West New Britain (WNB) Governor Sasindran Muthuvel is working closely in consultation with the Indian High Commission to reaffirm the committed K1 million relief supply that was promised by the Indian Government. According to Governor Muthuvel, the negotiation and arrangement process is going well. The Indian government will soon give an assistance of K1 million towards the current disaster relief camp. Furthermore, Muthuvel also shared his heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister James Marape and National Government for the commitment of K10 million Kina towards the Mount Ulawun disaster relief camps. The affected distressed people will remain until further notice by the Rabaul volcanologists. The Kandrian-Gloucester District Development Authority were pleased to provide relief supply assistance to the relief camp by the opposite. Opposition Leader and member for Kandrian-Gloucester Joseph Lelan also extended assistance on behalf of the Kendrain-Glouster District Development Authority in the presence of West New Britain Governor and Provincial Administrator Mr Leo Mapmani. Governor Muthuvel said the DDA Board of Talasia Open DDA, Nakanai Open DDA and Kandrian-Gloucester District Development Authority have fulfilled their intention to assist the disaster relief camp with relief supplies. Governor Muthuvel further commended Mr Lelan and the people of Kandrian-Gloucester for the generous support to the disaster relief camp.

The 2024 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup Draws is out and will kick off on 13th -14th of April next year. The Papua New Guinea National Rugby League competition was proud to announce the 2024 Digicel Cup draws and the return of the Waghi Tumbe after one year absence last year. The games will be hosted at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby with 18 rounds accumulating to 108 matches. The final series will feature six clubs on the 25th of August, setting the grand final on the 15th September. The PNG NRLC General Manager Mr. Leith Isaac stressed his excitement and the generous support and commitment from sponsors to promote the standard of Rugby. “We are working tirelessly to overcome the challenges encountered in the 2023 season.” “We thank the committed sponsors support and the rugby clubs and their sponsors, the competition will display the high standard of rugby league with faster and smoother matches.” PNG Rugby Football League Chief Executive Officer and PNG NRLC Board member Mr. Stanley Hondina stressed the early and efficiency of releasing the competition draws before Christmas as an impression of the improved management, to better facilitate for rugby clubs, sponsors, and broadcasters for 2024 season preparation. “We will be pleased to display an exciting experience of Quality Rugby league, exposing domestic talent and skills across the country and crown the best team as the 2024 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup winner in September.” “During the festive period will also build supporters anticipation for the 2024 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup competition outcome.” “It is with great relief to announce the draws before Christmas aligning under the Improved Game Management Pillar in the NRLC plan, lending to the club professionalism pillar to provide time for preparing preseason to in season.” “With a lot of back-end work in preparation the games will be Futuristic, fairer and faster in the 2024 Season.” “We wish everyone a very safe Merry Christmas and happy New Year on behalf of the Board and myself.”

With the launching of its annual festive season basketball and netball tournament that will run for the next two months, the Wanigela village in the Moresby South Electorate came alive recently during the launch by the Moresby South MP, Hon. Justin Tkatchenko and NCD Governor Hon. Powes Parkop. “I’m here to ensure that our capital city, our people of a thousand tribe live together.” Having a combined total of 16 teams-eight netball and eight basketball teams will be vying for the prestigious prize of over K100, 000 co-sponsored by the Moresby South Electorate and the NCD Governor Hon. Powes Parkop. Governor Parkop who attended the launching of the tournament commended, Moresby South MP and State Minister Tkatchenko for the initiative. “It’s the festive period so it’s also good to get us into the moment of Christmas and I’m sure it will be a great tournament, showing good spirit of sportsmanship, everybody playing to their best.” “We bond and build ourselves as community but importantly we must maintain peace.” “I am supporting this tournament in Koki-Wanigela, working in partnership to change this community.” “I have made an investment into sports, community activities and part of it I’m supporting your member to respect the purpose of this festive period.” “Let’s forget what we have done last year and take advantage of the New Year to progress because God has given us a chance.” “Let’s start fresh in the new year, to redeem and forgive and set our course for a better new year,” Governor Parkop said. Gelong Auma, Councilor of Wanigela Village acknowledged the sponsors, Moresby South Electorate and NCD for supporting the 2023 basketball and netball tournament and mentioned that this was another big support to the people of Koki to showcase their skills for sports. “I really appreciate that support of our leaders to this tournament here. “It is a great initiative, best part of it, it helps to take our youth off the streets.” Furthermore, Minister Tkatchennko added that it was all about partnership between NCD Governor Parkop and his electorate in the last 12 years. “This is about keeping our youth occupied, playing sporting competitions to the benefit of people’s health fitness attitude.” “This year has been full of challenges and triumphs, but I want to thank you all for your support especially now coming to 2024,” Minister Tkatchenko said. Meanwhile the Wanigela A grade women’s netball team will be defending their title against the Motu-Koitabu Women’s grand finalist. And the best netball team that wins the grand final will play against the winner of Motu-Koitabu netball team.

Papua New Guinea Defense Force (PNGDF) Minister Win Bakri Daki expressed PNG’s commitment during the 8th edition of the South Pacific Defense Ministers Meeting (SPDMM) recently held from 4th-6th December 2023 in New Caledonia Capital, Noumea City. The Members of the SPDMM initiative are Chile, New Zealand, Tonga, Fiji, PNG, Australia, and France, whilst the United Kingdom and United States observe. The Ministers came to an understanding of the Pacific Nations historic responsibility to protect the pacific from the ongoing military tension and conflicts, strengthening the bilateral cooperation. Minister Daki was able to converse with French Minister of Armed Forces Mr. Sebastian Lecornu to identify common motives moving forward enabling both leaders to protect their exclusive Economic Zones. France works in accordance with the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency as a member of the Pacific Quad. Thanks to the signed Letter of intent by both France and PNG Defense minister’s, the joint boarding or ship riding will be facilitated by France, commencing to protect both nation’s interests. With the initiative of the French President Emmanuel Macron, French Minister Lecornu addressed a Pacific Academy to meet PNGDF’s training needs, by multiplying 6 (Six) trainees from the south Pacific countries. To improve the fight against consequences of climate change the France Military Programming Law will provide patrol boats, drones, and satellite coverage and consider any needs from PNG. The SPDMM is an initiative from Australia established in 2013 to carry out defensive and security procedures to face the undeclared, unregulated, and illegal marine activities, working closely with the Pacific Islands Forum Fishery Agency.

A big day for the Papua New Guinea Judicial System as a new Judge of the National and Supreme Courts of Justice was sworn in this morning by the Acting Governor General, His Excellency, Job Pomat, CMG, MP who officiated the swearing in ceremony at the Government House. According to a media statement today, Hon. Justice Derek Wood had been appointed by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission to serve as Judge of the Supreme and National Courts of Justice for a period of three years. His swearing in ceremony witnessed Justice Wood recite the Declaration of Office, Declaration of Loyalty, and Judicial Declaration before the Acting Vice Regal. Meanwhile the swearing in ceremony was attended by judges of the Supreme and National Courts and Chief Justice Gibbs Gibuma Salika.

The inaugural Southern Airlines Flight to Port Moresby is expected to arrive at the Jackson’s Airport in Port Moresby tomorrow, Wednesday 20th of December 2023. National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop has left for Ghuanzhou via Hong Kong yesterday, to join Minister for Transport & Civil Aviation Walter Schnaubelt, to join the inaugural Flight. In a post shared on his socials before his departure, the Governor expressed that this is an initiative that they have been pushing in the city, under the global branding Amazing Port Moresby. This initiative is to promote business, investment, trade links and more importantly for tourism in Port Moresby. “I acknowledge the leadership of our Prime Minister, Minister for Transport and Civil Aviation, Minister for International Trade and Investment Hon Richard Maru.” Ghuanzhou is the capital of Guandong Province. This Province is the industrial heart land of China, and its GDP is bigger than the entire Russian Federation. It has a population of 120million, and it accounts for 60 percent of the tourist from China, now the world biggest tourist market. China Southern Airlines is one of the two biggest Airlines in China and is among the top 5 in the world. It has 920 jets flying all around the world daily and it has been flying to Australia and New Zealand for quite some time now. Governor Parkop said apart from improving the trade and other links with China it is his opinion that once we have China Southern Airlines on board, we can invite them to take out at least 40 percent stake in Air Niugini while we sell 10 percent to the Super Funds. “This is the best way to recapitalize Air Niugini rather the usual passing the burden to the public to pay.” “This is a model Fiji Airlines has adopted with Qantas and New Zealand Air taking out 49 percent, making it a viable and profitable airline.” He said the goal under the Amazing Port Moresby brand is to tap on the tourist market of Guangdong and China generally. “But tourists coming to Port Moresby and on to the provinces also need a reliable domestic airline to guarantee tourist return on time to take their international connections.” “A deal with China Southern as I am proposing will be a real goer as any loss or hiccups in Air Niugini either domestic or international will not be a problem to China Airlines.” “They can underwrite any initial and occasional hiccups. It will be a real deal.” “I will be pushing for this deal and mechanism for recapitalization of Air Niugini.” “We can’t keep on doing same thing expecting a different outcome.”

Communities rallied this week to stage a march, as a show of strength against the escalating law and order problems currently being experienced in East New Britain Province (ENBP). The march commenced at the Ralum Police head quarter and ended at the Kokopo main market. ENB Governor Michael Marum, Minister for Fisheries and marine resources and Gazelle MP Jelta Wong, Provincial Administrator Levi Mano, police, CS, public servants and NGOs were all out to show solidarity against the lsurge in lawlessness in the province. ENB Governor Mr Marum said addressing law and order concerns is a shared responsibility. “The march today is a follow up of a peace walk which was held in the beginning of this year.” “We are marching again today to show that there are still no changes to the stats that we are seeing.” “When we march, we expect every stakeholder to participate, that includes business houses, communities and every individual to show that you are concern about the rise in criminal activities in the province.” Mr Marum urged locals in the province to assist authorities in any way they can to help reduce crimes in the province. “This Christmas is all about family and let’s celebrate it in a true way of Christmas,” he said. Gazelle MP Mr Jelta Wong also said the surge in law-and-order issues in the province has taken its toll on businesses and ordinary people. Mr Wong said the last three months, the total loss of businesses due to closure and armed hold ups in the province is projected at about K30 million. He said every individual whether in the province must thrive each day to practice common sense in whatever they do. “Today, schools are being burnt down and ongoing community fights result in closure of businesses etc.” “We want services and when the government provides, we don’t take care of it.” Mr Wong also calls on public servants, local leaders, and police to be role models. Meanwhile, the province also welcomed their new ENB provincial police commander. Chief Inspector Felix Nabanat will now take over the reign as PPC from outgoing PPC Chief Inspector Januarius Vosivai.

The NCD Governors Cup Tournament is underway again with the qualifying games for the Cup, Plate, Bowl, and pennant prizes. The beginning stages of the Governors Cup of the 8 winners and losing teams have been sorted into the qualifying pool. Waigani currently hosts the Cup and Plate qualifying matches with Gerehu hosting the Bowl and pennant prizes. The Waigani game teams will be sorted into the first and second place to stand head-to-head in the grand final Governors Cup, whilst the second place will prepare for their Bowl Price. The Gerehu Games will identify the winners to play to win the Bowl prizes and the Pennant prizes. Waigani Games Coordinator Mr John Mauve stressed the advantage teams have with generous prizes lined up from Governors Cup President Billy Aki. “We are in the qualifying games and it’s getting brutal.” “However, the teams are fortunate to expect prices after their wins and loses depending in whichever pool they have been ranked in.” “Thanks to Billy Aki's prize initiative, they are looking to walk away with a prize after their wins,” said Mr. John. The match qualifiers are to be executed within the week to prepare for the grand final and the second and third final games.

Commissioning of the 17-kilometer missing link of the Highway Corrdior of Sinivit Local Level Government in Pomio District in East New Britain Province (ENBP) was done recently. The connection of this road network should reduce travel time to just 4 hours. Over the years, the airstrips deteriorated and become non-existent, forcing the travelling public to take alternative means into the Kokopo, which were usually risky. Over the sea, the introduction of the MV Pomio back in 2021 eased the burden of travel, however, this missing link of a road, when completed, will be the easiest route to take. East New Britain Provincial Administrator commended the leadership of the district and province, as well as the host of communities along this missing link, for their cooperation and for creating a conducive environment for the project to carried out. “I also want to thank the contractor which was identified and has started working on the road,” he said. Host Pomio MP Elias Kapavore said that the construction of the Illi to Karong road is in response to a request put through to the Prime Minister, after he was invited to join the ruling PANGU Pati, following the 2022 National General Elections. “I told Prime Minister James Marape that I didn’t want a ministry, but instead asked for the connection of the missing link from Merai to Illi and then to Karong and Marunga.” “After supplying the scope of works, a funding of around K10 million was approved for the project,” he said. The Pomio MP further explained that his second request was for the national government to assist in the purchase of a new ship for the district. “The current MV Pomio goes all the way to Kandrian in West New Britain province and a lot of times when it comes back to the district, it is usually full and cannot cater for the produce from the district.” “For this request, a funding of about K8m was approved forthwith,” he said. Mr. Kapavore announced that the sequel for the district’s ship, ‘MV Pomio 2’ is expected to arrive in the province and district by next year. He said that the road project was supposed to commence at Illi but he requested that the distance be extended further back to Merai, after the river, then to Illi, all the way to Karong and then to Marunga. The road project is being aided with the installation of 2 Bailey bridges at Merai river and Kilak river, both within Sinivit LLG.

A community leader in Bialla Town Mr. Martin Samuel has reiterated the calls of West New Britain Provincial Police Commander and the Deputy Controller of the Mt. Ulawun operations; Supt. Peter Barkie in requesting the people currently living at the care centres, with villages close by, move away. Mr Martin said some people are seeking refuge for nothing and are just occupying the care centre. Mr. Martin added people from inland Pomio and Bago villages whose villages are unaffected, although they are working in Agri Oil Palms Ltd, and they were disrupted by the eruption, they will still have to move back to their villages as their villages in inland Pomio and Bago are quite safe for them. This is to allow the Government to look at only the people at Mera Mera which is the Ulamona people, and the Noau people, Soye and Kabaya, that can be taken care of. It is estimated that a total number of people living currently in all ten care centres is about 26,000. Mr. Samuel further stated that if people can voluntarily leave it will make their job easier catering for all at the care centres.

The Mesa Football Association in Wain Erap Local Level Government in Morobe received sponsorship this week courtesy of Nawaeb MP Theo Pelgen. The support worth K1, 000 came through the MPs officer who coordinates activities in Erap area. MPs officer who is also a Church representative and coordinates activities in Erap Mr. Erick Mantaung delivered trophies worth K1, 000 to host association officials on Monday at the playing field witnessed by participating teams and supporters. During the presentation Mantaung said the awards were from the MP as his support towards youths who participate in the weeklong tournament. “Your request was unofficial and was done within short period of time, but the MP has decided to offer his support with at least some form of support to occupy youths,” “This will be the third time for Mesa Football Association to receive support from our current MPs office.” “Two previous supports were given to senior divisions who hosted previous tournaments in the area. However, this current support is for the first time given to junior divisions,” “This shows the MP is committed in ensuring our youths are engaged in positive activities like sports to minimize social problems,” Mantaung said. The weeklong tournament started on Sunday and will end this Wednesday. It’s an under 20 soccer tournaments to engage students and home scholars at same age group during term four break. The association wanted to use this weeklong tournament to raise funds to help register with the country’s football governing body - Papua New Guinea Football Association (PNGFA) so that they can participate in any sanctioned tournaments run by the governing body in the country. The tournament commenced on the 10th of December and will end on the 14th of December. So far 16 clubs have registered with the association’s tournament. The teams are from within Erap zone in Wain Erap LLG. Tournament coordinator Ecchris Satibe said despite limited support from communities, business houses and other key stakeholders, they kicked off the tournament smoothly. “Only limited support came through district MP Hon. Theo Pelgen with awards for the teams,” “We are thankful that at least some form of recognition came through to support our youths to get us to where we wanted.” “We believe this is the healthy way to get our youths occupied with sports so that they are not engaged in unwanted activities.” “This is to minimize law and order issues in the area.” “We are calling on our councils president to come onboard and support this worthy cause initiative that will help minimize social problems,” Satibe said.

Melbourne Storm will play the Newcastle Knights in the first-ever NRL-sanctioned rugby league match in Fiji in February 2024. The match will be played on Saturday 24 February at Churchill Park, Lautoka, and will be the club’s second trial in preparation for the 2024 season. Storm CEO, Justin Rodski, and Fiji Bati Captain and Storm player, Tui Kamikamica, were in Fiji to announce details of the groundbreaking match alongside Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Hon. Viliame Gavoka, Fiji Airways Chief Marketing and Customer Officer, Akuila Batiweti, and Tourism Fiji CEO, Brent Hill. “We are very excited about bringing the first ever NRL match to Fiji,” Rodski said. “The support of Fiji Airways and Tourism Fiji has helped to make this groundbreaking match become a reality and we can’t wait to give Fijians the opportunity to see their NRL stars up close and personal. “We already have a lot of Fijian talent within our game, and this serves as an incredible opportunity to not only grow the sport we love but help develop the next wave of talent and hopefully give more young men and women the chance to play NRL or NRLW.” Storm will spend the week leading into the match in Fiji to connect with the local Fijian community, engaging with schools and local rugby league clubs to provide inspiration and a pathway to those want to play in the NRL. The Club will also take 160 members of the Storm Executive Club to Fiji as part of their annual business networking initiative. Storm will also wear a specially designed training t-shirt during the week and the match ball will carry traditional Fiji artwork to recognise the significance of the match. Fiji Airways Chief Marketing and Customer Officer, Akuila Batiweti, said at the launch: “Fiji Airways is delighted to partner in bringing an NRL-preseason game to our shores, reinforcing our commitment to local communities and showcasing Fiji’s potential in sports tourism. As sponsors of the Melbourne Storm, we invite fans to get on our flights to Fiji to witness top-tier rugby league.” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Civil Aviation, Hon. Viliame Gavoka, said: “There is no better time to leverage major events. We have done in the past and will continue to do so. Our aim is to position Fiji as a destination of choice for such events and to ensure the benefits are far reaching with long lasting impact beyond tourism numbers.” Tourism Fiji CEO, Brent Hill, echoed the Minister's sentiment: "This historic NRL clash aligns with our strategic efforts to showcase Fiji's versatility and unique offerings. We believe this event will not only captivate sports enthusiasts but will also spotlight Fiji as a destination that seamlessly blends adventure and relaxation." “Rugby league is a fast-growing sport in Fiji and we hope this trial game can be the launching pad for future NRL content to be played here in Fiji.” Rodski said. “The NRL has been working incredibly hard to expand the game internationally, to bring more fans to the game and hopefully deepen our talent pool. They have been very supportive of our plans to play in Fiji and we think this game will be a great way to fast track some of their plans.” Tickets are available for the match starting at $10AUD ($15 FJD) and can be found here. Special travel packages including flights with Fiji Airways and accommodation are now available starting at $1,003 (AUD). The announcement of the trial match follows the announcement of Fiji Airways as a premium partner of the Club on October 24. Source:NRL.Com