Papua New Guinea Today

Prime Minister Peter O’Neill said the country has seen dramatic infrastructure change delivered in the country over the last five years, and the next five years of a PNC-led government will deliver a new era of national growth.

PM O’Neill was speaking with the people of Wiabo in the Obura Wanenara district of Goroka yesterday, where he committed to continue road construction in the province.

“In only five years, we have delivered on our promises in our simple policies, which you have seen all around you,” the Prime Minister said.

“Give us another five years, and you will see this country transform. Road infrastructure is the key to economic development and has been our government’s priority in ensuring the rural population have access to better services.

“Road infrastructure is essential for the delivery of healthcare and education so that services reach rural communities easily and on time.

“We will further continue funding for more classrooms and make sure educational materials reach the schools.”

The Prime Minister was campaigning with Obura Wanenara candidate John Boito, where he urged the people to vote for Mr Boito so that he can continue building the road from where it was left.

“There has been so much negativity during this campaign from the opposition, they have made wild accusations. But action speaks louder than words, and this has been demonstrated in the last five years.”

Village leaders in Wiabo applauded the commitments from the Prime Minister and Mr Boito after so many past decades of being neglected.

“In five years, we have delivered proper classrooms, and your children are going to school.

“Before we came to government, this was just a dream.

“Free education to continue under a PNC-led government, but it would be cancelled if the opposition had a chance to form government.

“The benefits of free education are clear for your children, particularly families in villages with parents who could not afford school fees.

“Our government will keep your kids in school so they can have better lives as they grow into adults.”

The Prime Minister was accompanied by PNC candidates including, Governor Julie Soso, Minister Nick Kuman and Minister Benny Allan. Press Release

Pacific countries continue to raise their voices on their struggles to obtain suitable and equitable return from their tuna resources.

For a small island nations like Kiribati with a population of just over 110,000 revenue from tuna provides 80 percent of government’s earning

From a relatively modest base of AUD$29.5 million (US$22.1 million) in 2009, the figure climbed to AUD$141.6 million (US$106.2 million) in 2014. For 2015, government expected the earning to be well above the AUD$200 million (US$150.1 million) dollar.

A government report said the increase in tuna revenue from 2009 to 2014 was 300-percent.

Speaking at the UN Oceans conference in New York Monday, Fisheries Minister Tetabo Nakara said his island continues to struggle to get equitable return from this crucial single resource.

“We are concerned that distant water flag states that harvest our resources do not recognise our rights as a coastal state threatening the sustainability of fish stocks. We are concerned about Illegal Unreported and Unregulated fishing in our waters. IUU takes advantage of our constraints in surveillance over our large EEZ.”

Like other Pacific Island Countries, the Kiribati way of life has a binding inter-dependent relationship with the ocean.

“In our local language, ocean is known by many names to describe the significance of this relationship. “Taari” or “marawa” which translated means brotherhood or deep –associated with love and respect, describing our true connection with the ocean. A brotherhood bond with deep love and respect for each other.”

“Sadly, we have angered the ocean, disrespecting the important role it plays in our lives, by using it as a dumpsite, overharvesting its richness, increasing its level of acidity. Our call of action is to immediately restore this bond and harmony by respecting and restoring the health of our ocean. We urge this conference to act now.

On its part, the Kiribati Government taken decisive actions to conserve and manage its marine resources.

“In 2016 we declared our whole ocean area, all 3.5 million square kilometres of our EEZ as a shark sanctuary banning all commercial fishing of sharks.

“We offered mankind a gift, the Phoenix Islands Protected Area (PIPA) a Marine Protected Area that is over 11 % of our total EEZ, an area equivalent to the size of California as a spawning ground for tuna. We are currently scaling up these efforts and now moving towards the creation of Community and village based Marine Protected.

SOURCE: PACNEWS

Samoa had two key messages for world leaders attending the second day of the United Nations conference on the oceans that the world body is hosting at its headquarters in this American metropolitan city this week.

Samoa’s key statements were that the ocean could be a good breeding ground to push boundaries for gender equality, and that the lack of capacity or scientific know-how should not be used as excuses to deprive Pacific islanders from enjoying their rightful share of ocean resources.

These positions were delivered by Samoa’s long serving Prime Minister and incoming chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi at the UN General Assembly on Tuesday morning (New York time).

“In an article in one of our newspapers titled "Women Ocean Leaders of Samoa" to commemorate this week's Ocean Conference, it shared the story of Captain Fealofani of our traditional double-hull voyaging canoe, the Gaualofa and how the crew is working in partnership with government ministries to implement awareness raising grassroots programmes in Samoa.

“The goal is to ‘promote the revival of Samoan cultural traditions related to ocean sailing and navigation and the wise stewardship of the Pacific, encouraging conservation, protection, awareness, and preservation of the Pacific Ocean and island environments.’

“Of greater and special significance is the fact that the Captain of our traditional double-hull canoe is indeed a woman. This is a strong endorsement of our Samoan women's capacity and sheer determination to push the boundaries for gender equality. Captain Fealofani is quoted to have said ‘the ocean needs us women to stand up for her, to speak up for her, to cause our men and other women to take better care of our ocean, to look after the ocean better.’

Tuilaepa did not specifically mentioned seabed mining but he speak about the need for Pacific islanders to have a share of the resources in the oceans.

“While everyone is quick to direct our attention to prioritise conservation above all else, which we have been doing voluntarily over the years, and will continue to do so unprompted; from our islands perspective, we also want to enjoy a greater and fairer share of the benefits derived from our ocean resources. After all, owners of other natural resources are doing exactly the same. Most are extracting the maximum benefit and influence possible from such natural resources provided this is done sustainably and effective management is in place.”

Tuilaepa added Samoa has submitted a total of 12 voluntary commitments under the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14 about ocean conservation and sustainable management.

SOURCE: ISLANDS BUSINESS

Papua New Guinea leads the islands of the Pacific with the highest incidence of ghost gear dumping, according to an analysis of over 10,000 reports from fisheries observersconducted by the Pacific regional agency on the environment, SPREP.

The analysis of reports covered 12 years, and 44 per cent of all the reported incidents of marine pollution, ranging from waste dumping, oil spillage or leakage, and abandoned or lost fishing gear, were recorded in the waters of PNG, which has the highest concentration of purse seine fishing vessels in the Pacific islands region.

Kiribati and the Federated States of Micronesia accounted for 13 and 12 per cent of cases respectively.

“For several years, every purse-seiner has been required to carry an observer and in 2015, SPREP undertook an analysis of over 10,000 GEN-6 reports of marine pollution provided by observers. The results were both surprising and shocking. Despite the presence of an observer, all manner of pollutants were knowingly discarded into the ocean, including plastics, oil and dumped fishing gear,” SPREP Director-General Kosi Latu told a side-event on initiating global action against ghost gear at the inaugural UN Conference on Oceans that opened here today.

Ghost gear is described as discarded fishing or shipping gear that pose a major hazard to marine wildlife, as well as ship navigation. Latu says the International Whaling Commission estimated up to 300,000 whales and dolphins die from entanglement in active fishing gear each year.

“We cannot say whether the crews who heedlessly disposed of hazardous wastes at sea were simply ignorant of their responsibilities or whether they were blatantly flouting the regulations. And the information I have just presented is probably the tip of the iceberg. There are ten times as many long-liners in our region as there are purse seiners, and only 5% of them, at best, carry observers.

“There may not be any silver bullets to fix the problem of marine debris and ghost gear, but there are several things that can and should be done. SPREP is a proud member of the Global Ghost Gear Initiative. We look forward to working closely with FAO, our colleagues in the region, and our co-sponsors. Between us, I believe that we can make some real progress over the next few years.”

Solutions proposed by the SPREP DG include improving on-board practices, better management in the use of fish aggregating devices (FADs), improving port state facilities for rubbish disposal and imposition of fines.

SOURCE: ISLANDS BUSINESS

Papua New Guinea Hunters coach Michael Marum has named an unchanged starting line-up for this weekend’s round 14 Q-Cup clash against Souths Logan Magpies.

While topping the table for two weeks in a row, Marum is beginning to see consistency in his line-up. He spoke of the importance of consistency as they head into the second half of the regular season with 11 games remaining.

In the meantime, the only injury concern is back-rower Moses Meninga, who picked up a hamstring strain in their 40-18 victory over the Norths Devils last Sunday.

“Moses injured a hamstring and our medical team picked it up late when we got back on Monday but we’ll give him until Friday to prove his fitness,” Marum said.

Other players with minor injury concerns Marum made mentioned of were Adex Wera (ankle) and Willie Minoga (calf).

The pair have been included nevertheless in the starting line-up and giving them up till game day to prove their fitness. Marum said the right edge duo have been in good try-scoring form and he wanted to give them the chance to develop their combination.

“We still have time this week for the medical staff to screen these players and we want them to play this weekend against the Souths Logan Magpies so we’ll see by the end of this week if changes need to be done,” he said.

“The message I gave them is that I don’t want to force them back into the team but I want to make sure they recover well because opposition sides are taking games against us seriously and putting in the best sides efforts.”

Hunters: 1. Stargroth Amean 2. Bland Abavu 3. Israel Eliab 4. Willie Minoga 5. Adex Wera 6. Ase Boas (C) 7. Watson Boas 8. Wellington Albert (VC) 9. Wartovo Puara Jnr 10. Esau Siune 11. Nixon Put 12. David Loko 13. Stanton Albert; Reserves: 14. Gahuna Silas 15. Rhadley Brawa 16.Enoch Maki 17. Moses Meninga 18. Brandy Peter 19. Lawrence Tu’u 20.Karo Kauna Jr

It’s all good and the feeling is high in the PNG Kapuls camp with players and coaching staff realizing what needs to be done when they face Solomon Islands on Friday at Lawson Tama Stadium in Honiara.

Much has been said about their preparation and they have dug deep daily in training to bring out the expected result come the match day.

“We set goals for the team, we got two important games and that is to achieve six points.”

“The only thing we could wish was to have all the players here together when we started training but we have missed few overseas based players due to the dual citizenship but I’m satisfied with the players I have,” coach Serritslev said.

The coach also said that he has a good knowledge about the Solomon Islands team, having beaten them during a friendly in Honiara and also during the Nations Cup.

The bonding in the Kapuls team is quite overwhelming and the coach is pretty sure that they will come up with a much formidable side against Solomon Island.

Coach Serritslev said they have to win both games or a win and a draw to put them through to face New Zealand.

“Solomon Islands who are playing individually related relying on individual skills but if we play as a team and continuing to work as hard as we had been working until now I’m sure we can get a good result.” said Serritslev.

Meanwhile, defender Roland Bala has been recalled into the Kapuls fold again by coach Serritslev after missing out on two matches against Tahiti due to injury.

David Brown returns to the team after one match suspension having him sideline for their away match against Tahiti after receiving a red card in their home match against Tahiti in Port Moresby.

Kapuls will be playing without Nigel Dabinyaba in Solomon Island but he will return to play in their home match in Port Moresby on June 13. Dabinyaba was suspended for one match after receiving two yellow cards, one during the Nations Cup and one during their away match in Tahiti.

With nothing to loss, the team is intact and they will be working on achieving their goal and doing what’s good for the team in their home and away match against Solomon Islands.

The Kapuls leaves tomorrow to Honiara and will play Solomon Islands on Friday June 9 at Lawson Tama Stadium in Honiara. source: pngfootball.com

Seasonal workers that damage Fiji’s reputation under the New Zealand Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Work Scheme and the Australia Seasonal Worker Programme (SWP) will not be considered for future seasonal work employment opportunities for four years.

This was highlighted by the Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations Jone Usamate after receiving reports from the Government of New Zealand recently on the misconduct and disorderly behaviour of some Fijian seasonal workers.

Minister Usmate said that the reputation of Fijian workers is paramount, thus, a 4 year suspension will be placed on the village/settlement of the offending worker as stated under the Foreign Seasonal Employment Policy of the Employment Ministry.

“Recent reports revealed that the issues raised by the NZ employers are alcohol related, failing to report to work, not showing respect, poor leadership, unhygienic living, high absenteeism and undue influence from the Fijian community in New Zealand.” Minister Usamate said.

“These seasonal workers were employed with Provine, Bostok, Mr. Apple, Teamwork and Apata in New Zealand.

“Thus, the following villages/settlements are now put on a 4 year suspension from participating in the seasonal work scheme: Tuatua of Tikina Mudu in Lomaiviti; Dogoru of Tikina Wailevu, Nubu/Sasa of Tikina Nadogo, Vitina of Tikina Dogotuki, Lomaloma of Tikina Seaqaqa in Macuata; Makolei of Tikina Solevu, Nasolo of Tikina Nadi in Bua; Nakobo of Tikina Cakaudrove, Vatukaroa & Natuvu of Tikina Saqani in Cakaudrove; Davetalevu / Matacula / Nakorovou of Tikina Namalata, Nadrano / Lawaki of Tikina Namena, Luvunavuaka / Natalaira of Tikina Dawasamu, Nabulini of Tikina Nailega, Namoka / Natuvatuvavatu / Nayavu of Tikina Nayavu, Naivicula of Tikina Naloto, Natuva of Tikina Taivugalei, Dakuinuku of Tikina Sawakasa in Tailevu; Nadala of Tikina Savatu in Ba; and Wauosi of Tikina Namataku in Navosa . The suspension is effective immediately.”

The Minister reiterated that the decision to suspend workers and their villages/settlements is not a sudden or new decision made by Government but has been clearly conveyed during the Ministry’s Tikina based recruitment and consultation nationwide.

Minister Usamate emphasised during the recent consultations held in the province of Rewa and Naitasiri, on the need to select the right people who can build our reputation and at the same time, he expressed that teams that damage Fiji’s reputation will face the consequences, where the whole village will be affected.

The re-engagement of workers from the affected villages/settlements will be at the discretion of the Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations.SOURCE: DEPTFO NEWS

A combination of ignorance of basic fire safety measures and parental negligence led to the tragic loss of life of an innocent child at a Badili residential accommodation.

The Port Moresby residential building, which was once a shop, caught on fire on Sunday, 4th June, 2017, sometime after 2pm.

Acting Deputy Chief Fire Officer of Operations, Patrick Russell, was dismayed that despite PNG Fire Service’s continuous fire awareness campaign programs, there are people still continuing to be indifferent about fire safety.

Russell said: “While the cause of fire is yet to be determined at the Badili fire, it is possible to assume that the children who were in one of the room where the fire started may have some knowledge of its cause. “Our fire investigation records show that there a number of such incidents where small children have become fire victims because they were left alone and were exposed, or had easy access to, ignition sources such as matches, candles, kerosene lamps and the likes.

“Often small children caught in fire situations find it difficult to escape safely or are unable to be rescued by other persons. Most times we find that they were locked in and cannot unlock the door themselves or have no other alternative means of escape.”

Russell stated that the law and relevant authorities, such as child welfare, should deal with negligent parents or guardians who leave their children unattended.

Acting Chief Fire Officer, Bill Roo, further raised concerns about buildings that have had their class of occupancy changed to another without complying with proper processes prescribed in the Building Act (Regulations) chapter 301 or the PNG fire code.

“With increasing pressure for more accommodation or housing in our cities, many landlords and property owners are now letting out their properties for rent to meet this demand. Some landlords are converting their buildings, which were originally of a different class of occupancy, into rental or budget accommodation.”

Roo said while PNG Fire Service understands that there is an acute need for housing, there is no acceptable excuse to place vulnerable tenants in accommodation settings that are prone to fire risk or hazards.

PNG Fire Service is currently working with the Law Reform Commission on its 4th draft of the PNGFS legislation review, in which it hopes to see the enforcement of more stringent fire safety compliance measures.

Some of these measures will be aimed at improving fire safety standards in rental or budget accommodation.

“PNGFS anticipates that the new laws will be passed in the new parliament,” Roo iterates.

RNZ reports four Pacific female choreographers will contribute a piece each towards a show called Wahine Toa that will kick off the Pacific Dance Festival in New Zealand.

The show aims to celebrate the strength and diversity of Pacific women through dance.

Julia Mage'au Gray from Papua New Guinea will be doing a solo piece titled 'Found Words'.

Ms Gray said it's about Pasifika people learning about their history through the lenses of people who have taken that information and stored it mediums such as museums or online.

The dancer's 20 plus years of performance knowledge in her culture and seeing how accessible that knowledge is today helped inspire her piece.

"How a lot of our knowledge is written and recorded in Palagi systems and so what we find now after colonisation and outside influences in our cultures is a lot of that stuff has been taken away and so basically it's about how we look for that knowledge and when we find it, what we do with it, how we keep it in contact, I suppose, and make old, new old," Ms Gray said.

The show Wahine Toa is on the 15th and 16th of June and the festival will run till the 24th at the Mangere Arts Centre in Auckland.

Photo: Supplied by Pacific Dance NZ Ufitia Sagapolutele’s dance piece titled ‘Ave’
Source: Radio New Zealand

The Pacific Games Council President, Vidhya Lakhan, and its chief executive, Andrew Minogue, were told during a meeting in Nuku'alofa that Tonga will definitely not host the 2019 Games.

The duo met with the prime minister, 'Akilisi Pohiva, and two of his ministers on Monday only to be told the controversial decision announced last month was final.

Mr Pohiva told them his government wanted to focus its resources on more important areas of economic development and that sport was not an urgent priority for them.

This comes despite indications that Tonga was able to meet the costs while the Council had indicated it was ready and able to help out.

RNZI reports the Games Council raised concerns about not being consulted beforehand and the government's unwillingness to negotiate a solution.

They also reminded Mr Pohiva that his government was party to a legally binding contract and that in unilaterally withdrawing from hosting the Games, the Council would consider legal action to seek damages.

The Games executive had already indicated it would select an alternative host nation quickly if the matters with the Tongan government were not fully resolved by 30th June.

Source: Radio New Zealand

The new Western Pacific University will reduce the burden on Highlands parents who have faced hardship when sending their children away to universities in other parts of the nation.

The Prime Minister, Hon. Peter O’Neill CMG MP, highlighted the future benefits of the Western Pacific University in the Southern Highlands province, and said he is impressed with the initial phase of construction work at the new tertiary institution.

The Prime Minister made an unannounced site visit to the campus construction site on the weekend.

“It will not be long until this new university is fully operational. Our children will then have higher education closer to home, and parents will not have to be as concerned about funding or the safety when their children studying a long way away.”

The Prime Minister said while the PNC-led Government is strengthening free education and healthcare, Don Polye’s Opposition want to scrap these policies and turn the clock back.

“The Opposition are not concerned about the education of your children, and they will not fund the construction of new universities.

“They want to go back to the Somare years where nothing happened, there were no new schools or universities, no new hospitals and we had a decrease in law and order.

“Our Coalition Government cares about the future and education of our children, and we will do whatever it takes to continue these services after the 2017 National General Elections.

“Around the country we are improving training for healthcare workers, teachers and other professions needed to make our country stronger.”

The Prime Minister said the construction of the university was proceeding well and facilities are taking shape.

“I am impressed with the early construction work on the institutional houses for academic staff, and the administration building of the Western Pacific University’’.

“The Western Pacific University will enroll up to 6,000 students and bring in lecturers and academics from Papua New Guinea and around the Pacific.”

In addition to accommodation facilities on the 19 hectares site, other amenities including the library, lecture buildings and recreation facilities.

Western Pacific University will become Papua New Guinea’s 5th State-owned university and the 7th in the country.

The newly appointed Higher Secretary for Education, Fr. Jan Czuba, who has been the force behind the Divine Word University in Madang, has been tasked to manage the construction and establishment of the University.

PNG Prime Minister Peter O'Neill has called for real policy discussion in the final weeks of the election campaign, and for candidates to declare their position on free education.
Speaking in Pondiyapu, in the Southern Highlands on the weekend, Prime Minister Peter O’Neill said this is the most important election in the history of the nation and the voters need real policy information before they cast their votes.

He said the main policy decision before the districts around the nation is about education.
“The choices before the nation are clear, do we continue to educate our children, or do we turn the clock back and have Don Polye kick kids out of school if their parents cannot pay?” PM O’Neill said.

“Do we go back to the years of corruption and misappropriation of the 2000’s, or do we push our nation forward?

“When we were elected in 2012, our Government placed free education at the centre of our policy platform.

“Now we have the Opposition promising to stop free education and make families pay.

“This is an education election where the country will decide if we want to continue with free education, or take the path of the opposition who will abandon our children.”

The Prime Minister said free education is a cornerstone policy because it means the nation will have a generation of children going through school, who will be our future engineers, businesspeople and Leaders.

“People will waste their vote if they elect candidates for Don Polye and his band of opposition including Sam Basil, Garry Juffa, Kerenga Kua, Sir Mekere Morauta and Patrick Pruaitch.
“I call on each of these minor parties to declare to the public if they support free education, or if they want to turn back the clock.”

The Prime Minister said the delivery of free education has come with its challenges, particularly ensuring fund delivery to the most remote areas, but a significant amount of progress has been made.

“We know the policy is not perfect and we have more work to do, but at least we are delivering education to children who never had a chance before we were elected.

“If the people of our nation vote to return the PNC-led government at this election we will continue to change our nation for the better.”

PM O’Neill said it is time for Opposition parties to step up and provide detail on their policies.

“On a range of issues, all the opposition team is offering are banner statements, not policy.

“They say they will end corruption, but how? Where is the detail? Our Government is implementing policies to erode the base on which the corrupt have thrived for decades.

“In the next Parliament we will introduce legislation that will also target those who corrupt.

“We are working with international partners, including through APEC, to deal with this issue.

“During the Somare years 8 billion Kina in surpluses went missing, was stolen from secret bank accounts in the Cayman Islands. That money should have been invested infrastructure, but it was lost.

“In the coming weeks our people have the opportunity to elect members of Parliament who will represent them locally, and stand together in the Parliament to deliver legislation for the nation.

The Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill said the past years has delivered dramatic infrastructure change in the country, and the next five years of a PNC-led Government will deliver a new-era of National growth.
PM O’Neill was speaking with the people of Wiabo in the Obura Wanenara District of Goroka today, where he committed to continue road construction in the province.
“In only five years we have delivered to our promises on our simple policies, which you have seen all around you,” the Prime Minister said.
“Give us another five years and you will see this country transform.
“Road infrastructure is the key to economic development and has been our Government’s priority in ensuring rural population have access to better services.
“Road infrastructure is essential for the delivery of healthcare and education, so that services reach rural communities easily and on time.
“We will further continue funding for more classrooms and make sure educational materials reach the schools.”
The Prime Minister was campaigning with Obura Wanenara candidate, John Boito, where he urged the people to vote for Mr. Boito so that he can continue building road infrastructure.
“There has been so much negativity during this campaign from the opposition, they have made wild accusations, but action speaks louder than words and this has been demonstrated in the last five years.”
Village leaders in Wiabo applauded the commitments from the Prime Minister and Mr. Boito after so many past decades of being neglected.
“In five years we have delivered proper classrooms, and your children going to school.
“Before we came to Government, this was just a dream.
“Free education will continue under a PNC-led Government, but it would be cancelled if the Opposition had a chance to form Government.
“The benefits of free education are clear for your children, particularly families in villages with parents who could not afford school fees.
“Our Government will keep your kids in school so they can have better lives as they grow into adults.”
The Prime Minister was accompanied by PNC candidates including, Governor Julie Soso, Minister Nick Kuman and Minister Benny Allan.

The Chief Secretary to Government, Amb. Isaac Lupari CBE, has cautioned editors to not politicise public servants in coverage of the upcoming elections, and to check their facts before going to print.

“Today, the National newspaper has published an inaccurate and very misleading story under the headline: Civil servants’ ‘role is to back PM,’” the Chief Secretary said.

"This headline is misleading with a fake quote that was never made.

"The Prime Minister, Ministers and the Opposition Leader remain in their positions until the next Parliament convenes, and still maintain support from administrative staff and police.

“Elected Leaders still have designated authority to carry out their mandated function and this should not be interrupted.

"Is the National suggesting that the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader should not have security during the election period? That is absurd.

"This is the established procedure for all elections past, and is in line with Commonwealth standards in the conduct of elections.

"The National further stated that it is ‘understood,' as in a rumour, that the Prime Minister travels with 10 protocol officers and uses the official Falcon jet to travel election functions.

"This is absolute rubbish and if the National had cared to check facts this would have been clear.

"Public Servants carry out their official duties for the Prime Minister, Ministers and the Opposition Leader, and do not have any involvement with politics.

"In a world where social media rumour is in abundance, the people look to established media to set high standards, to report fact and to cross-check those facts before going to print.

“The National must retract this story and apologise to their readers."

By Tony Webeck / qrl.com.au

Take a look at the ladder at the halfway mark of the season and you’ll see that the PNG Hunters are sitting pretty at the very top.

Take a look at the draw for the second half of the season and you’ll soon realise that it is going to take something rather extraordinary to displace them.

Starting this weekend against Souths Logan, the Hunters play five of their next six games at the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby, a venue in which they have only suffered two defeats since it opened last year, an 18-12 loss to Sunshine Coast in Week 1 of the finals.

The only team to enjoy success against the Hunters at their home this year are the Norths Devils and coach Mark Gliddon said it was some advice from Brisbane Broncos scout Brian 'Pinky' Edwards that got them on the front foot.

"I rang 'Pinky' before we went over though and asked his thoughts and he said, ‘silence the crowd’," said Gliddon of Norths' 32-18 win earlier this year.

“I said, 'How do you do that?' and he said, ‘if you're scoring tries, the crowd ain't saying anything.’

“It's a bit of a gimmick, but we used it and that was what we said to each other, ‘Silence the crowd’. If you can silence the crowd it means that you're in front.

“I'll be very surprised if anyone else beats them over there. I could be wrong, but they're very hard to beat over there.”

They've also proven difficult to beat in Queensland this season, with the Falcons the only other team to have gotten the better of them this year with a 38-14 win at Sunshine Coast Stadium in Round 6.

The Hunters have had wins in Rockhampton, Brisbane, Mackay, Ipswich and Burleigh to cement themselves as the competition front-runners, but Gliddon by no means believes they are unbeatable.

Level at 12-12 at half-time last Sunday, the Hunters scored two tries in the first five minutes of the second half in their game against the Devils at Bishop Park to take control of a game that could very easily have panned out differently.

“We dropped the ball twice over the line in the first half and both times it was because of their heavy defence. They certainly don't take any prisoners,” Gliddon said.

“What we did [in Round 4] – and we tried to do it again on the weekend – is to slow the game down a little bit. Any points on offer you take, you kick for touch rather than keep the ball in play and you walk to scrums because they're massive counter-attackers and from scrums your defence is set.

"I also think they've got some real deficiencies on their short sides. They don't move up on their short sides and I feel that's how we got them the first time.

“They're beatable in certain areas, but having a full-time roster that trains, eats, drinks, sleeps rugby league is a massive advantage over everyone else.”

Did you know?

The Hunters v Magpies match on Sunday will mark the 3000th game in the history of the Intrust Super Cup and will be a meeting of two of the form teams of the competition. The Hunters have won their past six games on the trot and Souths Logan their past four to sit first and fourth on the ladder respectively.

A former editor of Big League, Tony Webeck is the Chief Queensland Correspondent for NRL.com.

The development and growth of Port Moresby as Papua New Guinea's capital city is vital for the growth and development of other cities and towns in the country.
Port Moresby Chamber of Commerce and Industry President, Ken Dunn, said this at the launch of the Port Moresby Future City initiative, in Port Moresby last night.
Mr Dunn said there has been unprecedented growth and development in Port Moresby in the past 20 years.
“Developments that spring to mind are the Pore porena f reeway, the reclamation of the harbor side land the new buildings.
There on, the new restaurant precinct Harbourside , has added character and vitality to the city.
Numerous new high rise buildings have been erected and there more progressive and more on the drawing board,” Mr Dunn said. NBC News / PNG Today

A 3-2 home ground victory for Solomon Islands over Papua New Guinea in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ Qualifiers – OFC Stage 3 has put them in good stead for the final Group B encounter in Port Moresby in four days’ time.

An impressive first half from the Solomon Islands had them putting the Papua New Guinea backline under pressure with goalkeeper Ronald Warisan having to come out of his area to fend off a couple of dangerous attacks.

Jerry Donga was in stunning form and an early effort came off the cross bar to deny him the opener, but he played a crucial part in the first goal when it did arrive.

After beating several markers up the right flank, Donga’s cross dropped neatly at the six-yard box edge for captain Benjamin Totori who had his effort blocked by a nimble Warisan.

The clearance only got as far as Atkin Kaua however, who powered a low shot past a diving Warisan to open the scoring in the 12th minute.

Papua New Guinea had a couple of their own chances with David Browne and captain Michael Foster combining well on several occasions, but they were denied either by the on-form Phillip Mango, the well-structured defence or the pesky post.

Donga again played a crucial role in the second goal as he received up the right, dribbled to the goal line before placing yet another perfectly weighted cross for a waiting Totori who placed it expertly past Warisan.

Papua New Guinea must have been treated to an inspiring half-time speech from coach Flemming Serritslev as they got the second half underway with a bang.

After winning an early corner, Foster got his foot to the delivery to give his side their first goal in the 48th minute. The equaliser was a tidy effort from Raymond Gunemba and Patrick Aisa as they went head-to-head with a lone Mango.

Gunemba drew the keeper before passing off to Aisa who slotted into an empty net.

As legs tired and the heat and humidity started to have an effect, Solomon Islands made three changes, including swapping out two veterans – James Naka coming in to replace Totori.

It was a smart move as Solomon Islands hit back almost immediately after the third change. Naka played a well-timed pass to Micah Lea’alafa who rounded Warisan to claim the 72nd minute winner.

Papua New Guinea continued to press but the feat proved too great on this occasion as they were left to settle for the loss.

Solomon Islands coach Felipe Vega Arango Alonso was delighted to get the three important points in what he knew would be a tough match for his side despite the home advantage.

“As I said yesterday, I knew it was going to be a very tough game,” he said.

“To be honest with you, it would have been really unfair if we didn’t win this match because in the first 45 minutes we played wonderful football.

“We had a lot of chances, a close one on the post, but we knew the game wasn’t over and that’s what I told them in the locker room.”

Vega Arango Alonso said he knew if his side gave any leeway, Papua New Guinea would take advantage of it and that’s exactly what happened.

“We made two mistakes – that happens it is football – and they tied. But the most important thing is the character of the team because when you make two mistakes like this and they score after a 2-0 lead, you can go down.”

Although he doesn’t want to play favourites, the Spaniard was particularly impressed by Totori’s strike.

“It was a beautiful play. The right back got the ball, he made a pass to the winger. The winger one beautiful touch and then the centre forward – I mean if you see that in the Champions League, that’s a beautiful goal!”

For Papua New Guinea coach Flemming Serritslev it was an exciting, but ultimately disappointing, afternoon at Lawson Tama.

“Of course I’m disappointed because we came here to win, but we also have to admit that our first half was too bad – we actually lost the game in the first half,” he admitted.

“I’m very satisfied with the way our players did in the second half, unfortunately when it was two-two, it was as if they were satisfied with the result and figured they’d go out to beat them in Port Moresby.

“We should absolutely have continued because we had Solomon Islands in our hands at that time, but we forgot to do it.”

Papua New Guinea will have their chance at revenge at PNG Football Stadium in Port Moresby on Tuesday and with Solomon Islands needed a minimum of a draw to progress to the Stage 3 final with New Zealand it’s expected to be another thrilling encounter.
Source: OFC

THE Prime Minister Peter O’Neill’s free education policy is a fraud that is crushing the hopes and dreams of schoolchildren all over the country.

“Analysis of Education Department statistics prove that the funding allocated to TFF is manifestly inadequate in the first place, and some of the funding is being diverted to non-TFF activities,” former prime minister Sir Mekere Morauta said on Thursday.

“When Mr O’Neill boasts about his policy, he is knowingly misleading the public. We should be worried about the Prime Minister. Not only is he misleading people daily, he seems also to be losing his memory.

“Yesterday in Simbu he told people that I did not introduce free education. Perhaps the Treasury Department could make available the Budget brought down in 2001 to him so he can refresh his memory.

“The truth is that O’Neill’s TFF is a chaotic failure that is getting worse each year. Mr ONeill has let children, their parents and teachers down.”

Sir Mekere said slightly more than K600 million on average has been allocated to TFF each year from 2012 to 2017. That is now grossly inadequate. To take into account inflation and the increase in school enrolments, Mr O’Neill should have allocated K1.4 billion for 2017.

“Instead he has stuck with his K600-plus million, which is a 30 percent cut in real terms since 2012 and less than half what is needed,” Sir Mekere said.

The actual allocation for 2017 is K47 million less than in 2012 (K649 million in 2012 versus K602 million in 2017).

Sir Mekere said the O’Neill government has also been secretly siphoning off TFF funds to pay for other education requirements. For example Grade 10 and 12 yearly selections were paid for out of TFF funds, as were national high school operational grants.

“This greatly reduces the amount available to pay tuition fees, which is why schools are closing and students are being sent home,” Sir Mekere said. “To make matters worse, he also banned schools from raising other fees to cover his TFF shortfall.

“Mr O’Neill owes the people of Papua New Guinea an apology for the TFF chaos alone. But he has also deliberately misled the nation concerning teachers’ salaries.”

The reason teachers are not being paid their full entitlements either on time or in full is that Mr O’Neill has not allocated enough money in any of his Budgets. For example in 2016 an extra K318 million had to be found, accounting for more than 10 per cent of the overall Budget deficit.

This year only K1.1 billion is allocated, even less than the K1.3 billion allocated in 2016. Teachers face another year of hardship and deprivation because of Mr O’Neill.

Sir Mekere pointed out that three provinces – Enga, Western and Southern Highlands, accounted for approximately one-third of the over-expenditure on teacher salaries in 2016. Enga overspent its initial allocation of K35.2 million by 116 per cent. Western overspent its allocation of K25.7 million by 79 per cent. Southern Highlands overspent its allocation of K54.9 million by 71 per cent.

“The public needs to know why this has occurred,” Sir Mekere said. “We know that corruption has become rampant under Mr O’Neill, so he needs to explain whether this is a result of ghost schools and teachers or whether it is simply a case of gross mismanagement and waste.”

Sir Mekere pointed out these instances are not isolated events within Education. Spending cuts and inadequate Budget allocations are the rule across the board.

He said the corruption, waste and mismanagement he had identified, especially in the critical areas of health and education, highlighted the need for a review of public expenditure and revenue, in association with broader economic, financial and structural reform.

“The O’Neill regime is rotten to the core, and we need to be able to identify the bad bits, cut them out and replace them,” he said. “We can start once the head is removed.” Sunday Chronicle / PNG Today

Party leader Ben Micah said this opportunity will give the chance for women to rise up and face the challenge in the male dominated Parliament.

In an interview with this paper, Mr Micah said Prime Minister Peter O’Neill has failed to act on a proposal submitted by the National Council of Women in 2011, and added that he will get the proposal under way if they form the next government.

He said to have more women in Parliament is worth to contribute ideas to nation building.

“Look at Scandinavian countries like Norway, Demark, Swedan and Finland, they have women prime ministers and women presidents; they are the countries with highest living standards,” Micah said while giving comparisons for countries that had their women rise to top levels.

“We will create a commission for women that will look at how we can remove the obstacles and impediments to prevent women from rising,” he said.

“And one way is to establish women seats so our women participate at the national level.

“We will create 22 special seats for women in the 20 provinces, National Capital District and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.”

He said there is a provision in place for additional seats and he will amend the Constitution and in place number of seats for women and also increase number of electorates which is an overdue agenda not acted upon by previous governments.

He said the women’s seats would be contested in 2022 and 2027. Sunday Chronicle

Pix Caption: Alliance – Leaders of opposition parties (from left around the table) Ben Micah (PPP), Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, Patrick Pruaitch (NA), Arthur Somare, Kerenga Kua (National Party), Sir Mekere Morauta, Ila Geno and Warusam Debepe (back to cam) president of THE Party.

LIKE-MINDED political groups and individuals sharing similar opinions and interests have formed an alliance to topple Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and his People National Congress Party.

The group met on Wednesday (Jun 7) in Port Moresby and unanimously resolved to remain intact while inviting independents as well as concerned ruling PNC MPs to join forces to form a new government after the election.

Those present in the meeting included the nation’s founding father, Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, National Alliance leader Patrick Pruaitch, Peoples Progress Party’s Ben Micah, Kerenga Kua of National Party, former prime minister Sir Mekere Morauta and Ila Geno of Constitutional Development Party.

Triumph Heritage and Empowerment party president Warusam Debepe attended the meeting on behalf of its parliamentary leader Don Polye who was away on confirmed election campaign commitments.

Pangu’s Sam Basil, New Generation Party leader Bire Kimisopa and Northern Governor Garry Juffa were also on election commitments, but were in communication with the group.

The leaders of parties invited recently sacked treasurer Mr Pruaitch, Sir Mekere and other independents and like-minded groups to join the alliance in their bid to prevent Peter O’Neill from becoming prime minister again after this election.

The new alliance leaders have pledge to work together with the common goal of making sure that Mr O’Neill does not become prime minister again in view of the current unprecedented level of corruption and the severe economic and financial problems faced by the country. Sunday Chronicle

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