The Koiari Rugby League (KRL) competition has now entered the finals this week with the preliminary finals over weekend, and the top 8 to play this weekend onwards. The top 8 Under 20 teams will have Knockout games come next week Sunday 17th September whilst the Under 20 winner, Sogeri Market Flies, will be on bye for the semi-finals. Meanwhile, the KRL A-Grade teams have been suspended from playing from last week when an argument between the players and referee escalated. Due to lack of visual and verbal communication between referees during game time, increased frustration among the players and causing outbursts in abusive verbal and body language. However, the KRL Senior Official Mr. Soni Nick Nuana was happy to announce that the A-Grade Games will continue on 17th September. “Teams must be aware of rugby rules and respect the referee’s decisions. Referees must also coordinate respectfully to rugby rules to determine final decisions during games,” said Mr. Nuana. The U20 Premier is set to be held on the 1st of October.

As the country is preparing to celebrate its 48th Independence anniversary, a local cattle farmer living in Meporo village in the gulf province has raised his concerns about the agricultural developments and is questioning the Gulf Provincial authorities about all the funds that their Government has been acquiring every year. He has called on the Provincial Services Improvement Programs (PSIP) Procurement committee in Gulf to bring development to them. The purpose of the PSIP is to provide minimum service delivery standards through re-establishment of basic infrastructure and facilities under the following sectors: Infrastructure Support Services, Health Service Improvement, Education Service Support, Law and Justice Services, Economic Sector Support and Administration to provide minimum service delivery standards through re-establishment of basic infrastructure and facilities. “The procurement committee must understand that we need development, and they must know what agriculture means to the people also.” He continued to talk about how the people at the local level go unrecognized by the provincial government and is concerned that the money that the provincial government gets in their budget is not used to help develop the people of Gulf province and he claims that the country is only focused on renewable resources and there is no agricultural development. “I have noticed that our Prime Minister is very focused on our natural renewable resources but what about our land?” As a farmer, Mr. Koarufose owns the land he is living on, and he takes care of cattle which consists of goats, sheep and cows. There are others like him as well that are also suffering from the lack of agricultural development, and they are questioning why huge areas in Kerema remain untapped. “I am interested in agriculture by using the land, but who is going to help me? I want agriculture development to come into Kerema.” He stated that the local people of the Gulf, especially in Central Kerema, are yet to see changes and developments. He hopes that the newly elected member for Kerema district, Thomas Opa, will be able to rescue the people of Kerema from this situation. Mr. Koarufose also appealed for transparency from the Gulf Provincial Government when dealing with the PSIP funds that are given to help the people. He states that there are large areas of land in the Gulf that are yet to be developed. “I’m asking the DDA procurement committee to go by law to get agriculture online.” Meanwhile, Mr. Koarufose has been to the Provincial and District office to question why there is no development, but his attempts have led him to no avail as no one is willing to give him answers and he is often turned away.

For a small community that is striving for grassroots rugby union, the NCD Rugby Union is having a great season for far as it went into round three of matches with nine games this weekend. Four U20 Division games, one women's Division game and three Elite Men's games. Looking at Saturday’s games, the Blue Heelers Women defeated the Southern Chiefs Women with a total of four tries to two that ended the game with Heelers women claiming the win 24-17. In the Men's Premier Divison, Blue Heelers Men defeated the Goldie Warriors 27-5, as the Navy Basilisk snatched the win from the Taurama Diggers 17-10. The main premier match saw the Southern Chiefs leading after the first half with four tries as they went into the second half against ATW Arava at 20-0. The game ended with ATW Arava defeated by the Southern Chiefs who scored a fifth try which led to them claiming their victory, 25-0. Navy Basilisk Coach John Larry commented on the general game performance stating that the players both men and women were improving in their game structure and skills, but there was still room to improve their skillset and understanding of the game's structures. "They're still playing a little bit of 7s and 15s together so we're going to start doing set plays to help them differentiate the structure of the two."

The Port Moresby International School (POMIS) has started celebrations a week early as its students host a Cultural Show to mark Papua New Guinea’s 48th Independence Anniversary on Friday, 8th of September at the school campus in East Boroko. It was the first time after three years that the students celebrated again after it had been cancelled for the past three years due to the covid-19 pandemic in 2019. With the theme “Boldly Papua New Guinea”, school Principal Mr. Rowley said that it was an important event and a good way for the students to keep their cultures alive. “It’s very important for us because we’re not just an international school, we’re a Papua New Guinean school and we’re very proud of our Papua New Guinean identity.” “It is a great way for the students to reconnect with their cultures and experience their cultures and experience their culture as a living thing for them to keep their culture alive.” Mr. Rowley also stated that the organizing of the dances and groups was made by the students, so they would most likely be facing a lot of challenges during preparations. The school provided them with a venue to host the event. “They face the challenges everyday but when you see them on the day, it’s because they’ve overcome all the challenges they have faced during preparations.” Yolanda Pera, a student with the school, added that she greatly appreciated the event as it enabled her to learn about her culture as well as other cultures in the country. She said that these events were great for the students, as most know only a little about their culture and hoped for more events like these in the future. “It’s best that we have these cultural shows because it’s really fun to get together and get to know different cultures.”

A cascade of Pre-Independence celebrations from all schools and institutions will lead the people of Eastern Highlands Province (EHP) to the main Independence and Goroka Show Celebration. The Famous Goroka Show, known for its fun and exciting energy, will be held for 3 consecutive days from the 15th, 16th and 17th of September, coinciding with the country’s 48th Independence Anniversary. The Goroka Show ground events coordinators have worked tirelessly with support from sponsors to assist in preparation and organizing activities for all age groups to make the provincial capital come alive. The Events Coordinators, Mr. Walter Oruda and David Lelemitoe said they have organized fun games and activities for the young children, and adults. This includes family fun games such as the Egg Spoon Race, Mini Games, Acrobatic Displays, Greasy Pole, etc. This will all be happening on the 15th to 16th with over 150 tribes of EHP expressing their culture and colors. Mr. Oruda said, “This is a time for joy and harmony, time to be thankful and grateful to our forefathers for taking Independence from our mother nation without bloodshed. It is time to reflect and accept what is and decide to be better for the greater good of us all.” The three days of activities will begin with the Pikinini Festival on Friday 15th, to the main 48th Independence Day celebrations on Saturday 16th and followed by the official closing on the Goroka Show on Sunday 17th September. Mr. Oruda, who also happens to be the Pikinini Festival Coordinator, stressed the importance of the day and how it should be respected by all. Meanwhile, the official closing of the Goroka Show will close in style, as the Ms. Goroka Show Pageant will be hosted by the former Ms. Pacifica Anna Wild. The pageant is to encourage young women to be proud and free to display their thoughts and cultural attires.

The Atharm Wharf in the Rabaul District, East New Britain Province, is the gateway to the once-renowned Pearl of the Pacific, Rabaul Town, which has seen increasing visits by international cruise ships. But the accumulations of sediments and silt near the Atharm Wharf in the Rabaul District in East New Britain have gradually reduced its depth, impeding vessel movement. The rehabilitation project is expected to enhance economic development in Rabaul Town, by improving accessibility and convenience of wharf services, bringing crucial goods and services to the people. Rabaul District Works Engineer, Mr Mellie Munulai highlighted the significance of this rehabilitation. "This dredging will help to maintain navigability by removing these obstructions, allowing ships to access the wharf and ensuring smooth transportation of goods.” “The project will also enhance navigability and optimize port operations by accommodating larger vessels.” "Facilitating port operations will enable efficient loading and unloading of cargo, allowing larger ships to utilize the wharf. This will result in increased cargo capacity, reduced waiting times for vessels, and improved efficiency of port operations.” Recently awarded in two phases, the project has garnered the expertise of two contractors: Daveline Engineers and Marbil Enterprise Ltd. The first phase involves drainage and silt trap enhancement, along with concrete works, spearheaded by Daveline Engineers. Meanwhile, Marbil Enterprise Ltd is responsible for the second phase, which encompasses mechanical dredging and training. The acting District Administrator, Mr Freddy Lemeki, emphasized the importance of such rehabilitation and commended the district infrastructure team for the rollout of such vital projects. He added that improved efficiency would contribute to heightened economic activities in the area. The renovated wharf, Rabaul Town anticipates a thriving future as it moves closer to reclaiming its position as a prominent tourism hub in the country.

Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have jointly opened the new Papua New Guinea Embassy in Jerusalem becoming the first Pacific Island nation to do so. PNG joins only four other countries in opening a fully-fledged diplomatic mission in the Israeli capital. Speaking from Jerusalem, Prime Minister Marape said the decision to open the new Embassy is a sovereign decision based on Papua New Guinea’s Christian principles and worldview that emanate from Israel’s Judaism religion which emphasizes respect, empathy, tolerance, and acceptance for humankind. “Papua New Guinea highly values its bilateral relations which, over the years have been based on strong Judeo-Christian values and common, shared interests.” “Israel is no ordinary nation.” “From the Judeo-Christian worldview, it is the foundation nation in giving to the world many of the moral principles that we carry as Christians today.” “PNG has a lot to gain from the Israeli economy through its high technology systems in Agriculture, Education, Finance and Resource and Infrastructure Development.” “This will include downstream processing of rice and fisheries products which the Israeli development agency known as MASHAV has indicated its desire to assist.” Prime Minister James Marape further thanked the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his Government for facilitating the establishment of the PNG Resident Embassy in Jerusalem as it will ensure smooth and practical flow of our relations to support our socio-economic development. “In reciprocating, the PNG Government will identify suitable land in Port Moresby and invite Prime Minister Netanyahu to PNG for the ground-breaking ceremony.” “Suitable land will also be made available to Israeli investors to bring in their capital to help develop an Israeli-PNG Special Economic Zone.”

The Papua New Guinea University of Technology has through a press release from the Student Representative Senate (SRS) President’s office announced that they will be hosting a three-day event program from the 14th - 16th of September to celebrate the nations 48th Independence Day at the Unitech Campus in East Taraka, Lae. With the theme “Promoting Unity in Cultural Diversity by achieving a Transformed Mindset through Information and Empowerment” chairperson of the SRS independence committee Mr. Arthur Kondon says that their aim this Independence was to try to achieve unity among the students in view of the fact we all come from diversified backgrounds and cultures. “Unity for some of us is not easily achievable because of the diverse backgrounds and history that we have.” “How best can we promote unity through the cultural diversity that we have right now.” Cultural show attires will be showcased in an Independence pageant on the 14th of September, On the 15th of September there will be workshops and seminar sessions that will be based on speakers that will talk about the history of the country and what our forefathers have done and gone through for us over the years and have brought us to where we are now which will lead up to a cultural show on the 16th of September to show case the diverse cultures united as one. SRS President and the Independence committee is reaching out to welcome business houses who might be willing to sponsor prizes for winners of the three-day events. “As our token of appreciation, we are willing to set up booths for them to help them promote their businesses throughout the duration of the program.” “We are ready to welcome them on board in collaboration so that we can have a fruitful Independence celebration.” Meanwhile the SRS President’s office together with the Independence committee will assign student ushers to work with their Uniforce security officers to maintain peace during celebrations in the campus while local police will be on standby for any disruptions outside of campus.

The newly established Popondetta District, Oro Province, recently launched their comprehensive 5 Year Development Plan. This 5 Yea Development Plan was unveiled by the Prime Minister James Marape and was launched alongside the Popondetta District’s Corporate Plan, making a dual commitment to both strategic and sound governance. This has been hailed as a landmark initiative that will redefine the future of the vibrant community. Member for Popondetta Open, Richard Masere thanked the Prime Minister for taking time out of his busy schedule to personally launch the district’s plan. He emphasized the importance of this moment, recognizing the profound impact this plan would have on the lives of Popondetta’s residents. Masere remarked that Popondetta is steadfast in its aim to utilize the Development Plan as a catalyst for transformation. The five-year development plan outlines a holistic approach to growth, encompassing critical sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, and economic development. It aims to not only uplift the living standards of the people but also create an environment conducive to investment and entrepreneurship. “We are deeply grateful for the Prime Minister’s support and guidance. Popondetta District is ready to roll up its sleeves and embark on a journey towards becoming the number one district in the country.” The unfolding of Popondetta District’s Development Plan will set the foundation for growth and transformation and coupled with the support of the government and the determination of the people, the dream of becoming the number one district in the country seems well within reach. The launch of this development plan symbolizes the power of collaboration between national and local governments to drive progress, improve livelihoods, and create a brighter future for all Papua New Guineans.

The Tribal fights in Enga Province has eased down after a peace agreement was forged between the rival tribes, the Sikin and Ambulin faction; however, the locals a sceptical about the whole thing. This agreement was brought about by the Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Mr. George Kakas, to protect life, and encourage peace and harmony between all warring tribes. Though the agreement had been struck, there has been doubts between the rivals in upholding the peace agreement. Minor heated arguments and fights occurred, but brief with the police intervention. The brief conflicts are an improvement from previous encounters of long-term conflicts that result in hospitalization or deaths. Mr. Kakas sympathized with families and said,” The fighting must stop, it is always the young men participating and it is painful to see our own young man hurting each other.” Police are on high alert to stop conflicts entirely. Police road patrols and road checkpoints in fight zones are taking place to maximize peace between the tribes. Mr. Kakas also urged the tribal leaders and their allies to abstain from supporting the tribe factions to encourage more fighting.

Pikinini Day or Pikinini festival will be a side show for the upcoming 67th Annual Goroka Show, which is set for the 15th to the 17th of September in Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province (EHP). Chairlady of the Goroka Show, Keryn Hargreaves said Friday 15th of September is the day the show intends to host the side show, where all the children are expected to get dressed in their traditional attires or “bilas,” to promote and understand their culture. She said children are the footprints into the future to preserving our culture. “This is because a lot of culture is dying away now and the way to put the headdresses or bilas or how to put everything on to a person has to be pass on to the younger generation to harness it and to take it onboard, protect it and continue into the future. Otherwise, if we don’t in the future, we will lose that fabric of where we come from or the sense of identity. Therefore, the aim of the Pikinini festival is all about advocating and educating our children on the significance of our cultures.” Mrs. Hargreaves hopes that the National Cultural Commission (NCC) will see the Pikinini Festival as an integral part of the event and will come onboard in the future to support the festival, through education or school programs, as culture is everyone’s business. “Culture, we live and breathe with it every day. We are Papua New Guineans, and it is part of us and it is very important that we all play are part in preserving and promoting our culture. And through the shows is one of the waysthat we come to see that culture is much alive in Papua New Guinea. This year Goroka show will feature 150 sing- sing groups from all the four regions of the country, all the way from Hela in the Highlands to Momase and Southern region.” She also thanked the NCC as the custodian for all cultural shows and festivals in the country, for their ongoing support towards the Goroka Show. NCC Executive Director Steven Enomb Kilanda when presenting funding of K20, 000 assistance, emphasized that cultural festivals and shows are the way in keeping the culture alive and encouraged greater participation from mini cultural festivals to provincial shows. He said the NCC was happy to lend their support to the Goroka Show, which is one of the longest running shows in the country. “We will continue to support Goroka Show and other shows in the country, but we urged those bigger shows to work in closely with the mini shows and festivals established in the rural and urban areas.” The National Gaming Control Board (NGCB) is the naming rights sponsor for this year’s 67th Goroka Show.

A humanitarian frontline worker has been working closely with the United Nation’s Funds for Population Activities (UNFPA), to set up safe spaces for women, girls and children, who have been affected and displaced by the post-election related and tribal warfare in the Enga Province. It is reported that there are more than 7 tribes that are part of the ongoing tribal conflict in Enga Province; a conflict that has stopped the flow of vehicles along the main highway, caused villages to be burnt to the ground and villagers displaced. Amidst all of this chaos and destruction, Mr. Franklin Kunjip jumps on a PMV, trying to make his way into the Enga Province, through the neighboring Southern Highlands Province, to set up these safe spaces for displaced women, girls and children. “I had already set up one safe space tent for displaced women and girls in Laiagam District. The only two tents left to be set up are in Porgera and Kompiam- Ambum Districts. These three districts are still severely affected by the election-related violence in the province.” 35-year-old Franklin has been working closely with the UNFPA in the country since 2018 through their implementing partner, the Catholic Diocese of Mendi. “Through this partnership, I have worked in the space of gender-based violence and referral pathway programs, supporting survivors to access assistance.” Although a seasoned humanitarian worker in the Highlands Region, this is the first time for Franklin to work in the Enga Province, with support from UNFPA’s USAID-funded humanitarian response to the election-related violence. “It is a volatile situation in Enga, and I know my life is always at risk, but someone has to do the work and I have put my hand up to do this work and I will make sure I perform to the best of my ability.” Franklin shared that there is always a high demand of him as a humanitarian worker in the community, which can be challenging, seeing as there are far too little others like himself in the Province. “I face this challenge by identifying and understanding their motive and just giving them more time to understand the program and how the outcome can benefit the community in the long run.” He maintains that despite the challenges, his work is rewarding as he is able to help the vulnerable and those that have been deprived of essential services.