Author: Paula DAVID

The Indigenous All Stars’ brilliant backline stole the show as they ran out 22-14 winners over the Māori All Stars on Friday night in Townsville. Prolific Bulldogs wing Josh Addo-Carr struck twice inside the opening 20 minutes, before local fan favourite Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow added another just before the half-time break in Townsville, to set the Indigenous up for back-to-back NRL Harvey Norman All Stars victories for the first time since the concept changed to include the Māori in 2019. A fourth try from Titans flyer Alofiana Khan-Pereira inside the final 10 minutes put the icing on the cake, in front…

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In a response to a series of questions regarding the “Connect PNG Infrastructure Development Program” raised by various Members of Parliament including member for lalibu Pangi, Peter O’Neil, the Minister for Works and Highways Solan Mirisim gave a progressive update on the floor of parliament today. Minister Mirisim said, since their government took office in 2019, they developed the 20-Year Connect PNG Program to immediately deal with the threats of the growing deferred maintenance that would require K45 billion in replacement costs. “At the same time, we want to meet the countries future demands by embarking on a long-term vision…

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The up-and-coming football club, East Coast Football Club (FC) recently received a timely financial donation of K12, 500 from the FX Business Center on Tuesday this week. The East Coast Football Club, under the leadership of Managing Director Shannon Andrew, has emerged as a pioneer in junior football development in PNG. With a focus on nurturing young talent through partnerships with schools, the club aims to elevate the standard of football in the country and establish strong international connections within the sport. Mr Andrew expressed his pride in this partnership, stating, “I’m extremely proud that our club is the first…

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Star fullback Latrell Mitchell has been named as the new captain of the Indigenous All Stars for Friday night’s All Stars clash with the Māori. The 26-year-old will take over captaincy duties in what will be his sixth All Stars appearance after last year’s skipper and Rabbitohs teammate Cody Walker was ruled out due to a calf injury. A proud Biripi, Wiradjuri, Worimi and Gumbaynggirr man, Mitchell said the All Stars competition and opportunity to lead his teammates ‘means everything’ to him as a player. “To lead my people is an honour that I don’t take lightly both on and…

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The Central Province now has a representative on the NCDC Board. Acting Provincial Administrator Edward Kila was sworn into office last month at the City Hall Boardroom by Senior Magistrate Peter Balus from the Waigani District Court as required by the NCDC Act on the composition of the NCDC Board and relating to the representation of the Central Provincial Government. In a simple but significant swearing in ceremony Mr. Kila vowed to represent the people and the government of the Central province truly and willingly on the NCDC Board. Mr. Kila said, “We (Central and NCD) are divided by provincial…

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Prime Minister James Marape recently expressed the Government’s stance on the potential vote-of-no-confidence against his leadership, as the National Parliament is set to reconvene today. Emphasizing respect for the democratic process, he, however, criticized what he termed “frivolous and opportunistic” attempts to undermine his administration. PM Marape highlighted the opposition’s intent to propose a no-confidence motion following the expiration of the 18-month grace period last Friday. “We will respect those who want to initiate a vote-of-no-confidence against my leadership,” he affirmed. He underscored the importance of adhering to the due process under Section 145 of the National Constitution, which governs…

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Titans forward Jacob Alick has withdrawn from the Indigenous All Stars squad due to an ankle injury. The Titans released a statement saying that the 24-year-old back-rower had suffered a syndesmosis injury at training on Thursday and would miss the match in Townsville. The PNG international has begun rehab as he works to return for the start of the NRL season. New Cowboys skipper Reuben Cotter has ruled himself out of the Harvey Norman All Stars match due to recent head knocks. Having starred for the Indigenous side in 2021 and 2022, the Australian representative made the difficult decision to…

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The Sea Eagles have extended back-rower Ben Trbojevic for a further three years, through to the end of the 2027 season. Since making his debut in 2021, the 22-year-old has played 26 games for Manly after coming through the Sea Eagles Pathways Program. After capping 12 first-grade games last season, Manly coach Anthony Seibold said Trbojevic is pushing for a starting spot in 2024. “Ben has already made further strides forward this pre-season. He is pushing for a starting position as it stands,’’ Seibold said. “We want to reward Ben not only for the improvement in him but also where…

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The rising law and order issues and service disruptions in the country have muted business confidence. This is according to BSP Financial Group’s Quarter 4 of 2023 Pacific Economic & Market Insights report. BSP’s Group General Manager for Corporate Banking, Peter Beswick, said “The sequenced depreciation of the PGK/USD mid-rate beginning in May, added to the unease in the business community, with questions being raised on whether the timing was right for the PGK/USD depreciation in 2023.” The Business sector outlook grew optimistic towards the end of Q4 2023, as news of Porgera mine’s recommission and signing of the Final…

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Routine Immunization is everybody’s responsibility! As the country aims to reach the immunization coverage target of 65% by the end of this year, the National Health Department, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other donor partners this week launched the Routine Immunization Took Kit to educate more Papua New Guineans on the importance of immunization and to also, bring the coverage rates up. National Department of Health Secretary Dr. Osborne Liko stated that Immunization is one of the most beneficial and cost-effective public health interventions available and is a key to primary health care: saving lives from vaccine preventable…

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