The Digicel ExxonMobil Cup closed off another successful year of rugby league last evening with the Awards Night to recognize the players, coaches, clubs, match officials, and people that performed exceptionally well this year over the course of the 2023 season. Papua New Guinea (PNG) National Rugby League (NRL) Chairman, Mr. Adrian Chow said rugby league wouldn’t be fun and exciting without the people that make it happen, that provide the entertainment for the many rugby league fans out there. “These performances and achievements remind us all of the importance of dedication, skills and teamwork. They also inspire and motivate us,” said the PNG NRL Chairman. Mr. Chow took the time also to extend his gratitude to the clubs and players that participated and making the 2023 season a memorable one. Ms. Lorna McPherson, the Senior Vice President for Digicel also had her say on the competition and the recognition of the many talents in rugby league. But, most importantly, she said rugby league is more than just a sport. “We recognize rugby league as a sport that also promotes discipline, build character and encourage good sportsmanship.” That is why she is adamant to see the development of rugby league at the lower level up to the senior level and the further development of women rugby league competitions into a more semiprofessional status like the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup. Nevertheless, the Awards Night saw about 10 categories; Top Try Scorer, Top Points Scorer, Rookie of the Year, Coach of the Year, Club of the Year, Team of the Year, Player of the Year, PNGRFL Fulltime Reserve Excellence Award, People’s Choice Award and Referee of the Year Award. The winners and awardees of the season are as follows. · Top Try Scorer- Cyril Seba, Hela Wigmen · Top Point Scorer- Elizah Rotinga, Kimbe Cutters · Rookie of the Year- Manu Sent, Goroka Lahanis · Coach of the Year- Billy Gau, Enga Mioks · Club of the Year- EPG Enga Mioks The Team of the Year category recognizes the best players in each position to form the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup. The awardees are as follows. · Fullback of the Year- Junior Bobby, Central Dabaris · Winger of the Year- Cyril Seba, Hela Wigmen · Halfback of the Year- Solomon Pokare, Hela Wigmen · Hooker of the Year- Nathan Tente, ENB Gurias · Centre of the Year- Elizah Rotinga, Kimbe Cutters · Five-Eight of the Year- Garry James, Enga Mioks · Prop of the Year- Ishmael Waine, Mendi Muruks · Second Rower of the Year- Atua Joshua, Hela Wigmen · Lock of the Year- Supa Kokote, Enga Mioks Looking at the remaining categories, the Player of the Year Award went to Garry James of the Enga Mioks. For the PNGRFL Fulltime Reserve Excellence Award, which recognizes the distinguish services to rugby league and chosen by the PNGRFL Chairman, was awarded to Eastern Highlands Governor Simon Sia, who happens to be the franchise owner of the Goroka Lahanis. For the last two awards for the night, the People’s Choice Award went to Robert Mathias of the Lae Snax Tigers and the Referee of the Year Award was given to Leonard Alphonse.

A two-week workshop is currently underway at the Murray Barracks in Port Moresby to train Department of Defence (DOD) staff on better management of administrative duties. This training is being provided by a nine- member training team from Australia, called Mentoring Training Team Charlie (MTTC). They were officially welcomed on Tuesday 29th August by the Deputy Secretary for Department of Defence, Mr. Simon Tunapai, on behalf of Secretary Mr. Hari John Akipe. “We appreciate your time and your specialty. The program is enhancing our skills.” Mr. Tunapai said during a short welcome ceremony at the department. He said the result of the MTT initiative can be seen in the performance of staff members who attended MTT trainings. He said that staff who received training through the MTT have come back to the department and set benchmark performances in their various roles. The MTTC program started from Tuesday 29th August and will end on Friday 8th September, and will have a greater focus on record keeping. MTTC is the third engagement of the year. The first engagement was Mentoring Training Team Alpha that came to Papua New Guinea (PNG) early this year and the second engagement was Mentoring Training Team Bravo, that had participants from the department travel to Australia for training in July. This is the second year for the MTT to run after being officially launched in 2022 with the leadership of Secretary Akipe and Australia's Defence Secretary, Mr. Greg Moriarty. The MTT is an initiative under the Olgeta Department Series and targets priorities of assistance agreed on in the Department of Defence Enhancement Partnership Program 2021-2024 that was signed in 2021 by Secretary Akipe and Secretary Moriarty. The main areas targeted in the workshop are audit, records management, governance, information technology, and human resources management.

The Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited (KPHL) will soon have a share in the US$19 billion PNG LNG project now that it has finalized all the paperwork. Kumul Petroleum Holdings had finalized the agreement with Santos to purchase a 2.6% equity interest in the PNG LNG Project for US$576 million, plus US$160 million share of project debt. Kumul Petroleum’s Managing Director, Mr. Wapu Sonk said this transaction is the culmination of many months of discussions that have taken place with national and international financiers since the National Executive Council (NEC) gave its initial approval for KPHL to acquire additional equity in the PNG LNG Project in September 2022. “The PNG LNG Project is a mature, profitable and de-risked petroleum project that has consistently operated above its nameplate capacity, and which has many more years of commercial life left as additional gas fields are brought online.” Mr. Sonk explained that on completion of the sale of the 2.6% equity in the PNG LNG Project to Kumul Petroleum, Santos had agreed to grant KPHL a Call Option to acquire a further 2.4% interest in the project, and that this Call Option must be exercised on or before 30 June 2024. “The total purchase price for Kumul Petroleum to exercise the Call Option will be US$524 million, plus US$145 million share of project finance debt. At the end of this process, Kumul Petroleum will have acquired an additional 5% equity in the PNG LNG Project.” ” Kumul Petroleum has ensured that entering into financing arrangements to acquire additional equity in the PNG LNG Project will not affect its financial capability to take up the State’s full 22.5% equity entitlement in the forthcoming Papua LNG Project and also continue to pay annual dividends to the State, in line with our annual operating plans,” said Mr. Sonk. “Kumul Petroleum has thanked the Prime Minister, Minister for State Enterprises, Mr. William Duma and all the members of the NEC for their support during the process to close this transaction.” Mr. Sonk concluded by saying that Kumul Petroleum as the national petroleum and energy company, is fulfilling its vision statement, which is to build the nation through its energy resources. “We must balance long-term commercial investments and consequent sustainable income streams with our ability to support the National Government to achieve its development priorities as outlined in the Medium-Term Development Strategy (MTDS) and Vision 2050 plans.”

In what was described as the biggest surrender in the Yangoru- Sausia district of the East Sepik province, a large number of youths turned in their guns, homebrew making equipment and even themselves to police just recently. The youths from the Kwarabri village of East Yangoru Local Level Government (LLG) surrendered and made peace with the police on Friday 01st September, witnessed by the local Member of Parliament and Minister for International Trade and Investment, Richard Maru. The youths led by Paramount Chief, Joseph Legimani, surrendered two gas bottles for brewing steam, 21 guns, and 24 people to the police. From the 24 people, one was an escapee and 23 were suspects who were involved in the clash with police, four of whom were women. They also gave K2, 000 to the police as an apology for the clash. According to State Lawyer, Enoch Manihambu, it took him and the leaders of Kwarabri about two months to convince these 24 people to surrender, and also to have the village to surrender their guns. Because of the gun battle incident between the youths from Kwarabri and the police, the Yangoru-Saussia District Development Authority (DDA) brought over Mobile Squad 15 from Bulolo in Morobe Province, who have been doing a very good job so far. “We had to bring the Mobile Squad because of the issue that you created. It did not cost us thousands but millions of Kina. The funds for other services and developments for the district is being diverted into law-and-order. So, be serious about this surrender and peace program. I do not want to hear of any more law-and-order issues in Kwarabri,” said Maru. Mr. Maru also announced to the people of Kwarabri and everyone who gathered to attend the peace program that police officers will be here to stay. “The first 16 rooms at the new Yangoru Mobile Barracks have been completed, so I have requested PPC (Provincial Police Commander) Superintendent Christopher Tamari for 16 new permanent troops for Yangoru-Saussia to be brought to the district so we can cut down on the cost of bringing in foreign troops.” “We will have all 45 policemen and women in the district once all the houses in the Mobile Barracks are completed. This is part of our drive to bring down law-and-order issues in the district so we can bring in more services and attract investors to the district,” said Maru. The MP also thanked the 24 people for doing the right thing by surrendering themselves to the police. “Thank you for surrendering, you will now be in the custody of the police. The police are not allowed to beat any of you because you have done the right thing to surrender with the assurance that you will be dealt with properly. You will be taken by the police, processed, charged, and the court system will deal with you.” Maru then encouraged other communities in the district to follow the fine example set by Kwarabri village. “Let us clean-up Yangoru-Saussia and prepare ourselves to embrace new services and development, which the DDA and the National Government want to bring here," said Maru.

Prime Minister (PM) James Marape is set to embark on an official visit to Israel, where he will be discussing with Israeli government officials for the establishment of a new Papua New Guinea (PNG) embassy and also gain investor interest in the country’s business sector. This official visit from the 4th to 6th of September marks his inaugural journey to the Holy Land, and he is eager to foster substantial development collaborations. The relationship between PNG and the State of Israel has grown steadily since the establishment of formal diplomatic relations in May 1978 and the establishment of a new embassy, will symbolize the strengthening ties between the two nations. Whist there, PM Marape will take the opportunity to secure Israeli support for large-scale agricultural initiatives, hydro and solar energy projects, information communication technology, fisheries, higher education, and security cooperation. Marape will also address an exclusive business round table attended by Israeli investors and entrepreneurs. The focus will be on elucidating PNG's economic landscape and the government's strategy to capitalize on downstream processes and add value to the nation's abundant renewable and non-renewable resources. Israeli investment in PNG is already evidenced through innovative agricultural endeavors, including a hydroponic farm at Nine-Mile and a dairy farm at Illimo in Port Moresby, along with agricultural projects in the Southern Highlands Province. Accompanying Marape on this significant journey is his spouse, Rachael, as well as select senior Ministers responsible for trade and investment, energy, and agriculture.

The Port Moresby based Australian (AFL) Football Club, the Gereka Bomber received a timely support from the Member for Moresby South and Minister for National Events, Justin Tkachenko, to help them in their campaign in the Moni Plus Port Moresby AFL 2023 premiership. According to the President of the Gereka Bombers Mr. Alois Melua, the Member, presented a cheque of K50, 000, which he said will go towards supporting the club in terms of equipment. “We have a lack of jumpers and training gear for our players, so we asked the Member for support, and he responded and came to us,” said the club president. “It’s the first of its kind for our Member to come support us. This is a big sponsorship.” The sponsorship cheque was presented to the club on Friday 01st of September at Gereka. Meanwhile, the Gereka Bombers will take to the field today. Their afternoon match against the Daltron Alavana Swans in the Senior Men’s Division will take place at 12pm at the Colts Oval. The Gereka Bombers currently sit on the number 9 spot on the Moni Plus Port Moresby AFL 2023 points ladder.

The Deputy Prime Minister (PM) John Rosso has confirmed that there will be new fleet of police vehicles arriving in country, in an effort to enable the police force carry out its mandated duty to the people of Papua New Guinea (PNG), efficiently and effectively. The Deputy PM and Member for Lae Open, said that the new vehicles come under the government funding put into address the deteriorating law and order situation in the country. “In the next couple of months, we’ll see the first 140 marked police cars arrive. That will be the replacement program for nearly 600 police cars, we’ll be getting rid of all the hired cars in the police force,” said Rosso. He said with this done, the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) can save money and to use that money to attend to other necessary requirements for the police force. “For the last 10 years, this is the first time that we have put in more money than any other government in history, has put towards the law and justice sector.” Mr. Rosso went on to say that it’s not only for police, but the Correctional Service (CS) and the Magisterial Services also received the same huge funding support from the government because addressing law and order takes a holistic approach.

The Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited (KPHL) is constructing a new fabrication and training facility to train Papua New Guineans to participate in future petroleum industry construction activities. Construction of lay down and necessary associated site work, including services rights of way and site access roads, have now started after the construction contract was signed in July. KPHL’s Corporate Affairs Executive General Manager, Luke Liria, in his presentation at the recent PNG Chamber of Mines and Petroleum CANCONEX conference in Lae said that KPHL as the country’s national petroleum and energy company, has a responsibility to drive development in this sector of the economy, and to provide direct financial benefits for the National Government and other stakeholders. “Our objective is to capture a market share in the fabrication of large, high-value electrical and mechanical, electrical and piping modules for future petroleum and mining developments, renewable energy and general heavy industry projects, which up until now have all been imported from overseas,” he said. “We recognize that the petroleum industry requires specialist trade skills not necessarily used by other industries in the country, skills that will increasingly be needed as petroleum projects come online.” A training facility will be established adjacent to the fabrication facility to train and upskill Papua New Guineans, who will be required in large numbers in forthcoming LNG and other major developments in the country. Mr. Liria said with Papua LNG projected to gain Final Investment Decision (FID) in 2024, followed by P’nyang LNG, it is necessary to train a cadre of Papua New Guineans with skills to participate in petroleum industry construction activities between now and 2032. Construction academy graduates will have trade skills that will enable their employment in many of the forthcoming planned major resource and other projects in the country. KPHL continues to support the national government’s effort to create employment and upskill the workforce of the country through its rural electrification programs and other projects around the country.

The first engagement of two personnel from the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) maritime element with the United States (US) Coast Guard surveillance of the country’s waters, was a big success. According to the Transport Department First Assistant Secretary (FAS) for Maritime Security Mr. Sylvester Adema, on the 23rd of August two Papua New Guinea (PNG) gentlemen from the PNGDF embarked on the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) MYRTLE HAZARD and did the first mission. “It was an eye opener and a successful mission, that they came back with some of the positive information that we gathered from the mission,” said the FAS. “We are looking forward to more partnership with the US in our endeavor to protect this vast ocean that we have.” He said this is what PNG wants from its partner countries, a cooperation like this. He encouraged everyone to partner with PNG to protect its seas. Meanwhile, the USCGC MYRTLE HAZARD is in the country at the request of the PNG Government, to support maritime operations to combat illegal fishing and safeguard maritime resources during the month of August. The vessel is commanded by Lieutenant Halle Merritt as Commanding Officer, and the vessel will be here for some time in the country to conduct the patrols and surveillances of the waters of PNG.

The Teachers Savings and Loans Society (TISA) Limited is in the process of establishing its own bank to service the communities in Papua New Guinea (PNG), something which certainly has the support of government. Minister for International Trade and Investment, Richard Maru, said the establishment of a new bank in the country’s banking sector will go a long way in serving the people, especially in the rural areas, given the location of TISA branches already in many parts of the country. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of TISA, Mr. Michael Koisen said they have applied for a banking license and the Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG) has given a conditional approval. They are hoping that a full license will be granted to TISA in the near future to do business in banking and serving the communities in PNG. Minister Maru is supportive of TISA establishing its own bank to service the people, all because of the benefits this will have on the banking sector and the economy. “Why is it exciting for us in government, because this will now mean one more bank, more competition, lower interest rates, lower banking fees, decrease in the number of unbanked, and making banking and financial services accessible,” said Minister Maru. “But importantly, the Teachers Savings and Loans Society is owned by 70, 000 Papua New Guineans. This is an indigenous business, that’s what makes it extremely exciting. Clearly, when you migrate to a full bank, this bank will be owned by indigenous people of Papua New Guinea, this is what’s going to make this bank become unique.” Minister Maru was also thankful for BPNG for granting the conditional approval and says they look forward to the granting of the new banking license.

Police in Enga have reported three more killings in relation to the ongoing tribal fights between the warring tribes in the province. Enga Provincial Police Commander (PPC), George Kakas said the latest incident was the killing of three men from one of the warring tribes last week Friday 25th August. PPC Kakas said security forces were sent in to recover the bodies and take them to the morgue. “However, over the weekend it was quiet with no reports of retaliations from the deaths of the three,” said the PPC. He hopes that this quiet situation will continue to remain until the police organize talks between the tribal leaders of the warring sides, to come to an amicable solution to end it for the betterment of everyone. Although previous attempts by the PPC to hold talks with the warring tribal leaders, so far nothing has been achieved with them. However, Mr. Kakas is optimistic about it and has planned to organize another meeting with the tribal leaders this week. He plans on doing this tomorrow. Meanwhile, the security manpower of ground in Enga province to curb the tribal clashes is a total strength of 200 men. Kakas said this comprises of 80 Police Mobile Squad officers and 120 Papua New Guinea Defence Force personnel.

Police in the Southern Highlands province is on full alert and searching for the 47 inmates that made a dash for freedom from the Buiebi Correctional Service (CS) prison facility over the weekend. This was confirmed by the Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Joe Puri this morning when giving an update on the escape yesterday, Sunday 27th August. PPC Puri said his men were sent to assist CS officers search for the escapees yesterday after they fled into the nearby forest but had to call off the search when it became dark for them to continue with the search. “This morning, we have put up roadblocks along the main roads and conduct searches in the nearby villages with whatever limited resources we have,” said the PPC. “We are also sending messages to the villages to report any escapees that may be hiding there to police.” The PPC said of the 47 inmates that escaped, 4 are district court remandees, 14 are national court remandees and 29 are convicted criminals. These 29 convicted inmates are dangerous to the community and therefore, police want the public to report them if they are seen hiding within their community. Mr. Puri also called on the escaped inmates to voluntarily turn themselves in to the police. Meanwhile, at this stage an investigation is being conducted by the CS as to how the 47 inmates escaped from the prison facility.