The inaugural AFL (Australian Football League) Pacific Cup is coming up in November in Australia, and the AFL PNG team is not wasting any time in preparing for it. ALF PNG Senior Football Manager, Mr. Rex Leka confirmed with PNG HAUSBUNG that the Papua New Guinea (PNG) AFL Commission has endorsed the train on teams for the men’s and women’s national teams- the PNG Mozzies and Flames, to prepare for the 2024 AFL Pacific Cup. He said that after the rigorous training that the train on squads will be going through, the selections will then be finalized. “This is the train on squad until the end of the month (September). We will be submitting only 28,” Mr. Leka said. He went on to explain that the final selection will only be 28 players for both national teams, adding that overseas based players will also be included in the finalized lists with three boys based in Australia to join the Mozzies. As for the women’s national team, Mr. Leka said they are yet to confirm the overseas based girls to be included in the Flames. He said there could be at least 3 or 4 girls based in Australia that could join the women’s team. “The Pacific Cup will run from the 18th of November to the 24th at the Sunshine Coast, Australia. That’s going to be the first ever pacific AFL Cup,” Mr. Leka said. Meantime, the total number of members in the men’s train on squad is 46 and for the women’s, 39 members.

Prime Minister James Marape survived a Vote of No Confidence (VONC) moved by the Opposition this morning, relieved to have the support of his coalition Members. PM Marape in his speech after the VONC motion was entertained, expressed his gratitude for the MPs who voted for him to remain as Prime Minister, adding that now this is over and done with, it is time to get back to work on running the country. Marape also thanked the Opposition for moving the VONC motion, stating that they exercised their duty and enacted a constitutional process to elect a new government, which is a mark of democracy. He also thanked MP Rainbo Paita for being the selected alternative PM for the opposition team. Meantime, Paita congratulated Marape on his victory this morning and urged him to now look at fully addressing the pressing issues in the country through a bipartisan approach. He also urged the MPs on the government team to work closely with Marape on making positive changes going forward. Parliament was then adjourned to November 26th at 2pm.

This news just in! The Speaker of Parliament announced the results of the Vote of No Confidence (VONC) motion. Those for PM James Marape 75, those for a new government, 32. Marape remains in power as PNG's Prime Minister, therefore defeating the VONC motion moved by the Opposition this morning. No MP moved across the floor this morning to join either side. Keep following PNG HAUSBUNG for more updates and listen in to the NAU FM NEWS, YUMI FM NEWS and LEGEND FM NEWS for more on this story.

The Vote of No Confidence (VONC) will be on the National Parliament agenda paper tomorrow and is expected to be moved by the Opposition to vote against incumbent Prime Minister, James Marape. Parliament today confirmed that the resumption of the sitting will be at 10am in the morning. What is expected when parliament resumes, is for the Opposition to move a motion for the vote to take place, which should commence the proceedings for the VONC to take place on the floor of parliament. Apart from this, it should be another normal parliament day with other agendas to be dealt with on the floor as well. Parliament was adjourned last week on Thursday 5th September for a week to give time for the VONC to go through the required constitutional process before it can be active on the day of the actual vote to take place. At present, the number of Members Parliament in the Opposition team is over 30 and the government team over 70, but these numbers could change today in the lead up to the VONC, or even tomorrow on the floor of parliament where MPs can cross over the floor to another team. Meantime, security is expected to be heightened tomorrow at the National Parliament premises and the city as well when MPs sit for the parliament session.

The Pope’s visit to the country marked a significant time, not only for the Catholic faithful, but for all Christians a like and for the nation as whole, especially at a time when things are not going so great. That was the sentiment expressed by the Governor for West New Britain (WNB), Sasindran Muthuvel, when PNG HAUSBUNG spoke with him after Pope Francis’s visit to APEC Haus in Port Moresby city on Saturday 8th September to meet with Pacific Island dignitaries who came to also meet the Pope. The good governor said his people also came along to the capital city to see the Pope and attend the Holy Mass, over 160 Catholics from the province came on what he described a pilgrimage to see His Holiness despite challenging economic times where the costs of goods and services are too high. He said this reflects the people’s faith in God that good times will come and that peace, harmony and good will amongst people will prevail in challenging times, something which the Pope, a representative and servant of the Almighty on earth, embodies in his visit and message to people of Papua New Guinea (PNG). “We are truly blessed and honored to see Pope’s visit in Papua New Guinea,” said the governor. He said Pope Francis gave very good messages for the nation, especially about the importance of respecting women especially at a time when the country is faced with challenges in addressing violence against women and violence in general, adding that the Pope’s message of peace and prayer should also be absorbed and deeply reflected on by all Christians. The governor was also pleased to hear the Pope’s message on the Bougainville issue among other challenges faced in the country, where the Pope urged the government to bring a peaceful and permanent solution to the issue of Bougainville’s full independence. “We are truly blessed to receive the Pope, and I strongly believe that his visit to the country will bring a good blessing to our country, Papua New Guinea.”

The country’s agriculture sector is showing signs of continued improvements despite some uncertainties experienced in the energy and resource sector. This is because global commodity prices for cocoa, coffee, and palm oil continue to remain strong and will do so for the remainder of the year. That is according to Kina Bank’s August Monthly Economic Report that was released on Friday 6 September 2024. Kina Bank Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Greg Pawson, said whilst there are still some uncertainties with the Papua LNG project, the non-resource sector particularly agriculture has remained strong since earlier this year. “Cocoa was the standout performer in August, rising by 17.09%. Coffee also ended the month on a strong note, up 9.04%, while Palm Oil saw a modest increase of 0.4%,” Mr Pawson said. Whilst the International Cocoa Organisation (ICCO) forecasted a production deficit of 462,000 tonnes for the current cocoa season. They reported that global supply chains remain constrained due to adverse weather conditions, aging trees, pests, and diseases affecting major cocoa-growing regions. On another positive note, the gold price increased by 3.467% in August, driven by uncertainty over US inflation figures. “It is pleasing to note that the gold price rose by over 60% since the start of 2020. Most of this year’s increase has been driven by the expectation of rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve,” Mr Pawson added. Despite the strong performance in agriculture and precious metals, there is still uncertainty surrounding the Papua LNG project. “PNG businesses continue to be in a ‘holding pattern’ as the much-anticipated start date for the Total Energies-led Papua LNG project keeps getting delayed. The project is currently in its Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) stage. The ongoing delay is expected to strain general economic sentiment, with the projected FX flows for the construction phase needed to stimulate business activity,” he said. “Inspite of the uncertainty and delay in Papua LNG, the increased activity in the agriculture sector is positive for PNG’s long-term growth.”

Pope Francis has left the country on board an Air Niugini Boeing 737, departing Jackson International Airport in Port Moresby at around 12:10pm for his next leg of his Holy World Tour. The Holy Father's last engagement of his visit to the country was speaking to the Catholic youths at the Sir John Guise stadium, where he first heard them talk about their struggles, their misfortunes and the challenges they face in life, be it in school, unemployment, or drug abuse and crime. "I will not leave the country yet until I come see you," Pope Francis announced to the crowd of over 20, 000 young people at the stadium. The Pope took time to remind the youths that each and every one of them is special in the eyes of God and that God loves them, and that His plans for them can be achieved through faith in Jesus Christ, harmony with God and with their fellow men. He also reminded the youths to support each other and seek guidance from helpful people as well in times of need, where proper guidance can lead them to a good life in God and Jesus Christ. The Catholic youths who gathered at the stadium comprised of youth groups from the Catholic Diocese around the country, students from the various Catholic agency schools in the city and even representatives from neighbouring Solomon Islands. The Pope left the stadium after 10am and headed over to the APEC Terminal at 7Mile where he was given a farewell by the people, including primary school students who lined up along the route which he took to terminal, cheering and waving the PNG and Vatican flags. The PNG Government dignitaries, including Prime Minister James Marape also said their farewell to the Pope where a 21- gun salute was accorded to send him on his way. The Pope's next stop on his tour is Timo Leste

His Holiness Pope Francis will conduct his final day in PNG with a meeting with the youths, over 20, 000 youths are expected to attend this event at the Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby. This morning some youth made their way to the stadium as early as 4am. Busloads of school students and teachers from the Catholic agencies schools in Port Moresby city also made their way to the stadium early this morning. Youths and school students from various Catholic Schools in the nation's capital, have taken today off from their usually busy academic week to attend the Papal youth festival today. Students from Jubilee, Don Bosco, St. Joseph's International Catholic School, Caritas Technical Secondary School, De La Salle, Marianville were some schools present at the event. Attendees from various Catholic Dioceses across the four regions of PNG were also present for the occasion including Mt. Hagen, Milne Bay, and ESP. Security was again strict at the gate with certain items prohibited from being taken into the stadium. Bag checks were conducted and items not to be taken in where then place on a table where the owners would pick them up later after the event this morning. Meantime, the Pope is expected to leave the shores of PNG at around 10am where he travels to Timo Leste next.

Over 35, 000 Catholics gathered this morning at the Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby to celebrate the Holy Mass with the Holy Father, Pope Francis. The gathering saw Catholic faithfuls from all over Papua New Guinea, those ones who can make to Port Moresby, attend the Mass which started just after 8am. Following the conclusion of the Holy Mass, we (PNG HAUSBUNG) had a chat with some of these faithfuls who attended with the rest of the people to get their thoughts about the service and Pope’s message to Papua New Guinea. Many felt blessed just to be there and to see the Pope, highlighting the significance of his message, which are instructions for all Christians to live as one, protect nature and focus on peace amongst all men.

Catholics started arriving as early as 1am this morning at the Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby celebrate Mass with the Holy Father Pope Francis. PNG HAUSBUNG onsite this morning outside the perimeter of the stadium to observe the movement of people. According to one Marshall on site, it was between 1am and 2am that people started arriving to avoid the long queue that is expected. Security was also tight with Marshals, police, Correctional Service officers and security guards controlling the movement of vehicles and people. Vehicles with passes were let in while the rest had to just drop off as the inside of the stadium areas already has quite a number of vehicles inside. there were also two pickup points for the public where shuttle buses provided transportation. These places are the Unagi Oval and the Independence Boulevards at Waigani. People had to leave their vehicles at these points where security will be provided for them. Meantime, as the time went by, a lot more people started gathering with lines getting longer at both entrances into the stadium, the one at PNG Education Institute and the main one at the Vision City side. The main gates will close off by 7am and the Mass will start thereafter where Pope Francis will be the main celebrant.

Despite one’s limitation or disabilities, each of us are unique in our own ways and knowing and believing that God loves us and has a plan for every one of us, is what matters more than anything else. That was the message from Pope Francis this afternoon at the Caritas Technical Secondary School in Port Moresby city when he met with little children supported by the Callan Services of Papua New Guinea (PNG). The Pope when responding to questions from three children supported by Callan Services, who had audience with the Pope, said God knows each of our struggles and we all should focus on what he has planned for us and His undying love for humanity. Which was the reason why Jesus died for us on the cross. The children then performed for the Pope, presented gifts and the Pope also presented them with gifts as well. Towards the end of his visit at the all- girls institution, Pope Francis then took the time to go say hello to everyone in the school hall, visiting the kids, the families and laying his hand and blessing little children and babies that their parents brought to see the Pope. Meantime, the school received the Pope with very high spirits, lining along the driveway into the school with the PNG flag and the Vatican flag in hand. Some were in their school uniforms while others in traditional attire, representing all four regions of the country. There were also traditional dancers from Manus, the Central province and West New Britain performing to welcome Pope Francis. The school’s teachers and administration staff where also fully present to coordinate the welcoming ceremony and the receiving of the Pope. Pope Francis after arriving at the school, also took time to visit the students and traditional dancers outside before heading into the school hall to meet the children. The Pope after the event at Caritas Technical Secondary School, departed for the Don Bosco Technical Institute, which is just on the other side of the school.

The Governor General, Sir Bob Dadae, officially welcomed Pope Francis this morning at the APEC Haus in Port Moresby, acknowledging what the Catholic church has done in contributing to Papua New Guinea's (PNG’s) development. Sir Dadae said this support by the catholic church is through the provision education, health care, social development, through to disaster and humanitarian assistance that the church has continued to deliver to the people. “The Catholic church is another key development partner of the Government in services delivery in the country. Our government recognises the strong contributions of the church,” said the Sir Bob Dadae. “We appreciate the global leadership and advocacy that the Vatican continues to provide on a global humanitarian issues like war, gender issues, climate change, health and education.” The Governor General also acknowledged the work put in by the Catholic church in addressing gender issues, the rights of women, advocating against violence against women and violence in general. “We also recognise the spiritual and physical care that the church continues to give to those that are being abused, neglected or rejected by families and communities, and human rights abuse in the country.” There are cases of violence here too in PNG and in your presence and in your presence, we want to remind our citizens to observe the moral values and ethical principles that defines us as Christian and recommit to love and peaceful existence in our society. Touching on climate change, he extended his appreciation the work of the Catholic mission and those of the Christian faith who continue to serve those who are affected by climate change in PNG and across the pacific. ‘We seek your prayers and support for global action and advocation on climate change.” The Governor General thanked the head of the Catholic church for this big support that the Catholic church continues to give and assured his Holiness that the national government will continue to support the church and work together with the church to serve the people of PNG. Pope Francis in his keynote address, which was translated speech from Latin to English, said that he was pleased to visit PNG and appreciated the warm welcome from the people and the government. He also expressed his fascination of PNG, saying its a country of many cultures, tribes and resources. “These environmental and cultural treasures represent at the same time a great responsibility, because they require everyone, civil authorities and all citizens, to promote initiatives that develop natural and human resources in a sustainable and equitable manner. A manner that improves the wellbeing of all, excluding nobody, through concrete programmes, international cooperation, mutual respect and agreements beneficial to all parties,” Pope Francis said. “In your homeland, an archipelago with hundreds of islands, more than eight hundred languages are spoken, corresponding to just as many ethnic groups." “This points to an extraordinary cultural richness. I must confess that this greatly fascinates me, also on a spiritual level, because I imagine that this enormous variety is a challenge to the Holy Spirit, who creates harmony amid differences.” “Your country, besides consisting of islands and languages, is also rich in natural resources. These goods are destined by God for the entire community.” Touching on violence, Pope Francis hopes and pray for a peaceful end to all forms of violence in the country, touching a little bit on Bougainville as well. “It is my particular hope that tribal violence will come to an end, for it causes many victims, prevents people from living in peace and hinders development.” “I appeal, therefore, to everyone’s sense of responsibility to stop the spiral of violence and instead resolutely embark on the path that leads to fruitful cooperation for the benefit of all the people of the country.” “Indeed, the aforementioned attitudes can create the conditions in which the question of the status of Bougainville Island can also find a definitive solution while avoiding the rekindling of ancient tensions,” said the Pope. Pope Francis also assured that the Catholic church will always work in partnership with the state to bring about service, help develop the physical and spiritual well-being of the people of PNG. Meantime, the Pope will be visiting Caritas Technical Secondary School and Don Bosco Technical Institute at East Boroko to start off his afternoon visits.