The Correctional service of Papua New Guinea Bomana in Port Moresby has been lacking Correctional Service Development Programs for inmates and is struggling to maintain and uphold its purpose as a Correctional Service for inmates. Correctional facility of Papua New Guinea Bomana (CSPNGB) will now have the privilege of participating in its own Governors Cup tournament within the Correctional facility. CSPNGB Commanding Officer Chief Superintendent Sir Yelly Oiufa stressed the lack of development programs in the correctional facility to aid prisoners develop life skills while their sentence. “The Governor’s Cup is a step forward to creating a healthy body and mind for the inmates.” “We have been able to accommodate small sports activities and award participants with meals within our own expense and resource.” “We would like to prepare them in here before they depart.” CSPNGB once accommodated vocational training under the Correctional Service Prison Industry Progran to prepare inmates for a better life after prison. Due to lack of funding, over a decade now and the Correctional Service Prison Industry Program has not been operational and hopes to regain the favour of the National Government to hear their voice with good intent. Over 850 inmates with different cases look forward to Sports avtivities only and gospel teachings, and the rare visits from family. CSPNGB prisoner Mr Daniel Waru stressed the need for funding to improve and promote betterment and expressed gratitude to the CSPNGB Commanding Officer and Mr. Billy Aki for the sprots initiative Launching. “It pains us inmates to see genuine Correctional Service officers satisfy purchase within their own budget during official hours. If the government spends money on the prison, its for good cause and it is not wasted.” “We the Bomana inmates are still citizens and should have some support from our government to implement development programs to prepare us for our life after prison.” “Bomana NEEDS these programs to change the mind and attitude of inmates to prepare for work then to be pulled back into the life of crime.” “Thank you Chief Superintendent Sir Yelly Oiufa and Mr Aki for the wonderful initiative to start our own first ever Bomana Governors Cup.”

After years spent listening to his Kiwi teammates at the Panthers rave about Michael Maguire, Isaah Yeo is excited to see what the veteran coach can bring to the Blues in the Origin arena. The premiership-winning mentor was officially confirmed as the man to replace Brad Fittler in the New South Wales role on Thursday, after stepping down as the New Zealand coach on November 24. While yet to have any first-hand experience with Maguire, Yeo said everything he's heard from Penrith teammates James Fisher-Harris and Moses Leota – who have both played under Maguire at Test level – suggests he will be an ideal fit for NSW. "They have spoken about him a lot and just how good he is with the group, what he brings to the team and how the boys want to play for him." "I haven't had anything to do with him, but just what you hear, it's all good [stuff]. SOURCE: NRL.COM

Today marks a significant milestone in history of the Correctional Service (CS) of Papua New Guinea (PNG) with the launching the first ever Bomana Governor’s Cup Rugby Tournament. The National Capital District (NCD) Governors Cup Director and former inmate, Mr. Billy Aki was overwhelmed with tears of joy to launch this event, becoming the first ever in the history of this annual event to involve the participation of the inmates from the Bomana prison facility just outside Port Moresby city. Mr. Aki stressed his goals to the inmates on how they should collaborate to improve and build a healthy mind and body for the inmates. “I am proud to be here once again and to launch this event in the Bomana prison facility as it’s first ever,” Mr. Aki said. “I hope to not only bring you this event, but much more in the near future with adequate funding.” “I seek to equip myself with an adequate amount of funding from the NCD Governor of K350, 000 to efficiently carry out the games within the Bomana and NCD Tournament.” The Commanding Officer (CO) for the CS Bomana facility, Chief Superintendent Yelly Oiufa, expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the initiative brought on by Mr. Aki. “We appreciate and thank you for the incredible initiative to involve the inmates in this event, it will be healthy and encourage collaboration between them,” said the CO. “We are grateful for this and hope this initiative comes through for our inmates.”

Towards the end of this week and next week, students involved in any criminal activities during the holidays or just before their graduation will have to be very careful. WNB PPC Superintendent Peter Barkie told PNG HAUSBUNG in hi warning to students that they will be treated the same as other criminals who commit offences. Students should avoid moving around in towns carrying with them metal items such as screw drivers, small knives, and scissors. PPC Barkie said that these are some items that young people carry with them; when there are small fights in town, they use them as protective weapons. Those arrested and taken by police into either Bialla cell or Bialla police station will definitely be locked up and charged – everyone will be treated the same. Mr. Barkie also made a strong call to parents to be mindful and take responsibility for their children at this time of the year. Police will be out in full force during Christmas and New Year periods.

The Festive Season is here but it is business as usual for Bougainville Experience Tours (BET) based out of Kieta in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB). BET is gearing up to host tourists aboard the international vessel True North, who are scheduled to arrive in AROB on the 4th of December 2023. Owner and operator of BET, Mr. Zhon Bosco Miriona told PNG HAUSBUNG they will be assisting an island-hopping trip. “I will get onboard the vessel and we will start our tour from Nissan Island, then over to the Cataracts Islands then finish off at Pokpok Island.” The Tour Operator Owner explained that there is a helicopter aboard the Vessel True North that will be used do a flyover tour of the Yamamoto crash site. The tour will end with a Culture Day with Bamboo Bands and traditional dancing, capped off with an island picnic. Mr. Zhon said such trips involve a lot of planning and cooperation with the relevant authorities and the resource custodians. Apart from this, BET have been in talks with an American Tour Operator, arranging a tour of AROB for tourists aboard Expedition Ship Sea Bond. Mr. Zhon explained that Sea Bond will be doing a tour of Polynesia and will also make a stopover in AROB. BET, a registered tourism SME, has also being carrying out awareness amongst the communities in Central Bougainville, in regard to benefits of tourism. They are being assisted in this endeavour by the Tourism Promotion Authority.

The Commander of NCD and Central Provinces Assistant Commissioner of Police Anthony Wagambie Jnr had assured the public in the National Capital District that police will make sure that police will respond to any issues reported to them like they used to do in the past. He said the situation will not stop them or make them back down but will continue to do their mandated duty to protect lives and properties. He also issued a warning to those spreading false information and issued threats to police officers and their families to stop because police would not hesitate to arrest them. The images captioned and attached are images of police officers at different locations in the city. Source: Police- NCD/Central Divisional Command- FB

The NSW Rugby League Board has appointed Michael Maguire as the new head coach of the NSW Blues. Maguire, 49, fresh from steering the New Zealand national team to a historic 30-0 Pacific Cup Final win over the Kangaroos this month, will become the 16th coach of the Blues following the end of Brad Fittler’s six-year tenure. Maguire has coached 303 First Grade games with Wigan (2010-2011), South Sydney (2012-17) and Wests Tigers (2019-22), winning the 2010 Super League title, 2011 Challenge Cup, and 2014 NRL premiership with the Rabbitohs. NSWRL Chief Executive David Trodden made the announcement today at the NSWRL Centre of Excellence, also revealing that Maguire’s high performance team will include John Cartwright (Broncos), Matt King (Roosters), and Brett White (Titans). Highly respected Melbourne Storm football manager Frank Ponissi will be the Blues' team performance manager, with other appointments including Andrew Gray (physical performance manager) and Sean Edwards (strength and conditioning), who also have extensive NRL club experience. “On behalf of the NSWRL Chairman Paul Conlon and the Board, it gives me great pleasure to announce Michael Maguire has agreed to a multi-year appointment as the head coach of the Westpac NSW Blues, starting from 2024," Trodden said. “In recent years we have been blessed with the stability of long-term coaching tenures with Brad Fittler, Laurie Daley and Ricky Stuart and we are looking forward to this engagement following the same pattern. We all have expectations of immediate success in 2024 together with the opportunity to build a structure that will provide for sustained long-term success. David Trodden said the NSWRL Board is equally proud to announce that Michael will lead a high performance staff that is very familiar with the True Blue culture, as well as having current experience at multiple high-performing NRL clubs. “Michael is a multiple premiership-winning coach in two hemispheres and has been successful in the international arena as head coach of the New Zealand team,” he said. “Together with Michael’s recent experience at the Raiders, they all bring strong current NRL experience to the Blues as assistant coaches - with John working alongside Kevin Walters at the Broncos, Matt with Trent Robinson at the Roosters, and Brett with Des Hasler at the Titans. “Along with Frank Ponissi’s involvement with the Storm, we now have a high performance team that is not only impeccably credentialled but also has the breadth and depth of current experience across four NRL clubs.” Maguire said he is extremely humbled and excited about the opportunity and is keen to turn his focus to the challenge of preparing for his first State of Origin series. “The Blues jersey is everything and we will ensure that we foster an environment that allows everyone to perform at their very best. Leadership and culture will be critical to do this,” he said. “Just as important will be bringing everyone along the journey with us, and by that I literally mean everyone, from the front office to the volunteer in Bourke and the thousands of junior footy players who idolise the Blues and are passionate about Origin. “Everyone has a part to play and I want everyone across the state to feel a part of the Blues Origin campaign.” Maguire and his high performance staff will come together in the near future to start planning, with a Blues camp set for February. Source: NRL.com

The newly open Gom Footbridge in the Nawaeb District, Morobe Province, will now ease travel and create more access for coffee farmers, school children and the vulnerable people in the area. The footbridge, which was officially open by the Nawaeb MP Theo Pelgen, will now connect Gom and Lowai Areas to Wain/Erap Local Level Government (LLG). The 60 meter cement reinforced bridge will cater for the people of the area who commute on a daily basis. While thanking the contractor, Spider Engineering for the completion of the project, Mr Pelgen also praised the youth in the area for their support and manpower to complete the project in earlier than expected. “I would like to appreciate Nawaeb District Development Authority (NDDA) members for their contribution in approving the footbridge to be constructed early this year.” Pelgen also expressed his gratitude to the Marape/Rosso Government for their promptness in releasing the funding this and other such projects that have a direct and immediate impact on the daily lives of the people. “In Nawaeb District we are utilizing funds allocated for projects that we hope to touch the people's daily livelihood." "I am impressed that the Gom Footbridge is now open for our people to access. I have walked the Gom river & mountain to feel the real struggle of people to address them properly.” He added that there needs to be more cooperation to bring about change in the community. “NDDA has further identified several other areas in Nawaeb that need connectivity such as footbridges and these locations will have new constructed projects within this term of Government.”

Essential Services of Health and Education are expected to receive strong funding increase, as was presented by the Treasurer Ian Link-Stuckey in the proposed 2024 National Budget. He said this will see an increase of K6.1 million this year, to K6.7 million next year, an increase of K512 million that is expected to support 3400 teachers and 890 health workers. The Treasurer also laid out that the Government Tuition Fee Subsidy funding has increased from K764 million to K851 million, making sure fee support gets through all registered schools. Increasing lawlessness in the country, has prompted increased funding of 9.5% for the Police and Judiciary as well. “This will include on-going support, 500 police with the commitment to increase police number to well over 10 000 over 2023.” Ling-Stuckey said four fold funding will go towards the Independent Commission against Corruption, Judiciary, and support to judges with Ombudsman Commission will also receive full funding. Continuing tough times that the household are experiencing will see the Government provide K440 million to families, in its Household Assistance Package. The Treasurer said the Government will also make permanent, the increase in tax-free threshold to K20 000 at an estimated cost of K280 million. “Workers earning K769/fortnight, this will provide a fortnightly saving of K63. The Treasurer said this historical budget with record revenue and high level work of budget allocations must now be converted to the hard work of effective and efficient implementation. “May we all work to meet the aspirations of our people.” He thanked his finance secretary, staff and other key departments and agencies who contributed to the successful compilation of the 2024 budget.

FinCorp were delighted to announced the appointment of Theresa Kawi, as its new corporate counsel and company secretary. Ms. Kawi join’s the company’s Senior Leadership Team and her appointment is a strategic move to align with the brands focus on building a dynamic work environment and driving organization growth. This move highlights FinCorp’s dedication to placing its people at the forefront of its transformation and growth. Theresa has served as a Senior Associate at a leading global law firm, for seven years in Port Moresby; Dentons. In her capacity at Dentons, she focused on Banking & Finance Corporate and Commercial law, where she provided counsel to financial institutions, government entities, large local and multinational corporations, and Not-For-Profit organizations on diverse legal matters including commercial transactions, legal banking documentation and project governance. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role as Corporate Counsel, where she will contribute across various business units, handling matters related to banking and finance, corporate and commercial law, property law, and general transactional affairs. Additionally, she will also be advising on FinCorp’s Governance functions as well as Company Secretary. FinCorp’s Chief Executive Officer Mr. Brett Tayler emphasized the importance of this strategic addition, stating that, as a business undergoing brand, culture, and technology transformation, precision is crucial for our reputation. “Theresa's role as a strong Legal Counsel adds significant value to our internal processes, ensuring legal compliance and regulatory matters are handled adeptly." "A robust internal team enables us to provide a seamless and unique experience for our customers." Theresa Kawi holds a Bachelor of Laws Degree from the University of Papua New Guinea and is affiliated with the Papua New Guinea Institute of Directors, the Papua New Guinea Law Society, and the Graduate Business School – Australia. As FinCorp continues to grow and evolve, the company remains steadfast in its mission to empower Papua New Guineans with reliable and efficient financial services.

This week saw the official Governor’s Cup Tournament (GCT) Trophy being handed over by the 2022 GCT Defending Champions Vanuwatu Dust Captain Mr. Solomon Pokari, to the Governor’s Cup Director Mr. Billy Aki and his Committee. This was done to signify the start of another new season of the NCD Governor’s Cup Tournament. The ceremony was joined by the NCDC Youth Coordinator Mr. Rex Buka, NCDC Youth Desk, Junior Thomas, Governor’s Cup Director Mr. Billy Aki and the Vanuwatu Dust (VanuDust) Captain Solomon Pokari. Mr. Pokari expressed his gratitude to the GCT Committee for their commitment to the tournament and its achievement to maximize its efforts for youths to participate in NCD. “This tournament has really involved youths to be more active in sports, restricting their focus in petty crimes, and helping them achieve more in life through rugby.” “Our community team was successful to have 6 of our boys join intercity clubs such as the Hela Wigmen, Lae Snax Tigers and Port Moresby Vipers Rugby Club and we are happy for our boys,” said Mr. Pokari. Furthermore, GCT Director Mr. Billy Aki stressed his plan to restructure the Governor’s Cup Tournament to be more influential and beneficial across NCD. “We would like to raise the Governor’s Cup Sponsorship Amount to K300, 000 to offer more prizes for teams play during their competition in the Cup, Plate and Bowl trophy.” “I feel it is right, and fair, to give back to the striving teams on their journey, they devote time and money to participate and should hold some form of leverage during their games,” said Mr. Aki. The GCT Committee plans to accommodate 46 teams to participate in the GCT of 2023. Starting games are confirmed to take place at Koni Tigers Oval, Wiagani and the grand final will be held at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium, Konedobu. The Semi-final game's location is set to be at Sir John Guise Stadium; however, it is still pending due to outstanding fees. However, Mr. Aki stressed to postpone the GCT to the 10th or 11th of December due to the late approval from the NCD Governor, Powes Parkop.

The National Government has proposed it's annual budget for 2024 of a record of K27.3 Billion, which is an 8% increase from this year's budget. The Proposed Budget was presented by the Treasurer Ian Ling-Stucky, in this morning's budget lockup session at the National Parliament in Port Moresby. Themed "Securing the Future" the budget focuses on growth and creating more employment. The budget record total includes, an operational expenditure of K16.7 billion, a capital expenditure of K10.7 billion and a revenue total of K23 billion. The Treasurer said the budget also aims to further grow the economy in 2024. "Our economy is expected to grow from K111 billion in 2023 to K122 billion in 2024. This is over 50% higher than the K79 billion we inherited." "Using the best measure of improving living standards for our people, non-resource growth, will continue, at its high levels of 5.2% in 2022, 4.5% in 2023 and 4.7 % in 2024. This proposed budget will now be presented on the floor of parliament and the Opposites will be given an opportunity to give a response.