankings. Furthermore, placing in the top two is critical since it would ensure that they represent the prestigious West Pacific Team at the Pacific Oceania Junior Championships in June. The KPHL PNG Tennis Team is ready to make an impression at the West Pacific Junior Tournament in Lautoka, demonstrating the skill and tenacity that characterize Papua New Guinea's emerging tennis scene, as excitement and motivation mount. The West Pacific Junior Tournament will run for six days, starting on Monday 1st of April and ending on Saturday 06th of April, 2024.

Twenty (20) police officers recently finished a two-week Financial Crime Investigation Course (FCIC) focused on improving their skills in investigating cybercrimes. The Training division and the Australian Federal Police jointly organized the course, which focused on various aspects of financial crimes, particularly scams and fraudulent activities involving money. Sergeant Adrian Holt, one of the course coordinators, expressed satisfaction with the officers' participation, foreseeing significant future arrests and convictions resulting from the training. Participants, including officers from the NCD Criminal Investigation Division (CID), Bomana Police College, National and Provincial Fraud units, and representatives from the Public Prosecutors' office, reported acquiring valuable knowledge and skills in investigating scams and identifying online scammers. A participant from the National Fraud Directorate, (named), highlighted the valuable knowledge gained during the training, particularly in investigating scams, identifying perpetrators, and utilizing relevant tools. He noted that a substantial number of offenders engage in online communication during these illicit activities. He said before this training, investigations into fraud complaints often lacked thoroughness due to resource limitations and uncertainty regarding evidence gathering. However, the training has significantly contributed to enhancing both personal and team capabilities for future investigations. A participant from the Public Prosecutor's office shared that they gained insight into the procedures police follow to investigate and apprehend suspects, and how they handle case files. He also learned about the cooperation between police investigators and the Public Prosecutor's office in handling and presenting case files. The training concluded at the Grand Papua Hotel in Port Moresby last Friday.

In Gerehu Stage 6 Port Moresby, Sister Shiny Mary, a Catholic nun from the Daughters of Wisdom Congregation, leads the Callan Services Inclusive Education Resource Center, catering to children with special needs. The center, while providing helpful services, faces significant challenges due to limited funding and inadequate resources. Situated in Gerehu Stage 6, the Callan Services Inclusive Education Resource Center stands as a beacon of hope for children with special needs. Run by Sister Mary, who is a specialist teacher herself, the center serves as a haven for those requiring tailored support. Despite its vital role in the community, the center grapples with financial constraints, relying heavily on donations from organizations like the Catholic Diocese and the Special Education Division. Sister Shiny Mary reveals that while these contributions are essential, they often fall short of meeting the center's extensive needs, which include building renovations and the acquisition of specialized equipment such as hearing aids, crutches, wheelchairs and so forth. In addition to financial challenges, the center faces space limitations, hindering its ability to accommodate the growing number of students in need. Sister Mary explains that while they strive to maximize available space and even consider building additional classrooms, constraints persist, impacting the quality of education and support they can provide. The center operates with a dedicated team comprising teaching staff, nurses, and support personnel, totaling ten members. However, Sister Mary emphasizes the need for more staff to assist children with daily tasks and provide essential support, particularly in areas such as speech therapy and life skills development. “Teacher collages around Papua New Guinea should be able to train upcoming teachers to properly educate these special children,” Sister Mary said. Teachers in various schools have difficulties teaching or coping with special children, that is why it is hard for special children to enter other schools to further their education. Sister Mary confirmed that last year they had up to 10 students who have passed on from Callan Services to further their studies in other schools but Callan Services keep track of the students and asses their progress as they venture onto further their studies. Despite these hurdles, Sister Mary remains committed to her mission of providing inclusive education to all children, regardless of their abilities. She advocates for increased awareness and acceptance of autism and other developmental disabilities, emphasizing that every child deserves access to education and support tailored to their needs. As Sister Mary reflects on her work at the center, she shares a poignant message: "Children are children. All have rights to have education. The schools should be prepared to welcome them. We need to support them to bring them up, find their potentiality, and help them move forward with their journey." In the face of adversity, the Callan Services Inclusive Education Resource Center stands as a testament to the unwavering dedication of Sister Mary and her team, tirelessly advocating for a more inclusive and supportive educational landscape for children with special needs.

The MSME Council has noted with concern the pervasive issue of inconsistent definitions of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) or Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) across various sectors and institutions. Founder of MSME Council PNG, James Gore stated that this lack of uniformity in defining MSMEs has significant repercussions on the formulation and execution of policies by the government, financial institutions, and other stakeholders. “The varied interpretations of what constitutes an MSME or SME have led to confusion and inefficiencies in the implementation of supportive measures and interventions aimed at fostering the growth and sustainability of these vital economic entities.” “The lack of a standardized definition exacerbates challenges faced by MSMEs in accessing financial services, government support programs, and other resources critical for their development.” The MSME Council emphasizes the urgent need for a consistent and harmonized definition of MSMEs that is universally recognized and adopted by all relevant parties, including government bodies, development partners, financial institutions, and industry stakeholders. Mr. Gore added that a standardized definition will enhance transparency, promote fairness, and facilitate the effective targeting of policies and initiatives to address the specific needs of MSMEs across different sectors. “We call upon all concerned parties to rally behind this crucial initiative and work towards establishing a clear and unambiguous definition of MSMEs that can serve as a common reference point for all stakeholders.” “By aligning our understanding of MSMEs, we can unlock the full potential of these enterprises and create a more conducive environment for their growth and contribution to the economy.” Meanwhile, he has assured the nation that the MSME Council stands ready to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to drive this agenda forward and ensure that the interests of MSMEs are safeguarded through a consistent and cohesive approach to defining and supporting these enterprises.

The dates for the 2024 Cricket PNG T20 SMASH competition have been revealed, along with the initial player drafts for both men's and women's events. Tony Barlow, Dealer Principal of Boroko Motors, expressed delight as ISUZU was confirmed as the naming rights sponsor for the competition when highlighting Boroko Motors' long standing support for PNG Cricket. CPNG CEO Richard Done said the ISUZU T20 SMASH is a great lead-up for PNG’s elite cricketers who will proudly represent Papua New Guinea internationally. “The Barramundis will be attending the 20-team International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s T20 World Cup in the West Indies, our Siales U19 Women’s team playing in Bali, Indonesia, and Garamuts U19 men’s team competing in Apia, Samoa, all within the first half of 2024.” The ISUZU T20 SMASH matches take place at Amini Park in the Bisini Sports precinct at Boroko in the National Capital District, with the Men's Fixtures kicking off on the Easter weekend, starting Friday, March 29th, while the Women's Fixtures commence on Saturday, April 20th, following the return of the CPNG Lewas from their tour to Zimbabwe and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). CEO Done announced that the Men's Final is scheduled for Saturday, April 13th, and the Women's Final for Saturday, May 4th. “The first draft of players in each Men’s and Women’s Teams has been completed with five (5) Barramundis and four (4) Garamut’s players drafted into their respective men’s teams, and five (5) Lewas and four (4) Siales drafted into the women’s teams.” There are 13 players in each of the teams and a second draft, open to the public, will allow an opportunity for four (4) more players to be included in each of the Men’s Teams, and three (3) players in each of the Women’s Teams. The final places in the Women’s Teams will be made up of four (4) marquee players, with one joining each of the four teams. Interested current cricketers in PNG (either born in PNG or holding a PNG passport) may nominate for those vacant spots from 16th March until 23rd March, they can check CPNG’s website or social pages for more information.

Aquila Turalom has broken the oldest record in books of athletics PNG by just a couple of seconds during the Queensland Championships in Australia on Thursday 14th March. Turalom ran the 3000m steeplechase in 9minutes 22.06 seconds, shaving 3 seconds off the time of 9min 25.8 secs set by the late, great John Kokinai in Port Moresby on 25 August 1971: 53 years ago. Athletics PNG President, Mr. Tony Green witnessed this milestone achievement by young Turalom in Brisbane and mentioned that it was not a total surprise because he had shown signs that he was going to eventually break that record. Looking back to the lead up to the night where he broke the record, President Green said Turalom had been working very hard to achieve such a significant success in his athletics career. His big breakthrough came at the Pacific Games in Honiara when he ran 9min 26 seconds in the steeplechase and broke the 30 year old national record in the 1500m, becoming the first Papua New Guinean to run the metric mile in under 4minutes. Turalom never came home from Honiara, instead heading to the Gold Coast in order to build on his achievements at the Games, staying at the Oceania Athletics House at Varsity Lakes in a continuation of his programme leading up to the World Cross Country Championships last year. In competitions leading up to these state championships, Turalom has clocked times of 9m 34 and 9min 40 secs. Coach Brett Green, who has been training Turalom at the Gold Coast, said increasing his weekly mileage has made the difference as Turalom now has the strength to maintain the pace to the end of the race. Turalom dedicated the record to his first coach the late Wilson Malana, who brought him into the sport and was a huge influence. Meanwhile, President Green thanked West New Britain Governor, Sasi Muthavel for his support in funding Turalom’s travel to Australia to participate in the Championships.

The National Volunteer Service (NVS) of Papua New Guinea (PNG) has finally secured its own office space at Hohola in Port Moresby city after two years of waiting. The NVS last week relocated from Sambra Haus in Waigani to Enchi Haus in Hohola opposite the Hilton Hotel, occupying levels 1 and 2. The NVS is a State agency under the Ministry of Defense responsible for the recruitment, training and placement of professional volunteers in remote communities. Apostle Charlie George from the Teshuva Trumpet Worship Centre, who was invited to open the new NVS office with the anointing with salt and oil in a mini ceremony, urged the staff and management to perform their duties with righteousness because God is always watching. “Cultivate the mission and visions of your department and serve with honesty by being committed to your work, not for the sake of others, but also for you as an individual,” said Apostle George. Apostle George encouraged the NVS staff to take ownership of their positions in the department and stressed that corruption must not find a place in their work. The National Volunteer Service Executive Director, Ms. Molly Willie, stressed the importance of having God as the center of any organization, adding that having reverence and respect for Him would enable good work output. “We must dedicate our offices in order for us to work in peace and fulfilment,” said Ms. Willie. The mini ceremony was attended by NVS Executive Director, the Executive Assistant, and Directors of the four divisions, Managers and the staff.

The Police Commissioner, David Manning, has congratulated the tribal chiefs, the Enga Provincial Government, the Judicial Leadership and his officers for their efforts to negotiate for a ceasefire between the warring tribes, following their negotiations in Port Moresby this week. He said that with the age old differences and past tensions to be resolved, the ceasefire negotiations were never going to be easy, but much to his delight, many who participated in the discussions brought out the outcome that they wanted to achieve. “The ceasefire agreement is the first of its kind to deal with the level of unprecedented violence that occurred in Enga recently,” said the Commissioner. “The peace agreement is not the end of the road; it is an important milestone from which all parties move forward together. The terms of the agreement are very clear and the respect of all communities to these commitments, is vital.” On that note he said there is a lot of work to do, and it is vital that police and the provincial government continue to play their roles in monitoring and supporting the peace. Commissioner Manning also expressed his gratitude to the Enga Provincial Administrator, Mr. Sandis Tsaka for his outstanding leadership to listen and understand the range of contested issues that required calming, and bringing together participants. “There are a historical and current issues that pose a great challenge to mediate and manage, and he is the right man for the job," said Manning. He added that the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) is ready to work with other security personnel along with provincial government and the communities to serve the mission, and the new Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Chief Superintendent Fred Yakasa, is ready to work and support the Commander of the Special Policing Zone to ensure peace prevails. "Now is not the time for indecisiveness in the provincial authority or security personnel. We must act with purpose and dignity to implement lasting peace in Enga.”

In the midst of various disasters striking different parts of the country, the National Disaster Center (NDC) is awaiting detailed reports from the Provincial Disaster Offices to initiate coordinated disaster management efforts effectively. Mr. Lusete Laso Mana, the Director for National Disaster Center, revealed that they are currently coordinating with provincial authorities to gather essential information before taking action. Mana emphasized the importance of receiving detailed reports from the affected regions before providing assistance. He stated, "We are coordinating with the provincial disaster office to provide the disaster management. They provide us with a detailed report before we provide any assistance." Highlighting the protocol in disaster response, Mana explained that the first responders to any emergency are the provincial disaster offices. If the disaster exceeds their coping capacity, they report to us, the National Disaster Centre, and then we assist." Regarding the situation in Simbu, Mana mentioned the challenges they face are due to limited manpower. "We already deployed a team in Gulf. We don’t have enough manpower so we have that challenge."   However, he assured that assistance will be provided once the reports are received. Furthermore, Mana stressed the importance of disaster mitigation and awareness efforts. He highlighted their collaboration with the Department of Geohazard Management for landslide awareness and mitigation strategies. "We want to continue our effort with the Department of Geohazard and Management on more awareness and also introduce mitigation strategies to disaster-prone areas," he stated. Mana also mentioned that the NDC will be having a disaster committee meeting in regards to the disasters happening around Papua New Guinea (PNG). Mana also highlighted the commitments made by the prime minister, stating, “The Prime Minister has already made some commitments to help them as well, so we are meeting and coordinating with the Chief Secretary's office to send assistance. He assured that once the reports are received, assistance will be provided promptly to the affected areas." As the country approaches the wet season, Mana urged the public to remain vigilant and report any incidents promptly to the relevant authorities. "People need to be very mindful, look for the signs. We just need to be vigilant all the time," he emphasized. Mana emphasized the necessity for authentic reports to facilitate effective disaster response. He encouraged all citizens to report any disasters promptly to the responsible authorities, underscoring the importance of collective effort in managing and mitigating disasters effectively.

PNG’s Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko has set sights on getting the country’s Foreign Policy White Paper tabled in Parliament in May, with government backing. The Foreign Policy White Paper is hoped to be completed by April, following an extension of time given. The Minister stated this when receiving an interim report on the Foreign White Policy Paper from the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) tasked with the review and draft of the policy paper. According to Sir Charles Lepani, EPG team leader and Chair, the document given is in essence an Interim Foreign Policy Report Commending the EPG's work so far, while urging them to complete it in the short time before May, Minister Tkatchenko highlighted the Foreign Policy White Paper as a key priority of the Marape-Rosso Government. He said a quality outcome when completed, will serve the best interest of the country. “Over the years successive governments have failed to produce one.” Sir Charles in response said the team has put in a lot of work to come up with the document - its content and substance are the bases of the Foreign Policy White Paper. He said the interim report on the Policy Paper allows an opportunity for the Minister, and Department Secretary to review the EPG team’s progress so far, and make any recommendations that can be added into the final policy paper. “We need to have as much of the views of provincial governments including the premiers, administrative arms, Chamber of Commerce, Non-Government Organisations, and groups including churches.” The next phase in the consultation process before the formulation of the final Policy White Paper is visits by members of the EPG team to various provinces for their conversations and research before final recommendations will be considered and incorporated into the final report and Drafting of the Foreign Policy White Paper. “Going to the provinces will be very beneficial as their understanding on the ground is very important,” said Sir Charles.

Young Nathan Kuman's incredible journey tells a tale of resiliency and success in achieving his goal in life. Nathan, who was born in the city of Lae in Morobe province on the 17th of October 1997, started his educational journey at a Catholic-run preschool before moving on to Tabubil International School in the Western province. Nathan took comfort in the small-town charm of Tabubil, where everyone knew one another, in the company of his three older sisters, Jasmine, Doney, and Jochebed. Nathan was brought up in a household that valued discipline, and his childhood was shaped by the standards, pillars, and objectives that his parents established. The unshakable commitment to education, summed up in the straightforward, yet deep maxim "Everyone must go to university," was at the core of the Kuman family's philosophy. Nathan's upbringing was based on this guiding philosophy, which was reinforced by the pillars of put God first, get a good education, a good job, and a good life. He was raised with the values of listening, learning, and taking on responsibility from a young age. These lessons were implanted via family discussions that became known as "Education Talks." Nathan may be mischievous, but after finishing grade 7, he was transferred to Port Moresby for more education, which was a turning point in his journey. Although Nathan found it difficult to adjust to life in the 5 Mile slums, his fortitude and tenacity never wavered. Nathan overcame the challenges of grades 8 through 12 with the help of his aunt, Mary Guma, who later served as his mentor. Nathan finally found success at Mt. Diamond Adventist Secondary School in Central province. Nathan's journey to a university was not without difficulties, though. Even though he graduated from Mt. Diamond, he was not accepted into the University of his Choice, which was a disappointment. Unfazed, Nathan's father made sure he signed up for the Foundation for Distance Education (FODE) program, opening the door for him to attend Divine Word University and earn a bachelor's degree in communication arts (Journalism). Nathan's trajectory took a wild turn in 2020 when he was ordered to serve a two-year university suspension due to personal issues. Nathan's resolve was put to the test as he experienced disappointment and uncertainty. Still, he embarked on a journey for self-awareness, inspired by his family's unwavering faith, particularly that of his elder sister, Jasmine. In December 2020, Nathan was involved in a catastrophic accident that left him with two damaged legs, adding tragedy to his already painful journey. Nathan was at his lowest point during his recuperation in the village, thinking about his schooling while he struggled with pain and uncertainty. Nathan was able to survive because of his family's constant support, especially that of his sister Jasmine. Encouraged and mentored, he persevered through hardship to return to his studies, displaying unrelenting determination. With a Bachelor of Communication Arts (Journalism) degree in March 2024, Nathan accomplished the family dream and gave his siblings hope. When young Nathan looks back on his adventure, he recognizes the important lessons he has learnt. His journey, which spans from the lowest points of despair to the highest points of triumph, is a monument to the strength of resiliency, love from family, and unflinching resolve. With a newfound sense of purpose and gratitude for his family's steadfast support, Nathan is now starting a new chapter in his life and is prepared to inspire others with his tale of overcoming hardship.