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PNG has Huge potential in Agri-Tourism

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The 62nd National Gaming Control Board (NGCB) Goroka Show has displayed a huge potential in agri-tourism.

This was revealed by the NGCB Community Benefit Fund Director, Rayleen Kurua during the opening remarks ofthe Show. Kurua said the Show illustrated the potential Eastern Highlands has to successfully promote the agriculture and tourism sectors in the country.

Kurua said the Show is a great benefit for the economy, with potential for farmers to find their market both locally as well as internationally. “Tourists will want to spend money to come to PNG if they can experience locals, preparing food using indigenous crops,” Kurua said.
She said Agriculture and Tourismwill have to work together and embrace the opportunity which will benefit both industries, the economy and the local community. Kurua said there is a great demand for agricultural tourism in PNG and it will be a missed opportunity if we do not work together to build the industry.

The show took place over the Independence weekend, from the 14th to the 16th of September at the National Sports Institute in Goroka under the theme promoting agriculture and tourism. About 150 cultural groups from allfour regions of the country participated in sing sings and dances.

Traditional crops and farming methods were also showcased to tourists, most of whom travelled in from Europe.

Tonga squad announced for Test against Kangaroos

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Cronulla forward Scott Sorensen is the latest NRL star to pledge his allegiance to Tonga and has been chosen in an extended Mate Ma’a squad for next month’s historic Test against Australia in Auckland.

Scott Sorensen . NRL Photo
Sorensen, who has been named on the interchange bench for Friday night’s preliminary final against Melbourne, is the nephew of Kiwi greats Dane and Kurt Sorensen but also has Tongan heritage and is under consideration to make his representative debut in the October 20 Test at Mount Smart Stadium.

The 25-year-old second-rower is part of a strong Mate Ma’a squad, headed by Cronulla teammate Andrew Fifita and North Queensland superstar Jason Taumalolo.

The 29-man squad also includes the Telstra Premiership’s leading tryscorer, David Fusitu’a, along with South Sydney winger Robert Jennings and his Sydney Roosters opposite Daniel Tupou, while Rabbitohs forward Tevita Taola has also been chosen.

Tonga coach Kristian Woolf will have great forward depth at his disposal after selecting Brisbane pair Tevita Pangai jnr and Joe Ofahengaue, along with Roosters prop Siosiua Taukeiaho.

The nucleus of the squad comprises players from last year’s stunning World Cup campaign, in which the Mate Ma’a beat New Zealand and suffered a controversial semi-final loss to England, but Woolf arguably has greater depth to call on for Tonga’s first Test against the Kangaroos.

The squad features five Super League players - Sika Manu (Hull FC), Samisoni Langi, Sam Moa (both Catalans Dragons), Ben Murdoch-Masila (Warrington Wolves) and Ukuma Ta’ai (Huddersfield).

"We are very pleased with the depth in the squad we have managed to name for this very important Test match," Woolf said.

"We feel it is representative of the depth of Tongan rugby league in both the NRL and English Super League, and also rewards players that have made a firm commitment to playing for their country of heritage.

"This will be a huge occasion for Tonga to take on the top-ranked rugby league country in the world, so we need every player we can committed to that goal."

The final Mate Ma’a squad will be announced next month, and will go into a 10-day team camp leading up to the Test.

Tonga squad

Andrew Fifita (Cronulla Sharks)
Addin Fonua-Blake (Manly Warringah)
Mahe Fonua (Wests Tigers)
Moeaki Fotuaika (Gold Coast Titans)
David Fusitua (NZ Warriors)
Siliva Havilli (Canberra Raiders)
Ata Hingano (Canberra Raiders)
Will Hopoate (Canterbury Bulldogs)
Konileti Hurrell  (Gold Coast Titans)
Michael Jennings (Parramatta Eels)
Robert Jennings (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Solomone Kata (NZ Warriors)
Sione Katoa (Penrith Panthers)
Samisoni Langi (Catalans Dragons)
Tuimoala Lolohea (Wests Tigers)
Sika Manu (Hull FC)
Sam Moa (Catalans Dragons)
Ben Murdoch-Masila (Warrington Wolves)
Joe Ofahengaue (Brisbane Broncos)
Tevita Pangai jnr (Brisbane Broncos)
Agnatius Paasi (NZ Warriors)
Leivaha Pulu (NZ Warriors)
Scott Sorensen (Cronulla Sharks)
Ukuma Ta'ai (Huddersfield Giants)
Jason Taumalolo (North Qld Cowboys)
Tevita Tatola (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Siosiua Taukeiaho (Sydney Roosters)
Peni Terepo (Parramatta Eels)
Daniel Tupou (Sydney Roosters)

Source: NRL.COM

Australia eyes PNG military base to curb China's Pacific influence

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CANBERRA, 20 SEPTEMBER 2018 (THE AUSTRALIAN) – Australia is working on plans with Papua New Guinea to develop a joint naval base on Manus Island, edging out Chinese interest in the strategically vital port with a new facility that would be capable of hosting Australian and US ­warships.

The Australian understands Malcolm Turnbull and PNG Prime Minister Peter O’Neill discussed the proposed defence partnership at a July 11 meeting in Brisbane ahead of this year’s third State of Origin match.

O’Neill was said to be “very interested” in working with Australia to redevelop the Lombrum Naval Base as a joint ­facility, prompting a scoping mission by Australian defence officials.

The PNG Prime Minister, who was briefed on the results of the scoping study, later wrote to Turnbull to formally express his support for the project.

The Turnbull government had hoped to finalise arrangements for the investment before the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation meeting, to be hosted by PNG from November 12-18, which will be preceded by a special summit for ­Pacific leaders in Port Moresby hosted by China’s President Xi ­Jinping.

Australian officials have ­expressed concerns over Chinese interest in the redevelopment of four PNG ports, at Wewak, Kikori, Vanimo and Manus Island, fearing the Asian superpower is working towards gaining a military foothold in the region.

The deepwater port at Manus is considered the most strategic­ally significant of the four because of its sweeping command of the ­Pacific Ocean and the maritime approaches from Asia.

O’Neill and Solomon ­Islands Prime Minister Rick Houen­ipwela, who also attended the State of Origin match, signed a deal with Mr Turnbull on the same trip for Australia to fund a $136 million (US$98 million) internet cable ­between the three countries, ­preventing Chinese company ­Huawei from building the infrastructure.

Plans for the joint facility were under way as Australia moved to block Chinese involvement in ­another regional military development — the upgrade of Fiji’s Black Rock military camp in Nadi. Turnbull led the negotiations with Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama to ensure Australia became the sole foreign donor in the redevelopment of the base, which will be used as a regional training hub for South Pacific ­defence forces.

Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne declined to comment on the proposed joint facility but said Australia was in frequent contact with PNG officials regarding their development priorities.

“Australia supports the PNG government’s ambitions for greater economic growth and development, including on Manus Island,” she said.

The Lombrum Naval Base has long been the site of close co-­operation between Australia and the PNG Defence Force. Australia operated the base from 1950 until it was handed back to PNG at independence in 1975.

Australia financed the construction of the current Lombrum wharf, and its refurbishment in the 1990s.

More recently, the base was the site of Australia’s Manus ­Regional Processing Centre, which closed in October last year.

Australian Strategic Policy Institute director Michael Shoebridge, a former Defence Depart­ment official, said using Manus as a base for PNG, Australian and US forces “makes good sense … It would help give the US a wider operating and support footprint in the Pacific, and give Australian naval forces a location 2000km away from Darwin and some 1600km north of Cairns — the two closest Royal Australian Navy bases”.

He said the PNG Defence Force, which will receive three new Guardian-class patrol boats from Australia, would be a major beneficiary, gaining new facilities and a closer working relationship with Australian and US navies.

If the investment were ready to announce by the APEC summit, it would “send a very welcome message about the deeper intent behind Australia’s commitment”, Shoebridge said.

To ensure the economics of the facility, Australia would need to have naval ships using the facility “almost continually”, he said, while a US presence would add to its economic feasibility.

The Lowy Institute’s Pacific Islands program director, Jona­than Pryke, said despite China’s growing influence in the region, Pacific leaders preferred to work with Australia than China.

“The reality is that the Pacific also wants Australia to be the partner of choice in the region,” he said. “We are more familiar, and they have more power in the relationship. It just needs a lot of work on the Australian side to maintain our position.”

O’Neill, who enjoys close relations with China’s President, agreed on a recent trip to Beijing to allow Xi to host a summit for Pacific Island leaders ahead of the APEC leaders’ meeting.

For Xi, the trip to Port Mores­by will be an official “guest of government” visit, with full red-carpet treatment.

Scott Morrison, who was criticised by regional leaders for failing to attend this month’s Pacific Island Forum, will seek to counter the Chinese charm offensive by hosting an APEC barbecue for Pacific Island counterparts at the Australian high commissioner’s Port Moresby residence.

In last year’s foreign affairs white paper, the government committed to “stepping up” its engagement in the Pacific, as China tries to win over ­regional leaders with foreign aid and soft loans for infrastructure projects under its Belt and Road Initiative.

There has been a surge in Chinese investment in PNG ahead of the APEC summit, with major roads projects funded by China’s Eximbank and awarded to Chinese firms China Railway and China Harbour.

Senator Payne signed a security declaration with regional leaders at the Pacific Island Forum that asserts the right of every member country “to conduct its national affairs free of external ­interference and ­coercion”.

During the forum, she suggested that China, when it made contributions to ­Pacific nations, “should perhaps look at the benchmarks that we adopt … around strengthening security, strengthening stability, and strengthening prosperity”.

“Countries will make their own sovereign decisions about arrangements they enter into … but the benchmark that Australia places on this is one of engagement and partnership,” she said.

The PIF security declaration identified climate change as the biggest threat to the region.



Days later, Morrison said Australia would remain a signatory to the Paris climate change agreement because the issue was “incredibly important” to Pacific nations. “In the Pacific, this issue dominates their thinking and agenda … the Pacific is one of the most strategic areas of influence in our world today,” he said.

K25,000 BOOST TO LUKIM PNG TOURISM EXPO

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The PNG Tourism Industry Association (PNGTIA) is expecting over thirty representatives in the tourism industry in Rapopo, Kokopo, this week to participate in the Lukim PNG Nau Tourism Expo to be held from 23rd– 25th September, 2018.

In receiving the K25,000 sponsorship from BSP, PNGTIA Executive Manager Christine Peipul said the event will not only feature PNG tourism industry members but also overseas representatives.

“Weare very grateful for BSP’s support to this annual event that unites the entire tourism industry,” said Ms Peipul.

The events will consist of Training Workshops from 20th – 21st September followed by the Lukim PNG Nau Expo from 23rd – 25th September, 2018.

The Lukim PNG Nau Tourism Expo is aimed at bringing together all tourism operators in one location; showcase a wide range of tourism products and services; invite international agents to enhance and establish business relations and educate the domestic trade and audiences on tourism products and services.
In presenting the cheque, R/Deputy General Manager – Sales & Customer Service

Natasha Sirimai said BSP is happy to support this event to showcase PNG tourism and at the same time assist the tourism industry members in the Training Workshops through BSP’s Financial Literacy of its SME and/or other products where participants need information on.

“The BSP Kokopo Team will also be available at the BSP Booth from 23rd – 25th September, 2018, to assist other customers and be part of the Domestic and International Trade Days.”

PNG will not back Vanuatu push for West Papua

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Papua New Guinea will not and does not support the issue of West Papua now being pushed by Vanuatu at the United Nations.

This is because according to Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Rimbink Pato, West Papua is still an integral part of Indonesia and Papua New Guinea under its foreign policy will not interfere with that and the international law on the matter.

Pato was asked about PNG’s stand on West Papua, given the fact that Vanuatu is now pushing for West Papua at the UN.

He said: “We object to it, so Papua New Guinea will not and doesn’t support any action taken by Vanuatu, so we object to it.”

“Any action to support will be a breach of the international law, you know West Papua or Papua is still part and parcel, an integral part of the Republic of Indonesia and we have a bilateral relationship with the Republic of Indonesia, so we will not support that,” he said.

Papua New Guinea is a bigger player in the Melanesian Spearhead Group and the Pacific Island Forum, let alone the Pacific. There has been lobbying from MSG countries and Pacific to support the West Papua in their quest for independence.

Vanuatu has announced that they would be pushing for West Papua at the United Nations meeting this month.

Pato said PNG’s stand is that the government will not support Vanuatu in its push for West Papua at the UN level.


SOURCE: POST COURIER/PACNEWS/PNG Today

Chinese premier eyes closer friendship with Samoa

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Chinese Premier Li Keqiang held talks on Wednesday with Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, who is in TIANJIN to attend the Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2018, also known as Summer Davos.

Noting that Samoa was one of the first Pacific island countries to establish diplomatic relations with China, Li hailed the development of bilateral ties and said China attaches great importance to developing relations with Samoa.

China appreciates Samoa's long-term and firm adherence to the one-China policy, said Li, adding that China supports Samoa's efforts to follow a development path in line with its national conditions and will strengthen cooperation with Samoa.

China will seek synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative with Samoa's development strategy and create more opportunities for cooperation in such areas as economy, trade, investment and infrastructure construction, said Li.

The Chinese premier called on the two countries to give full play to their respective advantages, strengthen cooperation in ports and tourism, and take more practical measures to promote people-to-people exchanges to deepen the bilateral friendship.

China values reasonable demands of Pacific island countries in dealing with climate change and is willing to continue to promote the effective implementation of the Paris Agreement on climate change, said Li, adding that China will also strengthen coordination and cooperation with Samoa within such multilateral mechanisms as the United Nations and the Pacific Islands Forum, so as to safeguard the common interests of developing countries.

Tuilaepa said that Samoa enjoys the close friendship with China, expressing appreciation of China's support and assistance to Samoa over the years.

Noting that bilateral cultural exchanges are close, Tuilaepa said the number of Samoan students studying in China has increased year on year.

Moreover, Tuilaepa said the Belt and Road Initiative has a positive effect on promoting trade, tourism and culture, expecting to sign a memorandum of understanding on cooperation with China and build a closer partnership between the two countries.

After the talks, the two leaders watched the signing of several cooperation documents between the two sides.

SOURCE: XINHUA/PACNEWS

Air Niugini to launch 1st direct flights between PNG, China

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Air Niugini is set to launch the first direct flights between Papua New Guinea (PNG) and China next month, the airline said on Thursday.

Air Niugini's acting CEO Tahawar Durrani told Xinhua that tickets are already open for bookings from this week.

“We are looking at first flight departing on Tuesday, Oct. 23,” he said.

The flight will departing from Port Moresby and arrive at China's financial hub of Shanghai.

Set to be a boom for the PNG economy, the news comes as the country is set to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in November.

With all eyes squarely focused the South Pacific nation in the run-up to the event, PNG Minister Responsible for APEC, Justin Tkatchenko, recently said the government is looking to do all it can during this time to boost the tourism sector and showcase the county's immense natural beauty.

Looking to attract vast numbers of Chinese travelers to the tropical, sun-drenched nation, PNG has also moved to relax many visa restrictions for Chinese visitors. ...PACNEWS

SOURCE: XINHUA/PACNEWS

Solomon Islands Police investigate death of an infant in Choiseul Province

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Solomon Islands Police at Taro Police Station, Choiseul Province is investigating the death of a nine -month-old male infant at Taro, Northwest Choiseul, whose body was found on 16 September 2018.

Police responded to the report of an 18-year-old female who was alleged to have given birth to a child and the child was missing since 13 September 2018.

Police conducted a search for the infant and found the infant concealed under rubbish close to the house of the alleged mother.

The alleged mother of the death infant was questioned by police and likely to be prosecuted for the death of the infant.

Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Choiseul Province, Superintendent Vincent Eria says, “The alleged mother of the death infant is being treated by medical authorities as we are concerned for her health and would be allowed to undergo counselling.”

He adds: “Unless medical cleared her health condition (affected by giving birth) and undergo counselling, police may not continue with its work.”

“This is a sad outcome, the poor infant deserve the right to life and may his soul rest in peace with our good Lord,” says PPC Eria.

“Concealing of the birth of a child, abortion and infanticide are serious crimes. If someone is found guilty by the court for concealing a birth, the maximum sentence is two years in prison and life time in prison if found guilty of abortion and infanticide,” explains PPC Eria.



Rabbitohs NRL Squad for Preliminary Final against Roosters

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Rabbitohs updated NRL squad for Preliminary Final against Roosters tomorrow at Allianz Stadium
The South Sydney Rabbitohs are pleased to announce their updated 19-man squad for their Preliminary Final
against the Sydney Roosters at Allianz Stadium tomorrow, Saturday 22 September at 7:40pm.
The South Sydney Rabbitohs’ NRL squad is:
1) Alex Johnston
2) Campbell Graham
3) Greg Inglis (c)
4) Dane Gagai
5) Robert Jennings
6) Cody Walker
7) Adam Reynolds
8) Thomas Burgess
9) Damien Cook
10) George Burgess
11) John Sutton
12) Angus Crichton
13) Sam Burgess
Interchange:
14) Hymel Hunt
15) Cameron Murray
17) Dean Britt
20) Junior Tatola
18) Braidon Burns
19) Mark Nicholls
Head Coach – Anthony Seibold

Snakes bites high in Kairuku-Hiri District

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Snake bites have become a common occurrence in Veifa’a in the Kairuku District of Central Province in the last two months with 2 to 3 reported cases daily. 

Many of the snake bite victims reported to the Veifa’a Health Centre were kids.

Community Health Worker Mr Michael Taoe said due to rainfalls and tall bushes, many kids have being bitten by snakes while out and about.

Most snake victims were treated at the health centre and monitored for a day and then discharged.

However three of their victims were referred to the Port Moresby Hospital for recovery last month with severe cases.

He said two of the victims bitten were between the ages 10and 15 years, and the other one was a two year old boy.

“”The 2 year old, was just a baby boy who could not actuallytalk clearly but was just crying in pain,” said Mr Taoe.

“He was a brave toddler, a fighter, who despite being transferred to Port Moresby General Hospital recovered in only few days and is back in the village,” he said.

The latest victim is a 12 year old, who is the son of theSenior Medical Officer in Veifa-a Health Centre.

The poor boy was beaten last week Sunday and was transferredto Port Moresby General Hospital on Monday with the help of St John’sAmbulance.

Doctors at the Port Moresby General Hospital incubated the little boy and admitted him at the Intensive Care Unit because all his muscles were paralyzed.

CHW Mr Taoe said paralysis caused by the snake’s venom cancause difficulty in breathing and muscle movements.

“The boy was discharged over the weekend”, he said.

Mr Taoe said, parents should be mindful of where their kids walk and play. Thick bushes needs to be cut down and bush tracks must be cleared. And at most times kids must be encouraged to wear shoes to protect them from snake bites. LegendFM/PNG Today

Oil Search continues support for Kutubu Kundu and Digaso Festival

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The Foe community near Lake Kutubu in the Southern Highlands Province is set to put on another spectacular cultural event, when the 8th Kutubu Kundu and Digaso Festival begins today (Friday, 21 September 2018) thanks to the support of Oil Search and other sponsors including Exxon Mobil PNG and Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC).

The Kutubu Kundu (drum) and Digaso (oil) Festival held annually is an initiative of the Kutubu Foe Culture group and Oil Search has been a proud sponsor of the event since its inception in 2011.

The Company donated more than K12,000 in kind (rations, 400L of diesel and gasoline and waste collection material) on Monday, to help stage the event which will be held from 21 - 23 September in Daga village, Kutubu with the theme “Yumi mas kirapim bek yumi yet”.

The theme encourages communities to support one another in rebuilding their lives and to be self-reliant following the devastating earthquake in February.

Oil Search and Oil Search Foundation (OSF) played a critical ‘First responder’ role with K16m donated in cash and kind to support disaster relief efforts, moving over 200 tonnes of food and supplies to affected villages mainly by helicopter reaching over 200,000 people.

The Company remains committed to long-term recovery and restoration activities which include a major immunisation programme to combat communicable diseases, rehabilitation of health facilities, addressing water, sanitation and hygiene needs through the work of OSF.

The Kutubu Kundu and Digaso Festival will feature a colourful array of traditional singsings, art and craft and cultural demonstrations from more than 20 groups from Kutubu, Bosavi, Nipa, Moran and Kikori.
Other activities will include canoe racing at the famous Lake Kutubu, bush trekking, swimming and diving at Gese  Island.

Redcliffe Dolphins win 2018 Intrust Super Cup Premiership

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The Redcliffe Dolphins ran out 36-22 winners over East Tigers  to claim an unmatched sixth premiership in the Intrust Super Cup competition, ending a run of three grand final defeats since their last title in 2006.

By virtue of the victory, Redcliffe will now play the Bulldogs in a curtain-raiser to the NRL Grand Final, vying for the Intrust Super National Championship.

REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS 36 (Trai Fuller 2, Jeremy Hawkins, Kotoni Staggs, Nathan Watts, Tom Opacic tries; Kotoni Staggs 6 goals) def EASTS TIGERS 22 (Conor Carey, Marion Seve, Jake Foster, Scott Drinkwater tries; Brayden Torpy 3 goals) at Suncorp Stadium.
Referees: Chris Anderson, Liam Kennedy.

QRL Photo

Police Officer assaulted

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A police officer is nursing his jaw after a bottle was thrown at him with his vehicle windscreen smashed following an attack yesterday in Western Highlands Province. 

Provincial Police Commander Chief Inspector Jacob Kamiak said the officer is stationed at the Dei Council Police Station and was returning from Kudjip when locals along the road attacked him. 

PPC Kamiak condemned the actions of locals stressing that people must understand that police are here to help and such actions are uncalled for.

“People must not take law into their own hands, people must report to police superiors if they have issues with certain police officers, “Kamiak stressed. 
PPC Kamiak said a suspect has been arrested on the same day and charged for assault and damages.

He said police are yet to establish the nature of the incident adding that investigations have commenced.

‍LegendFM/PNG Today

PNG PMs XIII Kumuls team named to face Australia

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The PNG Rugby Football League has announced an 18 man squad for the NGCB Prime Ministers XIII match between the PNG Kumuls and Australia Kangaroos on October 6th in Port Moresby.

Kumuls team for last world cup
To be known as the NGCB PM's XIII team, the squad includes three debutants among experienced hands from this year’s Pacific test and the 2017 World Cup teams.

Marum said a number of players had to pull out due to family commitments , injuries and suspensions.

Other players such as Justin Olam and Lachlan Lam who are part of the extended squads for the NRL Grand Final will arrive next week.

The PNG LNG Kumuls PMs 13 team in alphabetical order include:

Daniel Russel – South Logan Magpies (Intrust Super Cup)
David Mead – Catalans Dragons (Super League)
Edene Gabi – PNG Hunters (Intrust Super Cup)
Enock Maki – PNG Hunters (Intrust Super Cup)
James Segeyaro – Cronulla Sharks (NRL)
Juston Olam – Melbourne Storm (NRL)
Justin Laybutt – North Queensland Cowboys (NRL)
Lachlan Lam – Sydney Roosters
Moses Meninga – PNG Hunters (Intrust Super Cup)
Nene McDonald – St. George Illawara (NRL)
Nixon Putt – PNG Hunters (Intrust Super Cup)
Rhadley Brawa – PNG Hunters (Intrust Super Cup)
Rhyse Martin – Canterbury Bulldogs (NRL)
Stanton Albert – PNG Hunters (Intrust Super Cup)
Tom Butterfiled – Easts Tigers (Intrust Super Cup)
Watson Boas – PNG Hunters (Intrust Super Cup)
Wellington Albert – Widnes Vikings (Super League
Willie Minoga – PNG Hunters (Intrust Super Cup)

PNG Education Dept prioritizes W.A.S.H Policy

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The Papua New Guinea  Education Department has prioritized the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene or WASH policy developed in 2015 by the National Planning and Monitoring Department, and aims to implement the policy eventually in all schools around the country.

Education Department Assistant Secretary for Policy Planning, John Kawage, says data shows that there are 56,000 teachers teaching over two million students in close to 14,000 schools around the country.

He said the department has developed its own WASH policy and has aligned it with the national government WASH policy and will be run alongside the School Learning Improvement Program plans.

Mr Kawage says developing children in schools through the WASH projects will see the students growing into adults who practice healthy living, resulting in improved societies and living standards.

He said the schools and health centers will be the focal points of implementing the WASH project.

Mr Kawage says during implementation phase of WASH, only schools which have a School Learning Improvement Program or SLIP Plan in place, identifying their needs will benefit from resources and materials.

The Education Department, he said, is aware of the potential issues that will arise in light of the increasing student population and number of schools with limited resources.

Mr Kawage stressed to the people that this WASH policy is a PNG government policy and is supported by partners like European Union as the financier and UNICEF as the implementing partner.

NBC News - Gabriel Lahoc

(Students of Boana Primary School singing the national anthem as part of the WASH project launching ceremony. Picture courtesy of Josiah Kana, UNICEF.)

NBC/PNG TOday

Bank South Pacific unveils NRL branded Kundu Cards

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Bank South Pacific(BSP) customers can now have their Kundu Card branded in their favourite NRL team outfit as of 24th September, 2018.

This follows the issuing of State of Origin co-branded Kundu Cards to customers in July.

The new NRL team co-branded cards is part of the 3 years deal between the bank and the Australian Rugby League Commission that saw the first launch of the State of Origin branded Kundu Cards this year.

“Now given the additional range of NRL teams to choose from,  we hope that more customers will get into the action, and sign up to get a new Kundu Card in time for the NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final this weekend,” says BSP Retail Group General Manager, Paul Thornton.

“We are giving customers the opportunity to select their favourite NRL teams when applying for a new account with a Kundu Card or a replacement of an old Kundu Card.  For others who prefer to use the Standard BSP Brand Kundu Card (Green Kundu Card) can select the generic option on the application when applying,” he added.
The bank is delighted to show its commitment to deliver innovative and distinctive value propositions to our customers. This NRL teams co-branded cards are yet another fascinating approach to the Rugby League fan customers in the country.

Chinese delegation in PNG

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A Chinese delegation from Shanghai Municipal Government was welcome in Port Moresby last night.

The delegation led by the Vice Mayor of Shanghai, Xu Kunlin, arrived in the country yesterday.

It consists of business people from various sectors, including the head of Shanghai University of Sport, Li Yin, and Director General of Shanghai's Foreign Affairs, Zhang Xiaosong.

The visit reciprocates Prime Minister Peter O'Neill's visit to China including Shanghai in May this year.

The delegation met with several government ministers yesterday including Minister for Lands and Physical Planning Justin Tkatchenko, Fisheries Minister Patrick Basa and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister and Goilala MP, William Samb.

Mr. Samb welcome the delegation to the country on behalf of Prime Minister Peter O'Neill.

He said the visit will further cement the bilateral relationship between PNG and China.

“China remains one of our number one friends and PNG respect China and its people, and we value that relationship,” said William Samb.

The delegation's first visit was to the Butuka Primary School along Pari Road where a new Butuka Zhenshen Institute is being constructed.

The project is being funded by the Zhenshen City in China, under a sister city arrangement with NCD, at the cost of 70-million-Kina.

Once completed, the school will be named Tenzen Institution and will be opened by China's President Xi Jinping on November 15.

The delegation departs tomorrow afternoon.

NBC NEWS/PNG Today

2018 National Examinations Dates announced

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The Education Department has announced the dates for the national examinations for grades 8, 10 and 12.

Education Secretary Dr. Kombra in a statement said, all examinations are scheduled for October and would run for a week.

Grade-10 examinations will be conducted on the 8th to the 12th of October followed by Grade-12 from the 15th to the 19th and finally Grade-8 from the 22nd to the 25th of next month.

Dr. Kombra is reminding students across the country that cheating will not be tolerated.

He is also appealing to school principals, head teachers, parents, guardians and other relevant authorities in the provinces to observe the examination dates and prepare students well for their final examinations.

22 days to completion of the New Hilton Hotel in Port Moresby

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The Hilton Hotel is a world renowned brand when it comes to hospitality, and this landmark will go a long way to establishing Port Moresby and Papua New Guinea as a whole worldwide in the industry.

We look forward to the completion of the New Hilton Hotel, its official opening and receiving our guests for APEC 2018 at this hotel

While the Hilton will offer our APEC visitors high quality and standard service, it will impact the industry in the city greatly after the APEC 2018 ABAC CEO Meet and Leaders Summit.

The new look magnificent building of Star Mountain Plaza, the Hilton hotel of Port Moresby is taking it's shape from time to time and it's at final stage now. It will be opened in October 12th, 2018.

MRDC has proven that it can deliver despite all criticisms.

It was very awesome and that's world class building up by Mineral Resources Development Company under the very comptent leadership of Mr. Augustine Mano as Managing Director of the MRDC

Air Niugini plane crashed in Chuuk, FSM

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Papua New Guinea's national airline Air Niugini aircraft has crashed in Chuuk Federated States of Micronesia. According to Guam Post, torty-six people aboard Air Niugini Flight 73 miraculously survived after the flight fell short of the runway on Weno International Airport in Chuuk this morning and landed in lagoon waters.

"No serious injuries ... Everybody is alive!" Jimmy Emilio, the airport's manager, confirmed by phone to The Guam Daily Post.

When the plane went down, a lot of local boaters and the local rescue team immediately rushed to the crash site, Emilio said.

"Everybody is safely off the plane," he added.

He said the passengers and crew were transported to the local hospital and as far as he knows, no one was badly injured.

Dr. Siana Shapucy, the Chuuk State Hospital's acting medical director, said at 2 p.m. Guam time Friday that eight people were hospitalized. One was on a ventilator while some of the other patients had various fractures.

A video reposted by Eriko Rekis on his Facebook page shows many boaters immediately responding as the aircraft hit the lagoon water, and helping passengers get off the half-submerged plane and transporting them to safer ground.

The aircraft is a Boeing 737, Public Affairs Manager Ian Gregor for the FAA Pacific Division confirmed.

The U.S. Coast Guard Cuttter Washington, which happens to be in nearby waters, is heading to the crash site to help.

Air Niugini Flight 73 travels between Chuuk and Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea. The flight was to take two hours and 40 minutes.


Air Niugini is Papua New Guinea's leading airline, with more than 20 destinations nationally and 10 internationally.

A United Airlines flight from Guam that was scheduled to land at the same airport in Chuuk has been diverted to Pohnpei.

A team from Auckland, New Zealand en route to Weno to try and salvage the plane. Guam Post
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