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August 2022

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PNG Boxers Bow Out

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PNG Boxers

Results for Team PNG boxers on Day 7 of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, sees fighters Neville Warupi (Welterweight), Arthur Lavalou (Heavyweight) and Jamie Chang (Bantamweight) all bowing out in the quarter finals.

Warupi went the full three rounds against Tyler Jolly from Scotland with Jolly winning on points.

Lavalou’s bout against England’s Lewis Williams was stopped by the referee midway through the first round with the win awarded to Williams.

Chang fought on gallantly right up until the last round with Owain Harris-Allan from Wales winning on points.

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Sport

Jack’s of PNG is official Supplier of Team PNG Merchandise

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The Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee have today unveiled Jack’s of PNG as the Team PNG Merchandise supplier and Corporate Partner of the PNGOC for 2022 and 2023.

One of the leading clothing retailers in Papua New Guinea, Jack’s of PNG today sealed a two-year merchandise partnership which saw the PNGOC award the supplier the licensing rights to its Team PNG brand to manufacture, advertise and distribute Team PNG merchandise apparel for the two-year period.

The merchandising agreement allows the PNGOC to provide its Team PNG trademark to Jacks of PNG to create an agreed range of Team PNG supporter apparel for the general public to purchase from all Jack’s of PNG retail outlets.

In addition to the licensing agreement, Jack’s of PNG has also pledged sponsorship in kind to the PNGOC to the value of K100,000 over the two-year period (2022-2023). The value in kind sponsorship covers the walkout uniforms and accessories for Team PNG to the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games and 2023 Solomon Islands Pacific Games in addition to Board and Staff uniforms for the organisation.

Welcoming the partnership, PNGOC Secretary General Auvita Rapilla stated “Jack’s PNG came on board last year sponsoring Team PNG’s walk out uniform for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, and we are pleased to see this partnership extend to include Team PNG Merchandise”.

Rapilla acknowledged and thanked the Jacks of PNG Board for having the confidence in the Team PNG brand and for taking up this new challenge to market and promote the Team PNG merchandise to the general public.

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National Elections

Hiri-Koiari Awaits Declaration

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Two candidates remain in the race for the new electorate, Hiri-Koiari as the nation counts down to the return of Writs.

The final exclusion will be of independent candidate, Willie Kaeaka who polled 5,613 votes after the 32nd exclusion.

Kaeaka’s votes will be distributed to leading candidate, Keith Iduhu (NGP) on 12, 573 votes and second on the ladder with 8599 votes, Steven John Manai (URP) 

As of exclusion 32, the absolute majority stands at 13, 403 votes.

A total of 35 candidates contested for the Hiri-Koiari Open Seat after a split in the electoral boundaries from then Kairuku-Hiri Open.

The new district now has 3 LLGs and 60 wards.

Hiri-Koiari Returning Officer, Leo Ameua told Inside PNG the delays in counting are a result of grievances by counting officials’ outstanding allowances.

“Some of the counting officials who were polling officials were not paid polling allowances and this caused the delays in counting,” said RO Ameua.

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Politics

O’Neill Seeks Legal Clarity on GG Invite

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Former Prime Minister and leader of the People’s National Congress Party, Peter O’Neill is asking the Supreme Court to look into the legality of the parliament sitting next Tuesday and the invitation issued by the Governor General’s office to form Government.

“In the application to the Supreme Court, an action I did not take lightly, I seek clarification on the appropriateness of the first meeting of Parliament next Tuesday and the legality of
the invitation being extended to the party with the most declared seats being able to nominate a candidate for the position of the Prime Minister, “ Mr O’Neill said.

Another question he is putting forward to the court to interpret is whether it is legal to proceed in the election of the Prime Minister when seats are yet to be declared.

“I have also asked for the court’s interpretation of inconsistencies between the Organic Law of Political Parties and Parliament Standing Orders in addition to requesting the Supreme Court interpret and provide direction on the denial of rights of many to have a voice in Parliament if the writs in their electorate are not returned by this afternoon,” O’Neill said.

Yesterday, Pangu leader and Caretaker Prime Minister, James Marape issued a statement saying that his party and its coalition stands ready to form government.

“I thank God and the people of Papua New Guinea for participating in the 2022 National General Election as Pangu prepares to receive the invitation to form Government,” PM Marape said.

The Electoral Commissioner Simon Sinai is expected to hand the returned Writs today to the Governor General at the close of business.

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Business

Locals undergo training at Ramu Nico’s Kurumbukari Mine

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Communities in the impacted areas of Ramu NiCo’s Kurumbukari mine were given a chance to undergo various trainings in the extraction process.

Ramu NiCo has been providing employment for locals especially, since operations began in 2012. The company has so far trained and employed locals in the impacted areas to work in various fields that don’t need specific qualifications.

The Kurumbukari mine, in July of 2022, recruited 22 locals of whom 18 were trained to run and operate the Volvo Articulated Dump Truck and four for excavator trainings from the surrounding communities in the impacted zone.

Their training started on Thursday 7th  July, 2022 and will continue until all the apprentices are familiarized with the functions of the vehicle.

The 18 trainees started off with their T – 1 training at the mine pit and will continue to do their T- 2 Training (800 hours on the job training) and will later be verified based on their competency before joining the work force as qualified Volvo ADT A40E truck operators.

The exercise provides an employment opportunity for locals to work with Ramu NiCo. The 22 locals Selected were from the four major clans around the Kurumbukari Mine site.

This was based on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOA) between Ramu NiCo and the landowners.

Recommendations for training and employment are made by village leaders in the impacted zone of the Ramu NiCo project. Under this program each clan leader who are affiliated with the Company’s Community Affairs Office recommend locals who are able to work in the various fields.

General Manager of Ramu NiCo’s Kurumbukari Mine, Mr. Joseph Umare said the job/employment Opportunity for the mine is given back to the locals as priority.

“Ramu NiCo had been a major contributor of employment to landowners living in the impacted areas Around the Kurumbukari Basin, especially in the Usino Bundi District and parts of Rai Coast District.

The Company recruits 90 % of its employees from Madang Province with the remaining 10%, from other provinces,” Umare said.

He said the training will qualify them to work in the mine’s operations after they finish their T-1 and T-2.

Training respectively including a three-month probationary period. A proud local and trainee Mr. Rex Minembo said, they are very proud to be accepted by the company.

“We are proud to wear the company uniforms and to learn how to operate the mine truck,” Minembo said

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Sport

Agari Narrowly Misses out on First Win

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Team PNG’s Tammi Agari narrowly missed out on a win in her second match against Fiji’s Touea Titana in the Women’s Singles table tennis event at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham on Wednesday.

The sixteen-year-old from Tubusereia in the Central Province, managed to shake off the nerves after the loss of her first match to push her Fijian opponent all the way into the seventh game only to be edged out 4-3 (18 – 16, 10 – 12, 9 – 11, 12 –10, 11 – 4, 6 – 11, 11 – 9).

Geoffrey Loi, PNG Table tennis rep

In the Men’s Singles, Geoffrey Loi put up spirited performances in his 4-0 losses to Barbados’ Tyrese Knight and to Malaysia’s Qi Shen Wong.

Loi and Agari are students at the Butuka Academy in Port Moresby and do long commuting every day from Tubusereia to school, then after to training and then back home to Tubusereia.

Amongst the Team PNG supporters in the crowd was Chef de Mission Michael Henao who commended the two youngsters on their improved performances stating “A lot of sacrifice, has been put in by our athletes and officials to prepare for this competition and we encourage support from our fellow Papua New Guineans back in Papua New Guinea and around the world,”

“Unless we have walked, run and played in their shoes, we will truly appreciate their hard work and sacrifices – the sweat, the tears and the hardship that came with it.” Henao said

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Business

Nasfund’s Membership Discount Program renewed with PNG Air Partnership

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Papua New Guinea’s leading superannuation provider, Nasfund and airline service provider, PNG Air, recently met to renew their partnership.

Through their collaboration, Nasfund members can now access a discount of K50 on one-way airfares through the Fund’s Membership Discount Program (MDP).

“Since the easing of restrictions, we have noted an increase in the demand for travel within Papua New Guinea.

“As a nationally-owned airline, it is in our best interest to make air travel more affordable and accessible.

“Given the current economic situation, we are pleased to renew our partnership with Nasfund to provide this discount to the Fund’s active contributors,” said Simon C. Pitt, PNG Air Chief Commercial Officer.

To claim this discount, Nasfund members will have to show their Nasfund membership ID card, when purchasing their tickets at PNG Air sales offices.

This offer is also redeemable on the PNG Air website. A promo code ‘NASFUND22’ will have to be used when booking until November 30th 2022, and ‘NASFUND23’ when booking from February 1st 2023 onwards. Members can travel at any time, except within the aforementioned dates.

The discount is now available for members and their beneficiaries, and will be in place for the next 12 months.

CEO, Ian Tarutia welcomed the renewed MDP agreement and thanked PNG Air for their commitment to provide affordable air travel for Nasfund Members.

“This offer certainly provides more value for our members, especially during these challenging times.

“We encourage our members to take advantage of this partnership, to save more while you work today.

We are committed to work together to provide value for our members while they work, so that they are ready for tomorrow,” Tarutia added.

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National Elections

Ghate Bows out of NGE 2022 Race with Gratitude

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Incumbent Member for Daulo and caretaker Minister for Environment Conservation and Climate Change, Pogio Ghate has thanked the people of Daulo, Eastern Highlands Province for the mandate accorded to him in the last five years.

The Pangu candidate made this remark following his exclusion in the 2022 National General Election.

“Its the people’s choice to elect new leader, it’s not my birthright or anyone else to claim the seat, I respect the other fifty-six contestants of Daulo and wish them good luck,” said Ghate.

Ghate thanked the Incumbent, James Marape for three things:

1) Visiting the Daulo district,

2) According him a portfolio to oversee in spite of the short time frame and,

3) Having confidence in his leadership.

“As the out going MP for Daulo, I take this time to congratulate my successor.

“I did what I can to the best of my ability in service delivery despite the covid-19 pandemic in the country. I have no regrets and I am now a happy free man moving on,” Ghate expressed.

I also congratulate those who retain their seats and newcomers as well. Wishing them good luck to form government,” Ghate said.

“I delivered more services to my people than other district did in two years when Pangu took the government in 2019 and I and have no regrets at any cost despite three years wasted in court battle,” he said.

Under Ghate’s leadership, the Daulo DDA created the Daulo Civil Works and Daulo Fresh Produce.

“Two companies for the people of Daulo to benefit from and some projects that I left due to the my limited timing are now in your power,” he said.

Wishing you all the best and good luck, Ghate said.

The Pangu candidate acknowledged Finschhafen MP elect, Rainbo Paita for assistance while being a Minister for National Planning.

Ghate also expressed his concern about the election in Daulo District.

“Most of the candidate and their supporters accused us of foul play, with properties destroyed, and two innocent supporters kidnapped,” said Ghate.

But the outgoing MP forgave those who accused him stating he is looking forward to helping the new MP and completing ongoing development projects initiated under his leadership.

“As I bow out, I would like to thank all the Pangu team for the support especially incumbent Prime Minister and Tari Pori MP elect, James Marape.

He thanked his supporters for maintaining peace and order despite false accusation, critics and violence in Daulo electorate.

Ghate was eliminated on the 6th position. A new MP for Daulo is expected to be declared as counting and exclusions continues.

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National Elections

O’Neill Extends PNC’s Support to Alternate PM

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Former Prime Minister and PNC leader, Peter O’Neill says he is ready to support any leader as an alternate Prime Minister.

“I am quite happy to spend my time focused on Ialibu Pangia and home Province of Southern
Highlands,” Mr O’Neill said in a statement.

He continued, “This creates space for young, dynamic leaders from within our People’s National
Congress Party and all parties to step up and form Government”.

He said he gives his party’s full support.

“You will have my 100% support and I ask nothing special in return,” the member-elect for Ialibu Pangia said.

The PNC leader said the formation of government is not about only him and Pangu Pati leader, James Marape.

“I encourage leaders who have been elected properly and who are genuinely interested in rescuing PNG from the economic and social chaos Marape has plunged the country into the past three years, to consider putting their hand up for the top job,” he said.

With a day left till the Return of Writs and declarations wind down the 2022 National Parliament election, PNC and Pangu are clearly the front-runners to dictate who forms the next government.

Many parties have given their support to the ruling party while none have openly expressed support to PNC.

“Genuine leaders do not want another five years like the last three,” Mr O’Neill added.

While the camps muscle up before a show of numbers on the floor of parliament, the political affair between O’Neill and Marape were not always about blame and accusations.

In 2017 around this time, Marape was part of the PNC camp in Alotau that delivered the Prime Ministership on the floor, a seat he later reclaimed following a Vote of No Confidence.

Pangu, with its current numbers and coalition partners look set to form Government, however, the true outcome will be revealed on the floor of Parliament.

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International

Medals Within Reach for PNG Boxers

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PNG Boxers Neville Warupi, Arthur Lavalou and Jamie Chang have reached the boxing quarter finals of the Commonwealth Games set for this Thursday.

Heavyweight (Over 86kg-92kg) boxer, Lavalou and Chang in the Bantamweight (Over 51kg-54kg) division had byes which pushed them straight into the quarter finals.

In the Welterweight (Over 63.5kg-67kg) division, Warupi booked his spot after beating Solomon Islands’ Pemberton Lele on points (4-1) on Tuesday at the NEC.

PNG Boxer, Neville Warupi at Commonwealth Games 2022
PNG Boxer, Neville Warupi
PNG Boxer, Neville Warupi, win bout against Solomon Islands opponent at Commonwealth Games Birmingham 2022
Team Papua New Guinea’s Neville Warupi wins bout against Solomon Islands’ Pemberton Lele.
PNG Boxer, Neville Warupi in bout against Solomon Island Opponent at Commonwealth Games 2022
PNG Boxer, Neville Warupi

An elated Warupi said there was no shortage of motivation going into the fight against Lele.

“With John Ume, Charles Keama and Allan Oaike all bowing out earlier, this is what pushed me to want the win even more. It gave me even more strength and determination,” he said.

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