A police unit in Malalaua in the Gulf province recently apprehended three drug smugglers in possession of over 10 kilograms worth of Marijuana in Lese on Tuesday night on a Public Motor Vehicle (PMV) bound for Port Moresby city. The police officers, after attending to a complaint in Lese, set up a random but standard roadblock checkpoint procedure for security checks on the passing PMV’s, this led them to the discovery of a 10kg bag of marijuana with additional smaller packs in separate bags. The drugs were disguised and stuffed among 10kg betel nut bags for transporting, one 10kg bag full and other additional packs in another sealed betel nut bag. The officers identified the bag and seized the PMV and the three passengers, including the driver and the crew. The vehicle was taken back by police to Malalaua Police Station and the three suspects to be further investigated and possible charges to be laid. The suspected owner of the drugs will be charged for the high quantity of drugs in possession along with the Driver and Crew for transporting drugs under the Controlled Substance Act 2021. PPC Lemb further emphasized that according to his sources, a huge quantity of drugs slipped through their posts into Port Moresby, estimated to be over 50 kilograms and police are on high alert to minimize this from happening again. Police standard roadblock checkpoint operations will continue as normal to keep close watch of these illegal activities. PPC Lemb urged groups and individuals who choose a life of crime that they will all face this law when caught and charged accordingly.

Papua New Guinea Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (PNGEITI) has thrown its support behind the Government’s decision to delay the passage of the Gold Cooperation Bill and seek wider stakeholder consultation. Mining Minister Muguwa Dilu at the consultation workshop on 15th April said that all stakeholders would have the chance to provide proposals for amending the controversial Gold Corporation Bill. Stakeholders are expected to submit their recommendations for the possible amendments to the bill in the next 6 months, before it reaches the parliament. PNGEITI Executive Director Mr. Lucas Alkan said there must be transparency in all phases of discussions and recommendations by both government and stakeholders in the lead up to the amendment and even to the passage of the bill. According to Mr. Alkan, this is a significant bill as it will support the economic growth in Papua New Guinea (PNG), which will include the establishment of a gold refinery and downstream processing of all natural resources into finished goods suitable for export. “We applaud the administration for delaying the passage of this measure in order to hear input from the stakeholders and suggestions regarding the modifications of this legislation,” he stated. “PNGEITI plays an important role in promoting good governance in the country’s extractive sector and therefore, it is our wish to see all discussions and recommendations done in a transparent manner,” said Mr. Alkan. Mr. Alkan also called on the government to disclose content of the deal made with a company from Singapore, Refinery Holdings Pte Limited. The PNGEITI Executive Director concluded by saying that the interest of the mines, the government, and the stakeholders among other parties concerned, must be catered for in these proposed amendments to the bill.

The Tokarara Secondary School Headmaster Mr. Gabriel Manga urges active students to focus on their studies especially grade 12 students with National Exams just around the corner, including grade 10 students. Acknowledging the Tokarara Secondary School’s most recent encounter of ineligible Grade 8 students requesting grade 9 spots have captivated the attention of Tokarara Secondary School Headmaster Mr. Manga to encourage active students to prevent such outcomes from happening. Mr. Manga expressed appreciation and concern to active students who have been successfully eligible to proceed to the next stage in High School and Secondary School and to keep their focus on their academic goals and not get distracted from the social temptation from peers and social media. Mr. Manga added social media has been a main contributor to distracting and tempting the young minds especially in cases of encouraging relationships, alcohol, drugs, pornography and other theft knowledge which results in jeopardizing their academic journey. Furthermore Mr. Manga emphasized the tragic result of students failing and can no longer afford to continue study should be minimized and so all students need to do their best to avoid any minor temptation that can easily consume them. “We have the first Written Expression national exams for grade 10 coming up and we fear the student’s academic journey may be tested or worse be demised within this small-time gap.” “Our mission now is to guide and protect their journey as much as possible, this may encourage them to improve their decision to better themselves within that time.” Furthermore, he added Tokarara Secondary School was in once in the Top 10 schools in the Nation and we believe it can be possible again. “Teaching and guidance for our students can boost their performance academically.” “The teaching staff will do our best to contribute deeply to teaching and guidance for our students.” “Despite these challenges, we will work hard and keep our finger crossed and hope for the best for our students.”

The United State Indo-Pacific Command visited Papua New Guinea to identify and expand further development of joint infrastructure on April 30th - May 2nd, under accordance to expand additional development capabilities within the PNG Defense Force. This scoping mission is in support of the recently signed and ratified defense cooperation agreement. The joint infrastructure will accelerate disaster response, enhance security cooperation, and further strengthen our bilateral relationship as it promotes and improves the capability of the PNG Defense Force, increasing stability and security and security in the region. The joint agreement will see coordination between the U.S team members in coordination with PNG partners, U.S Embassy and other relevant commercial industrial partners to understand capabilities of logistics and refinement of projects to support shared security and defense objectives. This will expect continuation of visitations for developments in October to Nadzab Tomodachi (Lae) Airport, and Igam Barracks, where UNSINDOPACOM J44-Joint Posture Management office and U.S Army Corps of Engineers began observations and surveys to identify future requirements. This also marks the Pacific Partners visit PNG where U.S military medical staff worked with the PNGDF to provide training and medical care to PNG citizens. The findings from this scoping mission will be used to create a proposal on future infrastructure programs that will honor agreements and bolster the U.S relationship with PNG.

The Papua New Guinea Rugby Competition remains confident it will overcome the flight cancel and delay issues due to fuel rationing into shortage. With this rapidly evolving situation and despite its challenges, a decision to play games from the original draw that have reduced flight travel will be scheduled in the next few rounds. PNGRFL General Manger of Pathways and Performance Mr. Tony Archer emphasized the need for remaining agile to ensure that the competition continues despite the current challenges encountered. “We are determined to bring exciting Rugby League for our fans and supporters while we navigate the flight issues.” Furthermore Mr. Archer expressed gratitude to the clubs for their sacrifice and efforts in cooperation for making it happen. “Congratulations is needed to our players and coaches who continue to improve in every round as they showcase their wonderful skill despite disrupted preparations.” “Changes have been made to the original two rounds, round 6 and 7 to ensure games are run smoothly without jeopardizing the fairness and integrity of the competition.” Round 6 and 7 schedule changes are as follows: Round 6 Saturday 18th May 2024 2pm- Asila Waghi Tumbe vs Wamp Nga Mt Hagen Eagles at John Amban Oval. Sunday 19th May, 2024 12pm- ENB Agmark Gurias vs Moni Plus NCDC Port Moresby Vipers at NFS 2pm- Kreoton Hela Wigmen vs Gas Resources Central Dabaris at NFS. 2PM- Bintagor Lahanis vs Lae Snax Tigers at National Sports Institute (NSI) 3pm- PRK Mendi Muruks vs KMHL Enga Mioks at Lae Rugby League Ground 4pm- PRK Gulf Isou vs WNBPG Kimbe Cutters, NFS Round 7 Sunday 26th May 2024 12pm- ENB Agmark Gurias vs PRK Gulf Isou, NFS 2pm- WNBPG Kimbe Cutters vs Wamp Nga Mt Hagen Eagles, NFS 2pm- Bintagor Goroka Lahanis vs Asila Waghi Tumbe, NSI 2pm- KMHL Enga Mioks vs Gas Resource Central Dabaris, Aipus Oval 3pm- Lae Snax Tigers vs PRK Mendi Muruks, Lae Rugby League Oval 4pm- Kroton Hela Wigmen vs Moni Plus NCDC Port Moresby Vipers, NFS

The Papua New Guinea Rugby Association celebrated a historic milestone in establishment in its years of governance as it signed a vital 3-year contract with Marsh PNG Limited as its Medical Insurance counterpart for the community space tournaments nationwide. The launching took place at the National Football Stadium in the Presence of Marsh Representative Cliff Sammy, Marsh Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Graeme Murray, PNG RFL representative Saku Ank and PNG RFL CEO Stanley Hondina. PNG RFL CEO Mr. Hondina emphasized despite ongoing programs and events internationally and Domestically in the local and community space, PNGRFL’s ambition to bring about professionalism has reached a chapter with insurance. “PNGRFL insurance has been a main concern for our parents, supporters’ volunteers, and partners domestic and international to protect players because of the physical.” According to Mr. Hondina the PNGRFL board formulated a self insurance module to protect player’s well being which lacked proper medical package than anticipated. However, Discussions and meetings have been conducted to fully fulfill a comprehensive package which Marsh PNG Limited has brought to the table. “This agreement covers our insurance in the rugby league business,” said Mr. Hondina. He also added registration will be required for parties to fully benefit the medical insurance packages. Meanwhile, the Marsh PNG Limited CEO Mr. Murray expressed his gratitude to partner with PNG's number one sport and game in PNG the PNGRFL, to provide medical insurance and associated benefits package. “We have over 40 years in PNG, and we are here for PNG. Rugby league is a team sport and collaboration is needed to win, we will focus on providing our professional expertise to boost the PNGRFL community space.” “There is already talk of a PNG team in the NRL and why not, hopefully we want to be a part of the stage when there is a PNG Team in the NRL.” “Let’s move together forward to success,” said Mr. Murray.

The Tokarara Secondary School Head Master Mr. Gabriel Manga urges National Government to consider broadening the Flexible Open Distance Education (FODE) scope to be more available and accommodate intermediate and junior High School drop outs. Despite Tokarara Secondary having a successful student registration early this year, a high number of grade 8 students who fell below the required National Exam percentage flooded the registration week requesting a grade 9 spot for the academic year. According to Mr. Manga, the Tokarara Secondary School was unable to cater these students due to simply being academically ineligible, and their acceptance would be deemed illegal and irresponsible. Mr. Manga elaborated the Education Department needs to be more involved in this matter to allocate a proper pathway for these students who would like to pursue their academic studies. “There are pathways that are in place for such scenarios but are under developed to properly follow through.” “I believe more FODE establishments should be available, especially for students facing this issue.” “If these students are forgotten, more youngsters not older than 18+ will be on the streets with no education or ambition to pursue in life.” “We must implement correct pathways to minimize this issue.” “Vocational Studies can be an exceptional solution but may not be a solution for some who seek a different path therefore the FODE Program is necessary for youth who seek to study more.” The Tokarara Secondary currently has a populated number of grade 9 students, and the flooded number of ineligible students for registration clearly calls for immediate attention. Mr. Manga added there should be some form of program to upgrade student academic performance to aid in their search for higher education institutions.

The Queensland Rugby League Hostplus Cup Round 9 saw the Papua New Guinea SP Hunter go Head-to-head against the Queensland Northern Pride at the National Football stadium, Port Moresby. The Northern Pride made a strong impression scoring two tries within the first 10 minutes of the first half by their right center Braidon Burns in 2 minutes followed by another in 7 minutes, Northern Pride halves Thomas Duffy kicked both successful conversions leading the game in the early minutes. The SP Hunters responded back with SP Hunters fullback Sanny Wabo scoring their first try elevating their momentum into the first half, SP Hunters Halfback Finely Glare took the conversion successfully. The SP Hunters first try ignited an intense period of heavy body contact on defence and attack as the interchanges were ongoing to relief players of exhaustion. The SP Hunters defence forced an error in the Norther Pride attack, dropping the ball where the SP Hunters Left Center Alex Max took advantage securing the ball and running close to 70 meters from his try line in the first 26th minutes, Glare levelled the scores with a successful conversion. Glare also secured his first being the third try in the remaining 1 minute of the first half, leading the Northern Pride into the Half-Time 18-12. The second half saw both teams come back strong but still finding their rhythm to defend and attack until Benji Kot found a weak point in Pride defence which enable him to break through and score a try, followed by a successful conversion by Glare. The remaining minutes saw few silly mistakes on both teams as they try best to slide through defence with quick plays and hard runs. Silly errors took over the game leading the match to its 79th minute until SP Hunter Elijah Roltinga scored the final try Followed by a successful conversion. Finely Glare converted 5 successful conversions pushing their team to acquire the essential 2points throughout each try. Although many fumbles and errors impacted the attack and defence, the SP Hunters managed to overcome these challenges and win the Game over the visitor Queensland Northern Pride with 30-12 Points

The Orei ward 1 and 2 People Association of Imbongu District in the Southern Highlands Province (SHP) has taken the initiative to redevelop poor government infrastructure and services in their communities. People's Association President, Mr. Steve Nomondo told PNG Hausbung that the Association members have a lot of plans to bring to light, but lack funds to carry out these development plans. However, Mr. Nomondo was pleased to mention that the first successful application development plan under the Community Grant from the Digicel Foundation of K50, 000 for the redevelopment of Orei Health Centre, is currently in progress. “We focus development on our health center as it is paramount for the wellbeing of the community to have access to medical services, especially in such a harsh environment and rural community,” said Mr. Nomondo. “We will reconstruct it’s facility to accommodate and serve more patients, improving water supply and electricity to raise the health center’s standards in providing quality treatment.” Furthermore, Mr. Nomondo emphasized the future additional plans for the Orei Health Center to be transformed into a Sub health referral Centre for the Imbongu District Hospital. Despite being located near the famous Highlands Highway with complete road access, the Orei ward 1 and 2 have been neglected major development since 2002. More has been focused on politics while development seems to be over looked in the community’s public infrastructure and services, resulting in poor service operations and equipment to conduct proper service to the public. Acknowledging that political affairs cloud priority development in Orei communities, Mr. Nomondo shared that the community came together to promote communication and collaboration for both wards to see development, focused on one direction to bring change. The People's Association of Imbongu District in SHP was formed in 2002 by the Orei ward 1 and 2 community with former candidate for SHP Regional Open Mr. Peter Noperi, to create a pathway to seek any form of assistance for basic development from private and government establishments. No major developments have been carried out until now, under the Digicel Foundation Community grant worth of K50, 000 to improve infrastructure and services for the Orei Health Center.