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Samoa and Fiji aim high in Pacific Games

June 26, 2015, 2:46 pm
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The Samoan and Fijian Women’s cricket teams are determined to show their ability in the Pacific Games come July.
Samoan Coach Ian West said that preparations for the Samoa team are always tough as our players are spread across several different countries/cities.
“We have also lost three of our most important players, Nathalie and Moelagi Tuilagi from Melbourne and Hana Mauafu, who have been key players for the team in recent times. Fitness was the key area that let us down in Japan, all the players were made aware of that and I am hoping to see some major improvements in that department from our team,” West said.
“Our captain Regina Lili`i was the player of the year for the Auckland Hearts in the New Zealand domestic competition and must have been very close to being picked to play for New Zealand on their current tour to India. She is a key all rounder. Lily Mulivai is returning from a broken leg so is in a race to be fully fit for this tournament but at her best is one of the quickest bowlers around and can hit it a long way with the bat. Matille Tuilagi performed well in the last EAP tournament in Japan then went to play 6 months of club cricket in Auckland and put in some good performances with bat and ball,” West added.
West added that PNG toured Samoa recently playing against the locally based players. “Even though we lost all 4 games heavily those matches were very beneficial as they highlighted some key areas for the players to work on if they do want to compete with the likes of PNG in the future.” West emphasized.
"Playing in the Pacific Games is an exciting prospect for the team as the environment will be completely different from the other cricket competitions we have played in previously. I don’t think any of our squad have been to PNG before so we are all looking forward to seeing a new part of the world and we will be looking to play some entertaining cricket for the people who come to watch,” West concluded.
Meanwhile Fijian Women’s Coach Joe Rika said that team preparations have been good and the girls are confident they have covered all the required bases, and look forward to the competition.
“The team held a Twenty20 series development tour in Lautoka, Fiji against a touring Melbourne Cricket Club women’s side recently and now the team is solely focused on using the Pacific Games to qualify for the next round of ICC competitions.
“"It's also a great opportunity to raise the profile of women’s cricket in Fiji and the Pacific region and because of the limited opportunities for the girls to play over the past 3 years they're going to give it everything they've got,” Rika concluded.
“Some of the players that are sure to make a mark in the games from our bowlers are Joana Lesianawai, Jimaima Bulatalei, and Luanne Rika while batters Loma Kacilala Batinibulu, Mere Dainitoga, and Lisapeci Vulisere Waqavakatoga will all be worth keeping an eye on,” Rika said.
The XV Pacific Games Women’s Cricket kicks off on Monday July 6th.
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Pacific Games Advance Teams arrive in PNG

June 26, 2015, 2:53 pm
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The first of the 2015 Pacific Games team officials arrived in the country on Thursday..
They are the advance party for team Vanuatu and Tahiti, here for Delegation Registration Meeting’s
before the actual teams of athletes and officials start arriving next week.
Team Vanuatu’s, seven member team arrived at midday on Wednesday, while Tahiti’s six member team
including its Chef de Mission and the Cook Islands party arrived on Thursday.
This is the first of several other teams who are expected to arrive in the next few days.
Australia’s advance party will arrive on the 29th while American Samoa’s will arrive on the 30th.
The DRM’s involve the registration of the team athletes and officials and includes a check in process
for the team at the Games village.
The forward team will make sure the necessary preparatory arrangements by the Games Organising
Committee (GOC) are in place before their teams come in.
GOC CEO Peter Stewart said “We are so excited to be welcoming the first representatives of our
teams to the village. We served over 80 meals for the first time in the village dining hall last night, so
our Games village is open for business”.
The first lot of athletes are expected to arrive on the 28th of June and they will be from Cook Islands.
The advance teams including an observer delegation from Samoa 2015 Commonwealth Youth
Games are residing at the Games village, making them the first occupants of the brand new facility.
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PNG Hunters wary of complacency againsts CQ Capras

June 27, 2015, 2:42 am
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THE PNG Hunters have a chance to make some headway in their for-and-against column with a big win over the Central Queensland Capras on Sunday.
The Q-Cup Round 16 clash will see the third-placed Hunters host the cellar-dwelling Capras at Kalabond, a place where Michael Marum’s men are yet to lose a match in 2015.
But Marum is not getting carried away even though his side is on an eight-match winning streak and all but assured of claiming their record-making ninth straight win. “We’re not going to take anything for granted. The Capras may be last but we’ll play what’s in front of us on the day,” Marum said.
“We’ll just concentrate on our game which is what we always do. We don’t want to talk about winning by a big margin or anything like that because the risk is my guys might switch off if they think the game is already won.”
With the Ipswich Jets being hosted by the Northern Pride and the Townsville Blackhawks-Sunshine Coast Falcons game deferred, a big win by the Hunters could see them move up to second spot.
Although the Hunters and Jets are on 24 points each, the Ipswich side enjoys a 58-point advantage in points differential and big win by the South Pacific Brewery-sponsored side would help cut that deficit down.
The Hunters will be without lock Adam Korave, who paid the price for a swinging arm on Tweed Heads halfback Shaun Carney last week. The Koiari enforcer has been suspended by the Q-Cup judiciary for four matches.
Lawrence Tu’u slots into the back of the scrum while forward Nickson Borana takes up the fourth bench spot.
The Capras have only won one game in 2015 and have conceded the most number of points (532) so far this season and were thrashed 52-6 by the Jets last round.
Meanwhile, a minute’s silence will be observed before kick-off in all Q-Cup matches to honour Flacons player James Ackerman, who died on Monday after being seriously injured in a match last Saturday against the Norths Devils.

The National/PNG Today

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Foreigners tarnishing PNG's reputation

June 27, 2015, 3:12 am
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Commentary by Christopher Papiali‎

The bullying techniques used by foreign workers and advisers in PNG is tarnishing the reputation of Papua New Guinea. An example to this would be the money laundering case with PNG's Australian high profile lawyer and his brother lawyer working for the same firm. Questions have to be asked as to how and why the leakage of such report appeared to a foreign owned television company SBS and why not EMTV or TV Wan. This level of the leakage suggest as to us to confirm the report done sometime ago through a New Zealand based spy report which highlighted Pacific region has become one of the major spied regions by the United States government and other actors of the transnational crime. PNG is therefore controlled and influenced by many foreigners acting as consultants and advisers. Due to PNG's inefficient foreign policies, ineffective defense capabilities and policing,we are prone to such transnational criminal activities. We do have many faceless people still working in the government departments acting as consultants and advisers and all they do is solicit information and feed their sponsors. In countries like USA, vital information and data are kept confidential and is protected at the highest level. Added to this, NEC decisions made on key government policies should not be immediately made available for the media. A special ethics committee should be established even within the Prime Minister's department, and every cabinet Minister ought to safeguard documentations and decisions of the government. Those foreign consultants engaged by the government should not in any way at all access files that are viewed as confidential. PNG need to protect its own interests, national identities, sovereignty to a very highest level. PNG is a nation on its own, we have our binding laws and we can not continue to be bulldozed by such foreign advisers and consultants because they come with reasons very much based on serving the interest of their sponsors as well as their interests.
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Oil Search Pacific Games Relay in Central Province

June 27, 2015, 3:42 am
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The Oil Search Pacific Games Relay flew out of Port Moresby on the Police helicopter up to the Goilala District of Central Province.

The flight took the team over dense wooded hills and green valleys criss-crossed by walking trails to small hamlets of long houses perched on the ridges and on to Woitape, Fane and Tapini.
Chief Ilo Ivolo handed the baton around his Woitape community, before the team landed at Fane, a former French mission station complete with 115 year convent that is now used as the hospital.

The team played aeroplanes with the gathered kids, and the baton, on the incredibly steep and now abandoned airstrip.

The Tapini community put on a wonderful show with Sacred Heart Primary School and Peter Torot Community School and the local community led by LLG President Keleto Kope and District CEO, Francis.

The show included traditional sing sing, a relay around the town and airstrip and a human formation spelling out the words Go Team PNG.

The relay team celebrated the sign spelt out by students from the school and their visiting Australian sister school, Monivae College by doing a flyover with the police siren blaring.

The Central relay then landed in Bereina for a short welcome ceremony before being relayed around the town and taken out onto the Hiitano Highway, where the baton was taken through all the schools along the way to Veimauri.

A warm and colourful welcome at Hisiu, by the Kairuku LLG President, sing sing groups and the Hisui choir before a last stop for the day at the Veimauri market
The Oil Search Pacific Games Relay heads up to Sogeri and Laloki tomorrow.

Photo credit: madNess Photography

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Oil Search Pacific Games Relay in Sogeri Plateau

June 27, 2015, 3:45 am
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The Oil Search Pacific Games Relay drove up to the Sogeri plateau and made its way out to Owers Corner for a brief visit to the Kokoda track, where porters waiting to take their next party of trekkers took the baton to the start of the Track.

Then a visit to the Sogeri National High School, now a School of excellence, to a fantastic welcome by the students dressed in house colours and led by their own marching drum band.

The school’s houses, named after famous PNG leaders that had studied at the school, all took turns to carry the baton in a relay around the school.

The students of Larowari High School were next, relaying the baton around their oval along with Oil Search Ambassador Kila Pidi, a former student.

The baton then stopped at the Varirata Park for photos at the lookout over Central and Port Moresby before heading down to the Laloki High School for its formal welcome into Central by Governor Kila Haoda.

The baton was carried up to a Koiari Treehouse by the school’s head boy to be blessed, before re-emerging carried by a traditional warrior.

After a relay around the oval by their sporting teams the baton was then run down the road by students of Iobana Kouba Primary School and Laloki High School.

Another nature stop at the 14 mile Adventure Park to capture photos of their amazing PNG orchids and then into Marianville High School where the girls chanted war cries as the baton was run around their oval.

The Oil Search Pacific Games Relay heads east to Kupiano tomorrow.
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Pernix Group, Inc. to Acquire KBR Building Group & the assets of DCK Guam : Fiji and the Pacific to benefit from Acquisition

June 27, 2015, 3:49 am
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LOMBARD, IL — June 26, 2015— Pernix Group, Inc. (OTCQB: PRXG), a global construction company recognized by Engineering News Record for being one of the Top 50 American Contractors working abroad for the last four years in a row, has announced that it has entered into two separate purchase agreements to acquire KBR Building Group, and all the assets of DCK Guam. These acquisitions will expand Pernix’s commercial domestic operations and grow its international business.  These added resources and capabilities will significantly benefit Fiji and the Pacific Island countries. Pernix has a strong presence in Fiji.  Further, Fijian Holdings Ltd has a 25% stake in Pernix Fiji. Pernix operates the two main diesel fired power plants in Fiji and has responsibility to provide turn-key utility service on the Island of Espirito Santos Vanuatu. Pernix will soon be establishing itself in Papua New Guinea to take advantage the growing construction and power opportunities in that country. 
The addition of personnel, resources, proven past experience and successful past performance in the advanced manufacturing, industrial, life sciences, research & development, food & beverage, commercial, mixed-use and institutional markets will serve to expand Pernix’s domestic offerings. Pernix will further leverage the KBR Building Group’s and DCK’s experience to expand its commercial market in Guam., Fiji and  throughout the Pacific Region..With these acquisitions Pernix brings to Fiji and the Pacific cutting edge technology, expertise and leadership in construction, infrastructure development and power generation.  Pernix now has the capacity to undertake projects of any scope and size in any country around the world.
CEO & President of Pernix, Nidal Z. Zayed stated “Our mission has always been to safely deliver complex projects worldwide for the most discriminating customers while consistently exceeding all their expectations, the addition of KBR Building Group’s and DCK’s expertise to our growing portfolio will serve to not only improve our domestic offerings, but also allow us to leverage that expertise for a growing number of clients worldwide.” He went on to say, “The addition of KBR Building Group’s and DCK’s experienced and innovative team, and portfolio focused on sustainable design and construction adds tremendous value to Pernix, and evidences our continued commitment to delivering excellence in everything we do and build.”
Mr. Zayed continued by saying “This is an exciting time for our team, for twenty years one of our main focal points has been growing our Federal Government construction work abroad, the addition of KBR Building Group and DCK creates a new Center of Excellence for private sector business – one that Pernix will leverage worldwide, putting us on a strategic growth trajectory for not only Federal Government, but also the commercial and industrial markets, and will also serve as a medium to continue growing Pernix’s power market.”
“Our team is honored and excited to be joining the Pernix Group family of companies and returning to our BE&K Building Group roots” said Mac Carpenter, President of the Building Group. “The opportunity to continue providing world-class construction service to our clients, while leveraging Pernix’s agility, commitment to safety, quality control, and world-wide presence will allow us to continue exceeding our clients’ expectations while expanding our reach and allowing us to follow our clients throughout the world.”
Upon completion of the sale, which is expected to occur by June 30, 2015, KBR Building Group will be known as “BE&K Building Group, A Pernix Group Company.”
Pernix is financing this $28 million dollar transaction (including approximately $6 million of working capital) through a combination of equity financing and existing cash. Pernix’s Chairman of the Board, Mr. Don Gunther stated “I am proud of what our management team has accomplished. This acquisition will be transformational and allow our company to significantly penetrate and grow the domestic market. We now have a platform for national growth and diversification. This acquisition represents a significant milestone for Pernix Group. Our Board and I continue to be bullish on the future of Pernix.”

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USNS Mercy arrives in Arawa, Bougainville for Pacific Partnership

June 27, 2015, 3:49 pm
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ARAWA, the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Papua New Guinea (June 27, 2015) -- The hospital ship USNS Mercy ship (T-AH 19) arrived in Arawa, the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Papua New Guinea, today for its second mission stop of Pacific Partnership 2015.
While in Arawa, PP15 personnel will work and train side-by-side with the community on civic service events, women’s leadership and safety topics, medical and veterinary care.
“In Papua New Guinea, we are providing medical and dental services, in collaboration with the host nation and at their invitation,” said Capt. Melanie Merrick, the commanding officer of the medical treatment facility onboard Mercy. “We’re working alongside providers, including doctors and nurses in the hospitals and clinics. We’re able to do some subject matter exchanges with those providers and also with the administrators of those hospitals, as we bring repair technicians, laboratory and pharmacy capabilities as well … to help the country prepare in calm for potential crisis in the future.”
Also, the Mercy crew will work in conjunction with the U.S. Embassy in Port Moresby and the host nation government to host several engagements focusing on women’s health and violence prevention.
“We want to emphasize the key themes of participation, protection and partnership,” said Royal New Zealand Air Force Wing Cmdr. Jennifer Atkinson, the chief of staff for this year’s Pacific Partnership mission. “We’re looking at ways we can work with the host nation to empower their women, and in response we are supporting workshops on both Gender Based Violence Prevention and Family Violence Prevention.”
In addition, the PP15 engineering team, made up of personnel from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Eleven, Amphibious Construction Battalion One, U.S. Air Force RED HORSE, U.S. Marine Corps, and Japan Self Defense Force engineers will work side-by-side with Papua New Guinea engineers to improve two local primary school facilities.
“The work that is already being done and the work we are set to do is all very exciting. I personally look forward to meeting and working with the Arawa community leaders, and I know our personnel are eager to visit Papua New Guinea and work alongside the community to tackle these very important projects for the people of Arawa,” said Capt. Christopher Engdahl, Pacific Partnership 2015 mission commander. “We are tailoring every event, at the host nation’s request, to ensure each of these events supports the people of Arawa, and also helps us learn from their professionals and community leaders. We know that the best way for all of us to be ready for a crisis is to work together now before a disaster occurs.”
To accomplish so many events during the seven-day-stay in Arawa, Pacific Partnership will have a larger footprint this year than in previous visits to Papua New Guinea. The hospital ship arrived with more than 900 personnel, including volunteers from eight non-governmental organizations and the U.S. Agency for International Development. PP15 participants on the ship and on the ground include personnel from the United States, Australia, Timor Leste, Japan, and New Zealand. All PP15 personnel will work collectively with the Papua New Guinea government and local community on the various medical, dental, veterinary and engineering civic action projects.
“Mercy has been to Papua New Guinea before, in 2008 and in 2013,” said Royal Australian Navy Capt. Brian Delamont, Pacific Partnership’s deputy mission commander. “So the local communities can expect to see some of the same events and equipment, such as our two helicopters that will be transferring personnel and supplies. Sometimes the helicopters will be flying low over villages, but it will all be done very safely.”
The Mercy crew is scheduled to work in Arawa through July 3, when the ship and crew will move to their next port of call in Rabaul, Papua New Guinea.
Now in its tenth iteration, Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multilateral humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Asia-Pacific Region. While training for crisis conditions, Pacific Partnership missions have provided medical care to approximately 270,000 patients and veterinary services to more than 38,000 animals. Additionally, the mission has provided critical infrastructure developments to host nations through the completion of more than 180 engineering projects.
Additional information on the Pacific Partnership mission is available on the U.S. Pacific Fleet Pacific Partnership website at www.cpf.navy.mil/pacific-partnership/2015/.
Two pictures are from the team arriving in Arawa and one I took at the wheelhouse with the media team that visited yesterday.
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Panguna Mine may not open, says Momis

June 27, 2015, 4:01 pm
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The ABG President,John Momis said Panguna mine may never open although Bougainville’s financial woes can be resolved immediately if it opens.
Speaking at the Inauguration ceremony, Dr.Momis said that under the Bougainville’s law on Mining, the landowners have the power to decide what’s on their land and no one can push them around.
President Momis said that options are if the landowners want or if BCL wants to re-invest in Panguna it’s up to them to decide as the ABG can just facilitate the process.
He said that if Panguna Mine is allowed to open it can take up to seven years for reconstruction to commence before actually getting Copper ore from the ground.
For a complete new mine it would take over fifteen years for exploration to take place and to get the first ore from the ground.
He said some options are already available for the Government to consider if Panguna mine does not open.
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Queen presents award to aspiring young Papua New Guinean

June 27, 2015, 4:20 pm
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HM Queen Elizabeth presents award to Papua New Guinea.
Photo courtesy of  John Taka.
A young Papua New Guinean has received his award from her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace, England.
John Taka, 27, from Western Highlands was recognised in the 2015 Young Leadership Award by the Queen for his outstanding contribution to the community.
He left the country last Saturday (20/6/15) on this trip of a lifetime, and received the award on Monday (22/6/15).
Mr Taka was one of two Papua New Guineans recognised among other young leaders in the Commonwealth.
Christine Giwe, unfortunately couldn't make the trip due to the birth of her first child early this month.
She's expected to travel at a later date.
Both individuals have set up foundations responsible for various community programs to help their own people.
Mr Taka graduated from Divine Word University with an accounting degree in 2012.
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PNG Hunters eyeing 9th straight wins against CQ Capras

June 27, 2015, 5:05 pm
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The Papua New Guinea Hunters are eyeing nine straight wins as they take on Central Queensland Capras in round 16 of the Intrust Super Cup this afternoon at the 'graveyard' Kalabond oval in Kokopo.

No team has defeated Hunters at home this year and  the Hunters go into this game with confidence to beat the CQ Capras.  A win for the Hunters will see them placed second on the Intrust Super Cup ladder after  the second placed  Ipswich Jets went down to Northern Pride 20 - 14 yesterday. 


For the  Capras, they have lost 13 games in a row, their sole win after 14 games remains their only solace as they wallow at the bottom of the ladder.

The Hunters on the other hand have latched onto a platform of successive wins with fans silently willing them to carry on unabated. The ascendency of Ase Boas at halfback for the Hunters has seen an improvement of their attacking prowess on the back of the trusted boots of Noel Zeming. Former Wigmen centre David Lapua coming back from ankle injury is sure to fire off from the wings combining with Adex Wera. Timothy Lomai also called up from the bench will join the ranks of Henry wan, Esau Siune and Brandy Peter  to niggle the Capras packs.

Hunters lock, Adam Korave has been suspended for 4 matches by the Queensland Rugby League for this swinging arm on Tweed Heads Seagulls halfback Shaun Carney last week.

The Hunters will be looking for the right start to set off Thompson "The Terminator" Tete or flying winger Adex Wera. Coach Michael Marum will tie in his boys for the final home run making sure his trusted game breakers in Wera, Wartovo Puara Junior, skipper Israel Eliab, Minoga and Tete are well tethered. Koiari duo Bland Abavu and Kato Otio are on the sidelines following niggling injuries and will hope to recover in time for the crucial rounds of the Intrust super cup competition.

The Hunters will travel to Australia to  take on the Redcliffe Dolphins next week before returning for Pacific Games action the following week. 
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PNG Hunters thrash Central Queensland Capras 68 - 4

June 28, 2015, 1:57 am
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PNG Hunters thrashed Central Queensland Capras 68 -  4 in round 16 of the Intrust Super Cup competition in Kalabond Oval in Kokopo this afternoon.

The Hunters wasted no time to register first try of the game through fullback Stargroth Amean on the 7th minute.  Thompson Tete followed with a 9th minute try and Zeming converted to take the score to 12-0.

David Lapua scored again for the Hunters at  20th minute to extend the lead  to 16 - 0.  On the 29th minute Noel Zemings scored to further extend their lead to 22 -0.

Zeming followed up with his second try only three minutes later, moved in and split the uprights to take the lead to 28 points to nil.

Captain Israel Eliab led by example and  ran away to land a try and take the lead to 32 points. A successful conversion by Zemings saw Hunters had a commanding  half lead with 34 points  and Central Queensland Capras  kept scoreless.

The second half started well with Ase Boas opening the flood gates in the 41th minute. Zeming converted and Hunters led 40.

Israel Eliab scored in the 49th minute to take the Hunters to 44 and Zeming again converted to take the lead to 46 Capras 0.

Eliab scored once more in the 51st minute and Zeming did his usual effort again, bringing the score to 52 points to 0.

The Capras finally  managed to score through PNG boy Lance Kuveu but the conversion was unsuccessful so them trailing 40 - 4.

The Hunters muscled up scoring try after try to bring the score to 68 points to Central Queensland Capras 4 points.

Captain Israel Eliab scored four tries. Full time score. Hunters 68   Capras 4

The Hunters are now on the second spot on the Intrust Super Cup ladder after Northern Pride beat Ipswich Jets 20 - 14 yesterday.

The Hunters will travel to Australia to take on the Redcliffe Dolphins at Dolphine Oval next week. They will return to participate in the Pacific Games the following week.

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WIB Gala night opens doors for Women in Business

June 28, 2015, 7:59 am
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The PNG Women in Business had their Gala Night last night at the Holiday Inn Hotel in Port Moresby.
The night saw some of the ladies had their business products and services put out on display through a fashion parade and it also gave exposure for them to other business houses and potential clients.
According to the President of PNG Women Handcrafts Cooperative Society, Ms Wendy Rodney, she was pleased with WIB in organising this event as it opened up doors to expand her business in selling Bilum wears and bilums to the potential clients that were at the gala event that evening.
Ms Rodney says they now look forward to the WIB Expo set for next month 2nd July at the Constitutional Park in Waigani, that run in line with the Pacific Games so that visiting athletes from other pacific island countries can come and buy their products that will be on display at various venues of the expo.
Pictured is the Designers on stage and a few of their products being modeled by lovely young laddies. Courtesy of Ms Anna Solomon. PNGFM
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PNG Prime Minister Peter O'Neill Outraged and Saddened by Terror Attacks

June 28, 2015, 8:03 am
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PNG Prime Ministers Peter O'Neill outraged and saddened
by Terror attacks. 
The Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, Hon. Peter O’Neill CMG MP, has expressed outrage and sadness following a series of terror attacks that occurred in France, Tunisia and Kuwait.
“This is senseless violence that serves no purpose,” Prime Minister O’Neill said.
“We offer our thoughts and prayers to the families of the victims of these attacks.
“People from the United Kingdom, Kuwait, France, Belgium, Tunisia and Germany are known to be among the dead and injured, and to each of these countries, Papua New Guinea offers its sympathy and support.
"These attacks, that have occurred during the Muslim holy month, are particularly disheartening to people in the affected countries.
"In our places of worship, I hope Papua New Guineans will pray for the families of those affected by this violence."
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Prime Minister O'Neill Officially opens Taurama Sporting Center

June 28, 2015, 8:07 am
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The Prime Minister Hon. Peter O’Neill CMG MP has officially opened the new Taurama Sporting Centre this morning (28/06/2015) in preparation for the Pacific Games ahead.
In his opening remarks he stated that Papua New Guinea is the biggest island in the Pacific and has to take a leadership role.
“Let’s not show leadership just in words only that we are the biggest country in the Pacific, biggest economic, most populated country but we must show it in deeds as well,” he said.
On behalf of the country, PM O'Neill thanked all those who have put in great effort in the hard work, leadership and delivery of the infrastructure for the game.
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Oil Search Pacific Games Relay in Abau District, Central Province

June 28, 2015, 10:50 pm
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On Friday, the Oil Search Pacific Games Relay had another of its early starts ready for the long drive to Kupiano in Abau District of Central Province.

First stop at the Abau district border was at Upalima where the community carried the Baton in on a people carrier between the students of Upalima Primary and Elementary schools.

Then on to the stilt village of Wanigela where the team loaded into colourfully decorated banana boats to pole the way through the village at low tide, as a brief rain shower hit the Relay.

The Baton runner jumped down into mud up to his thighs and ran out to the water and from there the Baton was then run along the village walkways.

The Baton was then transferred to a traditional double hulled canoe and toured the Marshall lagoon.

A stop at Kelerakwa Village to a sing sing welcome and Relay around the village before being handed over to a former Team Papua New Guinea judo medallist on the racing canoes from Gavuone Village.

Next, a very quick paddle, by the racing teams, across the lagoon entrance and another singsing welcome on the white beach of Gavuone, after the Relay team got carried in over the mud flats.

From here the Relay wound its way through the village with kids piling onto trucks behind the runners until there were more bodies than truck left to see.

The Relay made its way into Kupiano town and was run by community leaders, sports stars from now and yesteryear and school representatives, ending with Sir Puka Temu and Lady Temu at the town oval.

Sir Puka Temu formally thanked the Relay for taking the time to get to Abau, “home of the best mud runners in PNG”.  Sir Temu wished all of Team PNG the best of luck, on behalf of all the people of Abau.

On Saturday the Oil Search Pacific Games Relay woke up in Rigo district and spent its final day in Central Province.
Officially welcomed into Rigo District at Magautou where villagers dressed in bilas witnessed the handover to District CEO.

The Baton was then driven through the villages of Lebugoro and Gomore and a number of schools on its way to Kwikila.

At Kwikila a Relay was run around the town before the Relay headed off to Hood Lagoon where the three villages of Keapara, Alukune and Karawa, known locally as KAK all came to touch the Baton at the Keapara oval.

The community of KAK proudly included all previous South Pacific Games participants in the events of the day, including gold medallist cricketers Guma Ravu, Leka Leka, Tuku Raka, Kota Ila and Mari Leka from the 1991 and 1987 games, silver medallist netballers Numa David and Rawa Kali from the 1985 mini games and soccer stars from 1969, Tala Hobart and Wala Walo.

The community sing sing included the Karawa Womens Fellowship Group marching band resplendent in their spotless green and white uniforms.

After boating back over to the mainland the team raced away to the villages of Gaire and Tubusereia, on the way back into Port Moresby.

Gaire village ran a Relay from the highway and through the village where madness reigned as kids and youth scrambled to get a touch of the Baton.

At Tubusereia the Relay into the village ended with formalities, prayer, and dance and song to celebrate the arrival of the Baton. The villagers passed the Baton around amongst themselves, taking family photos, whilst the entertainment played.

This marked the end of the relay outside of Port Moresby, host city for the 15th Pacific Games.

The Oil Search Pacific Games Relay arrives into NCD by lagatoi canoe to Ela beach, on Monday morning to spend the week in the capital before it takes its place as part of the Opening Ceremony.

Photo credit: madNESS Photography
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PNG wants Australian Authorities to investigate Lawyers featured on SBS Television Program

June 28, 2015, 10:56 pm
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Lawyer Greg Sheppard is one of the lawyers featured on
SBS television in Australia. 
Papua New Guinea Prime Minister, Peter O'Neill  has asked the Minister for Foreign affairs, and the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, to engage with relevant Australian law enforcement authorities to investigate comments made by two lawyers that were aired on overseas media in the past week.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon Rimbink Pato CMG MP, and the Attorney General, Hon. Ano Pala MP, will now seek to have the claims, that were aired on SBS television, to be investigated in both the Papua New Guinea and Australian jurisdictions.

"The comments made by the two men in question are alarming and are the subject of investigation in Papua New Guinea," Prime Minister O'Neill said.

"I have sought advice on the most effective way to have these claims investigated from all angles and now we are seeking to ensure that this process takes place in both countries relevant to the claims.

"It is not for the Government to judge these individuals, and all people are innocent until proven guilty before the law, but suggestions of money laundering involving high level officials must be properly investigated.

"Now I expect relevant authorities will undertake their independent investigations and pursue the course of action that they see most appropriate."

The Prime Minister said beyond any legal proceedings, the claims made in the SBS story feed into an old stereotypical view of Papua New Guinea that had developed after Independence.

"For decades Papua New Guinea suffered at the hands of foreign and local people who sought to take advantage of the then young nation. We called them spivs and carpet baggers and over the course of time legislation has been introduced to stop these activities.

"Papua New Guinea of today is a country where there are checks and balances, where digital fingerprints are a tool of investigation and where we have access to the resources of international law enforcement to prevent illicit financial activities.

"We are part of a global legal and economic system where illegal practices of the past can be identified and dealt with."

The Prime Minister called for patience as relevant authorities undertake thorougher investigations.
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Air Niugini to purchase jet aircraft to serve Port Moresby - Vanuatu route

June 29, 2015, 12:09 am
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Papua New Guinea's National Flag Carrier Air Niugini is purchasing another jet aircraft, a FOKKER 70, to boost its current jet fleet.
The second FOKKER 70 will service the new route to Vanuatu straight out of Port Moresby daily, unlike the current arrangement which is via Honiara in Solomon Islands, on a weekly basis.
The current route is service by Fokker 100. The new Fokker 70 should be available by next month. Fokker 70 had a wider and longer range than FOKKER 100, thus it can travel longer distance unlike F100.
General Manager Commercial Domnic Kaumu said  that Air Niugini's new route is aiming at linking up all Melanesia Spearheard Group of Countries through the Airline Industry.
Mr Kaumu was speaking during the Air Niugini's maiden commercial flight to Vanuatu last week.
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Pacific Games Village opened

June 29, 2015, 12:27 am
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The 2015 Pacific Games Village has been officially opened by Prime Minister, Peter O'Neill today.
The world class facility cost the government K280-million.
Mr. O'Neill thanked all who contributed towards the completion of this magnificent facility, as its not a one man show.
He says it will not only serve this event but help contribute to educate future citizens of this country when it's handed over to the University of Papua New Guinea.
O'Neill was accompanied by NCD Governor Powes Parkop, Finance Minister James Marape, Attorney General Ano Pala and Sports and 2015 Pacific Games Minister, Justin Tkatchenko
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Asaroka Secondary School to shut down

June 29, 2015, 12:43 am
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Asaroka Secondary School in the Eastern Highlands Province is at the brink of being closed down due to health risks posed by the high number of student enrollments.
Public Health Director of the Eastern Highlands Provincial Health Authority Dr. Max Manape revealed this following a monitoring visit to the school recently.
Dr. Manape said that four classes are currently being conducted at the mess hall and is calling on the Education Department, the local Daulo and Goroka MP and other partners to quickly intervene to address the issue and other long term health risks before August 2015 or the health authority will close down the school.
Dr. Manape’s call comes after the school experience a typhoid outbreak in late April this year with over 40 students confirmed to have typhoid and the school was closed for a week.
He said the long term health measures recommended by the Eastern Highlands Provincial Health Authority was for the school to build new dormitories, classrooms, toilets and ablution blocks for both male and female students.
Dr. Manape said the school is currently implementing the short term measures of building over 20 pit toilets, minimizing number of boarding studentand installing new water tanks.
Dr. Manape said many facilities in the school was build for use by 800 student population and with the current increase in enrollment of over 2000 student it has put more pressure on the facilities thus raising the threat of diseases like typhoid.
He said the school really needs the education department, provincial government, and the district administration to step in to address the health risk.
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