The significant 43rd Remembrance Day commemoration for Papua New Guinean (PNG) world war heroes was a successful event this morning at the Remembrance Day Park at Ela Beach Port Moresby. The marching parade led into the initial starting by the Disciplinary forces such as the PNG Defense Force, Police Band and Warders, including the Saint John’s Ambulance Officers and late public servants and scouts in Port Moresby. The event’s master of ceremony Lieutenant Poweseu Kisokau expressed his gratitude to the Director of National Events Rot Wong responsible for making a successful turn out. Sir Kisokau emphasized the government’s intent of the PNG Government to recognize the Remembrance Day with the involvement of all and not only disciplinary members like the PNGDF and its predecessors. Furthermore, he expressed his joy and respect to the hardship and selflessness of local heroes and role models who have sacrificed most of their lives for the wellbeing of the country, form being a soldier to being a public servant in the duration of the Great War in 1914-1918. With the theme: “Their Legacy, Our Inspiration, lest we forget,” the event witnessed a graceful audience crowding the Remembrance Day Park at Ela Beach, taking a moment to remember and respect the fallen and living heroes who sacrificed most of their lives with their contribution to the creation of an independent state of PNG. The event was attended by the Principle Guest Governor for NCD Powes Parkop, Guest of Honor Governor General Grand Chief Bob Dadae and Lady Emeline Tufi Dadae, Host Acting Commander for PNGDF Philip Polewara, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Moresby South MP Justin TKatchenko, Australian Defense Force Major General Collin Ben, representatives of the Australian Embassy, U.S Embassy, Japanese Embassy, Solomon Island and Vanuatu. The event held its last prime stage of the activities with the “Laying of wreaths”. All disciplinary representatives were invited to pay shared respect together with other officers, domestic and international delegates.

Female sports have rarely received attention in the Gulf Province and Gulf Netball Association President Marsha Sireh is determined to make this happen behind the scenes. “At the moment we are planning to host a Corporate Dinner on August 2.” “We will be using funds raised from the event to fund our tournament and send a team to compete in Lae.” Sireh recalls her travels to the hamlets and villages, reminiscing how much the women in Gulf adore netball. "Netball is a sport played in almost all rural villages along the coast.” "Some have built their own posts out of leftover wooden logs and old wire that has been twisted into a ring.” "I can affirm that Gulf women adore the sport because I've gone to a few of the coastal settlements.” Sireh further added because there are no association or competitions based in the province, women and girls lose interest or join whatever sport is available while many are wanting to participate in the sport. “For netball’s case, we have girls who play other sport such as volleyball and basketball join us.” “We want to motivate and empower them, so we welcome them all.” “Hence our theme “To Motivate & Empower in Sport in Gulf Province.” “Netball being the favoured sport among females in PNG, we want to drive positive Massage for womenfolk in the province by using the sport as a tool.” Organizations who would like to partner Gulf Netball in their aspirations can contact the President Marsha Sireh on mobile: 77206436 or email: marshasireh@gmail.com.

Coca-Cola in Papua New Guinea (PNG) has announced an amazing new partnership with the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) as the Exclusive Beverage Partner for the PNG National Rugby League Competition (PNGNRLC). Rugby league is PNG’s ultimate passion, and Coca-Cola together with local bottler Coca-Cola Europacific Partners are here to make game days even better. “We're ecstatic to join forces with PNGRFL and bring some extra fizz to every game,” said Coca-Cola Papua New Guinea Senior Brand Manager Rachel Nainggolan, expressing her joy to join forces with the PNGRFL. “Rugby league in PNG isn't just a sport, it's a celebration. And we want every celebration to be as memorable and as refreshing as possible.” Hopefully, into next year and beyond, Coca-Cola will be the preferred beverage at all Digicel ExxonMobil Cup games. It will feature a wide selection of ready-to-drink, non-alcoholic drinks, exclusive pouring, selling, and sampling rights, as well as a ton of amazing activations. Head of Brand & Channel at local bottler Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PNG Gabriel Manoi stated that, “Coca-Cola will be spreading the cheer on every match day, quenching your thirst, and creating unforgettable experiences. Watching your favorite teams play just got a whole lot better! Get ready to spot our vibrant Coca-Cola signage all over playing venues, reminding everyone that we're all in this together. Our presence at these games is all about supporting what Papua New Guineans love most — rugby league.” Coca-Cola plans to put on a lavish show with exclusive hospitality benefits, such as corporate boxes in Port Moresby and Lae and free general admission tickets for every game. “Coca-Cola has you covered whether you want to watch the game in style or just cheer from the stands.” “This partnership is set to bring new energy and excitement to the sport we love,” says Stanley Hondina, CEO of PNGRFL. “Coca-Cola’s involvement will make every game a community celebration.” The partnership begins with a one-year agreement, with the potential for future extensions. Both Coca-Cola and PNGRFL are already planning bright futures together, filled with fun activities and surprises for the fans. This means more fun, more excitement, and a whole lot more refreshing moments for everyone involved.

Early Childhood Education is a vital field in education that requires collaboration from all partners in the field to successfully implement. Kindergarten 1 (for children aged 4) and Kindergarten 2 (for children aged 5) make up the new Early Childhood Education (ECE) sector. The ECE is scheduled to start in 2025 when new schools register. The foundation of the ECE curriculum is centred on GOD and the Bible, with emphasis on phonics and attaining key learning areas through established routines, play-based learning, and assessments. In addition, the Ministry for Education will acquire new teachers who fulfill qualification requirements in the new sector. The delivery of early childhood education programs in the provinces and districts is still in its infancy, but it is gradually gaining traction with the help of development partners, according to the present Senior Education Officers Conference taking place in Vanimo, West Sepik. A National ECE Taskforce has been formed recently and will work with provincial steering committees to give guidance and advice on its implementation progress. The Department of Education is appreciative of its partners such as Partnerships for Education (PIE), Save the Children and NGOs that are already implementing ECE in the provinces. In a very supportive call and in his opening remarks at the Vanimo conference, the Minister for Education, Lucas Dekena MP, called for Early Childhood Education to be given priority and be implemented starting in 2025.

The stage is set for the 2024 Ela Motors SME Awards Nominations, and now open including digital nominations from July 18th to August 31st, for all Small Medium Enterprises Nationwide. Walk-in nominations and enquiries can now be done at the CT Hub Hauswin, located opposite Hombina Grill and Café on Thursdays 7 am – 9 am, and online nominations can be on the PNG SME Awards. With only 10 categories in the first ever SME awards in 2020, this year 2024 will have an impressive number of 37 awards to be presented from 16 different categories recognizing diverse SME divisions throughout the nation. The 37 awards include the agriculture category achieving a triumphant return emphasizing the importance of rural development and sustainable practices, introducing five new awards in Tourism and Culture, ICT, Professional Services, and Transport representing a sensitive aspect in the nature of SME contribution. This including Five Additional Awards shine a spotlight on the individual champions from Private Sector, Government, or Non-Government Organizations who have showed commitment to promote and empower SMS’s and Foster sustainable growth. The highly anticipated 2024 Ela Motors SME Awards will bring together a great sum of small diverse business form across the Nation and celebrates its 5th Anniversary with it long serving sponsors TE PNG, CPL Group, Mama Bank, Mi Bank. This will further honour the reliance and innovations of Papua New Guinea‘s Small and Medium Sized Enterprises with recent partners like Credit Corp and Moni Plus. The 2024 Ela Motors SME Award would not be possible with the support and thanks to 2024 Naming Rights Sponsor Ela Motors, Gold Sponsor BSP and Category Award Naming Sponsors Womens Micro Bank, Kina Bank, Mi Bank, Moni Plus, Tisa Community Finance, Credit Reporter, TE PNG, Kacific, City Pharmacy, Hardware Haus, Stop & Shop and PNG Protein Park. Online nominations can also be done from the PNG SME Awards website and closing on August 21st 2024. The 2024 Ela Motors SME Awards will commence at the Awards Gala Dinner in October 2024.

The newly established Lae Pickleball Club will introduce the exciting Pickleball Doubles Tournament on Sunday 11th & 18th August at the Lae Gold Club, Morobe Province. Being almost two months old and being the first tournament of pickleball, it will be coordinated by the Lae Pickleball club, Boroko Motors and the Lae Golf Club and proudly sponsored by the Boroko Motors, Ramu Sugar, Lae Biscuit Corporation. • Boroko Motors: Sporting Equipment and Trophies for 1st, 2nd, 3rd Placing. • Ramu Sugar: Complimentary Incentives giveaways- best player awards • Lae Biscuit Co: Complimentary Incentives giveaways- Most Improved Awards The event will accommodate registered individuals or groups including club members and invited guests, participation include young adults aged from 15 years old and above. Tournament Coordinator Mr. Denis Seeto told PNG HAUSBUNG that the idea for the pickleball tournament was grasped during a family game in Brisbane which caught Mr. Seeto’s attention immediately after a few games. It amplified the fun and approachable nature and its gentle impact on the body, making it a healthy and suitable choice for cross-training and ideal for senior aged at 70 and above. Mr. Denis Seeto emphasized its long-term goal to launch a corporate competition in Lae for companies and employees. To consider adding pickleball to the sporting competition list for corporate competitions in Lae among Corporate Bowls, Darts, Golf, and Tennis competitions at the Golf Club., would be providing more opportunities for participation and add to the variety of events in the Golf Club's lineup. “It is not common to find a sport that can be played competitively from childhood to advocate senior aged and pickleball fits exceptionally well into that category.” “I think pickleball is a life-long sport, offering the possibility of playing well into one’s 80’s.” Mr. Seeto expressed excitement for the event to enlist interested participants for regular competitions and in hopes of support to make pickleball a reality in Lae and possibly the first competition in Papua New Guinea.

Acting Commander of National Capital District and Central Province Assistant commissioner of Police (ACP) Peter Guinness has urged church leaders to remove their church structures voluntarily in the eviction site in Nine Mile, Bush Wara. According to the reports provided by police officers at the eviction site, the majority of the squatters have already voluntarily vacated the area. ACP Peter Guinness said reports also confirmed that some of the church structures at the eviction sites are yet to be removed voluntarily. He said three other church buildings from different denominations are still up which is not good while the seventh Day Adventist Church in the eviction had been voluntarily removed by the congregation. “I was expecting the church leaders to lead by example after several awareness had been done.” “The people must understand that it’s a court order all structures erected on the land portions mentioned in the court order must be removed.” “I am once again calling on the church leaders to voluntarily remove the structures.” “My police officers and I do not want to be liable for not properly enforcing the court order.” “So we are asking you to remove the structures.” “If the SDA congregation can remove their church I see no excuse for others,” ACP Guinness said. ACP Guinness further added that enough awareness had been given and everyone had moved out except the churches. He is calling on the responsible authorities responsible with land titles to properly educate the public. He said the public need to know where the customary and state land is and people must be educated so they will not regret it later.

Minister for International Trade and Investment, Richard Maru announced the East New Britain (ENB) Province is set to develop two new potential Special Economic Zones (SEZs) - Rabaul Free Port and Tokua Airport City. Minister Maru made this announcement on July 12th, following the ground-breaking ceremony of the Tokua-Kokopo 17km 4-lane road construction and the recent decision to lift the moratorium on Rabaul town by the National Executive Council (NEC) so that it can be redeveloped to its former glory. “The proposed Rabaul Free Port will be anchored on the current wharf and the new wharf development for tourist cruise liners in Rabaul, the K230 million Tokua-Kokopo 4-lane road and the Tokua Airport Redevelopment will complement the proposed Tokua Airport City development,” said Minister Maru. Minister Maru said that it is a historic milestone made by the Marape-Rosso Government to redevelop Rabaul town and to encourage investments in Rabaul, however, most investors will fear the risk of the volcano that may erupt again, so encouraging investors to come to Rabaul will be the focus as well. "As the Minister responsible for SEZs, my view is to establish Rabaul as a Free Port so we can offer the investors an incentive package like tax holiday and duty-free market access if they decide to invest in Rabaul. This is to attract investors so they can recover their initial investments quickly without worrying about paying taxes. This incentive is for a very specific area within Rabaul that is prone to ash fall and will suffer in the event of a future major volcanic eruption, and a defined area where investors cannot insure their businesses on the damage done due to volcanic eruptions.” Minister Maru also met with the Governor of ENB Province, Michael Marum and the Provincial Administration in Kokopo and agreed to look at a second SEZ in ENB Province around Tokua. “We plan to develop an Airport City concept similar to Denarau in Nadi, Fiji, at Tokua, where we will build the hotels, the golf course, the shopping malls, and other tourism products around the airport to attract tourists. Also, involving the extension and development of the airport from domestic to international to get direct flights from countries like Japan. We plan to offer a special package for investors to invest around Tokua- this is what we are discussing with the leaders of East New Britain and the Provincial Administration.” Maru also made it clear that the Tokua Airport City will not be possible without all the land being acquired and reserved for that purpose first. “So, we must not allow anybody to buy land around Tokua. The State has to seriously start acquiring this land so it can be reserved for the purpose of airport city development,” said Minister Maru. Minister Maru further added that ENB province has a lot of potential in tourism given they have a volcano, friendly people, unique culture, the war relics, and less crime rates. “All we have to do is come up with a development plan and offer the fiscal incentives through the SEZ package that our government can offer. These two proposed SEZs will create 20,000 to 50, 000 new jobs in the manufacturing, downstream processing, and in the tourism sector,” he said. “The National Government is very keen to work with the East New Britain Provincial Government and its administration to unleash the potential that we see in this province because when we develop the potential of this province, we are also building our country.” For that to happen, he said the National Government and the Provincial Government must invest in putting the enablers like water, power, roads, sewerage, and allow the private sector to come in and invest. Minister Maru clarified and added that his ministry will work closely with the Tourism Promotion Authority and SEZ Authority to develop these two potential SEZs and any area outside Rabaul, and the proposed Tokua Airport City will have to apply for an SEZ license if it is to be developed. “Our government’s priority will be Rabaul Free Port and Tokua Airport City, but there are also other potential sites in East New Britain Province that can be utilized as SEZs, including the Lassul Bay, Kerevat, and Open Bay. Each of these areas will be considered on their own merit on a case-by-case basis,” said Minister Maru. Minister Maru concluded and highlighted that all SEZs around the country will be established under one national legislation- the SEZ Act 2019 (amended).

Minister for International Trade and Investment, Richard Maru recently on the 12th of July announced that the National Government will be investigating the East New Britain (ENB) Palm Oil Limited, following numerous complaints from the oil palm growers who claimed to be under paid for the last ten years. When comparing prices, they have been getting to what the farmers in West New Britain are getting up to about K500 per metric ton. They claim that the company has been robbing them when prices are very high in the global market as is the case today. Growers in ENB have stopped selling palm oil to a Malaysian company for over nine weeks now due to a consistent payment of K16 per ton of palm oil in the last ten years. Minister Maru stated, “I am not happy with this Oil Palm Company. When the farmers do not sell the oil palm the country will not generate exports. In the last ten years the average global price for palm oil stood at USD886 per metric ton and the New Britain Palm Oil report in 2022 confirmed that the farm gate price of palm oil was over K800 per ton. Whilst there have been changes in palm oil price in the world market leading to changes in the farm gate prices, the East New Britain Palm Oil Limited have been paying the farmers in the Gazelle Peninsular only K16 per ton for the last ten years and totally ripping off our people." "This is a very serious matter, and this company needs to be investigated. We cannot have foreign companies behaving like this as our people claim. They could have been robbing them of millions of kina. While this is what the farmers are claiming, the National Government has to do an investigation to hear both sides and look at how we can resolve this problem in the long term." "We will not hesitate to extend the investigation to other areas as I am getting similar complaints from other farmers and landowners from other oil palm project areas around the country. The complains from the Kokopo and Gazelle farmers may be just the tip of the iceberg on the rot in the industry when it comes to landowner benefits from the development on their land and their sweat and labour. The Government will have to act so we can get a far better package to encourage our people to free up land for oil palm development," said Minister Maru. Minister Maru further said these complaints will not be taken lightly by the Marape-Rosso Government and assured the growers that the Government will respond immediately. Minister emphasized his close collaboration with Minister for Oil Palm to finalize the terms of reference for the investigation of this company. “A lawyer and a chartered accountant with a global recognized oil palm industry expert will investigate this company, including the issue of ownership, the different packages they have in place for large-scale palm oil estates, and the land titles as we understand that this company owns none of the land that it is operating on.” "We are told all the land is owned by the landowners and our people in the province. The team will also compare the benefits to other palm oil growing provinces in the country. These will be part of the investigation,” said Minister Maru.

Seven young Papua New Guineans part of Air Niugini’s National Pilot Cadet Program left the country over the weekend to commence their initial 18 months pilot training at Flight Training Adelaide, in South Australia. Stephen Nialir, Vincent Yandawai, Shirley Ambang, Edward Bare, Emmanuel Kukyuwa, Thaddeus Kobal and Wari Willie were carefully chosen from over 3, 000 young men and women from around PNG who applied, after successfully passing rigorous and thorough selection criteria in Air Niugini’s Pilot Cadet Program in December 2023. Those shortlisted went through an intensive selection process which included academic ability, internal aptitude tests and interviews conducted by both Flight Training Adelaide and Air Niugini to ensure only the top performing candidates were selected. Air Niugini’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Gary Seddon while meeting with the seven cadets and their parents to sign contracts last Friday, made it very clear that by the time, the cadets get checked in line, the airline would have invested a million kina on each of them. Mr. Seddon added that Air Niugini expects nothing but excellence and professionalism, urging the young Cadets to stay focused and disciplined. “Your parents are very proud of you. We are proud of you. A lot of time and effort has been spent to get you to where you are today. Do not underestimate the size of the privilege that has been given to you. You are now ambassadors of not only Air Niugini, but Papua New Guinea.” “It may be exciting for you right now, however there will also be challenges, temptations, high points and lows. Therefore, be focused, use your best judgement and embrace the opportunities provided to you. If you need support, there are always people here at Air Niugini who will help, guide and mentor you throughout your training. “Mr Seddon said A cadet himself 32 years ago, General Manager, Flight Operations and Training Captain on the Boeing 767 aircraft, Captain Samiu Taufa said being a pilot is an incredibly rewarding career and the cadet program is a pathway to making that dream become a reality. He echoed similar sentiments to the acting CEO, giving his own experience, emphasising the importance of discipline and good habits. “You have been chosen to commence a very rewarding but difficult program, in a highly regulated industry with primary focus on safety and security. You have passed the entrance exams. Now the work begins. Starting off with good, sober habits and discipline will take you a long way. The training is difficult, but not impossible. Do not waste this opportunity,” Captain Taufa said. The cadets will graduate with their Commercial Pilots Licence (CPL) and multi-engine instrument rating following the effective completion of their 18 months training. They will later return to Air Niugini and continue their inflight training as Cadets. After an eight-year break in the program, Air Niugini’s cadet pilot program was reintroduced last year (2023) by the Acting CEO. “There is a global shortage of experienced pilots. Air Niugini is innovating and developing the next generation, future proofing our longer-term requirements.” Air Niugini has graduated 84 national pilots since the inception of the cadet pilot training program, who now serve in the flight crew of all Air Niugini’s aircraft from Dash 8s to Q400, Fokker 70, F100, Boeing 737 and the B767 aircraft, and major airlines around the world.

The Kroton Hela Wigmen thrashed the PRK Gulf Isou with a 20-point lead in yesterday's round 14 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup match at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby city. The first few minutes of the first half of the match was tough with both sides showing off their attack and defence strategies played out on the field; however, it was on the 8th minute that the Hela boys broke through with center Juniou Igila scoring the first try for the Hela Wigmen followed by a successful conversion kick by hooker, Trevor Solu. The same was repeated by the Wigmen on the 26th minute with winger Komi Tony scoring another try followed by another successful conversion. As the match went on, the Gulf boys did not just let the Hela Wigmen tries go unanswered. The Gulf Isou responded with a successful try by Joseph Heni followed by a successful conversion kick. The Gulf boys trailed the Wigmen 6- 12 as the went into half time. The second half did not change much for the Gulf Isou as the Wigmen controlled every minute of the game, opening windows of opportunity scoring 3 tries by Seril Seiba in the 55th minute, Norman Brown in the 57th minute and Juniou Igila claiming his second try before the full-time hooter. The final score, Kroton Hela Wigmen 26 while the PRK Gulf Isou 6. The Hela Wigmen’s win on Sunday is their 6th win in the season while the Gulf Isou remain on the losing streak since round 1. Following their victory, the Hela Wigmen fortified their 7th place position on the points ladder, solidifying their position in the top 8. The Wigmen now look to round 15 to face the KMH Enga Mioks on Sunday July 28th at 2:00 pm at the Aipus Oval, Enga province.

The SP PNG Hunters triumphed over the Central Queensland (CQ) Capras in Round 18 of the Queensland Host Plus Cup 42-28 in their home game yesterday at the Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby. The SP Hunters kicked off the game and were very confident in attack and defence despite the Capras forward lock Lachlan Hubner scoring the first try in the 13th minute followed by a failed conversion by fullback Blake Moore. The first try begged for a response from the PNG boys as the SP Hunters became more involved in their attack and defence, exhausting their opponent. This allowed SP Hunters hooker, Judah Rimbu to score the first for the SP Hunters followed by two more by halfback Joshua Lau and center Alex Max. The CQ Capras responded with one more try by center Robert Jennings ending the first half. The second half saw both teams hardened their attack and defence in the rest of the remaining 40 minutes. Hunters scored 4 tries by winger Brandon Nima, while prop interchange Valentine Richard and Joshua Lau scored two more tries. However, the lead didn’t waver the CQ Capras as they put down three more tries in the second half by second rower Tom Farr, while fullback Blake Moore scored two tries before full time. The CQ Capras seem to find their rhythm but was out of time, leaving the SP hunters already at a secure point margin of 42-28. This is the SP Hunters their 3rd win following their bye in round 15, and the home ground victory now confirms the Hunters’ top 8 spot in the Host plus Cup Points Ladder. The SP PNG Hunters will be on Bye this weekend for round 19.