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October 2023

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Rugby League

Kumuls have Second Chance

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Kumuls Second Chance

The PNG Kumuls have a second chance to make good on their mistakes against the Fiji Bati.

This Sunday the 5th of November will see the final of the Pacific Championship Bowl Challenge between PNG and Fiji.

It was a wake up call for the PNG Kumuls after a dismal performance against Fiji Bati, a 43 points to 16 flogging, a seven tries to three victory over the home side as PNG fans were left devastated.

Kumuls Coach Justin Holbrook had nothing much to say but apologised to fans that turned up in droves.

A crowd of 14,300 plus filled the stadium but as the game progressed it was the Fijians in the crowd that were in a frenzy with blue flags flying high amongst the crowd.

The Kumuls fans even started leaving with 20 minutes to go before full time.

On the field it was a team in turmoil with the Kumuls on the back foot with the Fijians hightailing it up the middle. The fast play off the ruck proved too quick for PNG as they struggled to keep up with the Fijians pace.

Despite the Fijians surge up the middle, Kumuls lock forward Jack Dibelin was a machine in defense.

Judah Rimbu offered a spark of flare in the last 30minutes when he came on even setting up a try for Epel Kapinias.

There was no one to be blamed but themselves and the Kumuls learnt that the hard way. Fiji were better prepared with Captain Tui Kamikamica praising the teams effort during the week.

He said they were focused on controlling the game off the ruck and managed to subdue the PNG attack and keep them on the back foot.

Fiji Coach Waisake Kativerata says he knows what the team is capable of and the Fiji Bati side is a wealth of talent. The Coach pointed out that with a combination of skill, natural born talent and hard work, they have a strong side that will make sure they give their best in the final on Sunday.

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Health

Supporting SJA

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Island Mobile Hire Cars

A hire car company in Port Moresby has gifted St John, a fully kitted ambulance. This is to help continue its work, responding to health emergencies in NCD and neighboring provinces.

The Island Mobile Hire Cars handed over a brand-new Land Cruiser to St. John worth K170,000 as its dedication to the welfare of communities in Papua New Guinea.

Island Mobile Hire Cars’ Executive Officer to the Managing Director, Malcolm Mamatta said they recognize the vital roles St.Johns play.

“We are proud to be part of their mission and to contribute this fully kitted ambulance to enhance their capacity to save lives,” said Mamatta.

Hire car company supporting SJA with a fully kitted ambulance vehicle.

The running of an emergency service like St John is costly and there were reports of St. John Ambulances stoned while ambulance officers were attending to emergencies.

The handover of a fully kitted ambulance will increase the capacity of the responses by ambulance officers.

SJA Chief Executive Officer, Matt Cannon said the new ambulance is fully kitted with medical equipment and supplies which is needed to save lives.

“The addition of this ambulance to their fleet will enable them to continue to respond promptly to accidents, injuries and other medical emergencies. Ensuring that residents in targeted regions receive the car they need,” said Cannon.

Island Mobile Hire Cars

Related: https://insidepng.com/news-march22-rotary-club-of-port-moresby-supports-st-john-ambulance/

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Autonomous Region of Bougainville

Process in Judicial Review

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Process in Judicial Review

There’s notable development made in the ongoing discussions between the Autonomous Bougainville Government and Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL) in relation to the Judicial Review Dialogue.

This includes the appointment of five Bougainvillean directors to reflect it’s local representatation.

“I am pleased to advise that good progress has been made in our ongoing discussions with Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL) aimed at amicably ending long-running Judicial Review proceedings in the National Court of PNG, “said Toroama.

In January 2018, the Bougainville Government refused an extension of BCL’s exploration licence (ELO1).

In April 2018, the Court granted a leave to BCL for a judicial review of the decision.

Toroama said much has happened since then, including the historic referendum that’s paving Bougainville’s path to independence.

“BCL has also continued its transition as a local company, and the ABG currently has 36.45% shareholding in BCL. Through this, the process of transferring another 36.45% presently held by the National Government started,” said Toroama.

Judicial Review
Panguna Mine Pit

In total, the ABG and people of Bougainville are set to have a 72.9% ownership stake in BCL.

As a result, the ABG and BCL have agreed on terms for a deed of settlement that would result in BCL ending the judicial review proceedings once the parties have delivered on a series of undertakings.

These include BCL contributing funds to assist Panguna reburials and reactivating the Bougainville Copper Foundation education scholarships program.

For its part, the ABG has agreed, consistent with the Bougainville Mining Act 2015, to reconsider BCL’s EL01 extension application with a view to extending the exploration licence for five years.

“It must be stressed that this would NOT be a mining licence; the issuance of which is subject to a separate process. BCL has agreed to file a notice with the court for the discontinuance of the Judicial Review,” said Toroama.

An extension of EL01 will allow BCL to continue its program of community support and work cooperatively with the ABG, landowners and the broader community to achieve mutual goals.

An abandoned bridge near the once busy mining area of Panguna.

Any future redevelopment of Panguna under a mining licence will inevitably require the involvement of many project partners. The ABG will continue to progress dialogue with landowners and important stakeholders in preparation for the eventual granting of a mining licence in the near future.

In the meantime, required feasibility related activities must be progressed under an exploration licence; these activities will take years to complete before the project sees actual mining development stage.

“Panguna is also a Bougainville-wide agenda given its relationship with the Bougainville Crisis. This fact, coupled with evidence of strong backing across Bougainville from prior consultative forums undertaken by the ABG in North, Central and South Bougainville supports my decision to pursue this path as President,” President Toroama said.

Related: https://insidepng.com/key-bougainville-plans/

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News

Calls for Reinstatement

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Calls for Reinstatement

Calls by Koiari Landowners for the reinstatement of Obed Batia has been echoed by the Papua New Guinea Trade Union Congress (PNGTUC).

The Trade Union Congress made the call to reinstate Obed Batia as CEO for PNG Power Limited (PPL).

The demand comes amidst mounting controversies around PPL’s management and the alleged government interference.

Anton Sekum, Acting General Secretary of PNGTUC said in a statement that the National Executive Council’s (NEC) decision to align PPL’s employment contracts with the provisions of the Essential Services Act, without declaring a state of emergency, points to “ulterior motives”. Sekum questioned why the policy specifically targets PPL employees, while other essential service providers are unaffected.

Sekum also criticized the replacement of experienced PPL staff with less experienced personnel. Claiming that the subsequent termination of employment, intimidation, and reduction of employee benefits are demotivating factors that could lead to decreased productivity.

The forced resignation of Obed Batia, along with the signing of new employment contracts prohibiting union affiliation, has received particular attention. The PNGTUC has called for Batia’s reinstatement, arguing that these actions will not help turn PPL around.

Furthermore, Sekum highlighted that the frequent power blackouts have worsened. Since the NEC-backed intervention program began at the start of the year.

Speculation continues over a K1 billion loan from a syndicate of lenders, funded in December 2022. Which will reportedly be appropriated in the 2024 budget to rehabilitate PPL. Sekum questioned why the proceeds from this loan was not included in the 2023 budget. Suggesting that parking public funds with Limited Companies could allow for disbursement outside the oversight of government apparatus.

In a call to action, Sekum urged the government to reinstate Batia, dismiss the current PPL board and its chairman, and adopt a fresh approach to resolving PPL‘s issues.

This situation continues to evolve, with the stakeholders eagerly waiting for the government’s response.

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News

PNG Closes Embassy

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PNG Closes Embassy

Papua New Guinea has announced a temporary closure of its embassy in Israel due to on-going attacks between Israel and Hamas.

PNG Foreign Affairs Secretary, Elias Wohengu released a statement dated 26th October 2023 and explained the stand PNG government has taken to temporarily close the embassy as of 17th October.

Wohengu said the two foreign affairs officers assigned to set up the embassy were recalled back because of the security concerns.

The PNG government is also aware that 18 PNG citizens departed Israel through the assistance of Australia’s repatriation exercise that was extended to Pacific Island countries at the start of the conflict.

PNG opened it’s embassy in Jerusalem in September, months before Hamas launched it’s suprise attack.

During the initial attack, Prime Minster Marape had cautioned Israel on how it should respond to the Hamas attack.

However the attacks have escalated since and the death toll is now in the thousands.

PNG Closes Embassy
PNG Prime Minister James Marape and Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Officiating the opening of the PNG Embassy in Jerusalem, early September this year.
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News

The Reality

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World Economic Forum

The Papua New Guinean Government has been attending several high level meetings on a world stage but it’s people are struggling with high cost of living and high unemployment rate.

The prices of basic goods like rice, sugar and cooking oil have doubled even tripled within months but the PNG government doesn’t acknowledge the hardship.

Prime Minster, James Marape said PNG will make it’s first appearance at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Switzerland, next January.

“The invitation from the World Economic Forum serves as a clear indicator that Papua New Guinea is gaining significant recognition on the global stage. Our outreach to numerous world leaders since my assumption of office in May 2019 has been instrumental in achieving this milestone,” said Marape.

Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape (2nd from left)

However the PNG economy doesn’t reflect the government’s claims. It’s’s costly running a business in the capital City of Port Moresby and the costs are even higher at outer centers.

The invitation follows comments from Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum (WEF), Professor Klaus Schwab who extended the invite to PNG at the opening of the World Indigenous Business Forum.

World Economic Forum
Professor Klaus Schwab (picture by World Economic Forum)

Marape said the significance of this invitation notably stands as a testament to Papua New Guinea’s increasing prominence on the global stage.

“Papua New Guinea occupies a pivotal role on both regional and global fronts, blessed with vast rainforest biodiversity and serving as a vital energy supplier to Asia and Japan. Our strategic location bridging the East and the West adds to our significance. Following the principles of ‘friends to all and enemies to none,’ as outlined in our foundational foreign policy in 1975 during the Pangu Pati-led Government of Sir Michael Somare, we remain steadfast in our commitment to this approach,” Marape said.

While it’s true that most natural resources are being exported overseas, the outcome of energy benefits doesn’t serve the interest of business owners.

Small to medium enterprises business owners say the electricity supply is unreliable and just the cost of operating a business often exceeds the income.

This forces them to charge a higher price on basic goods in the effort of making profits.

The burden of this all falls on the customers, mostly the average to low income earners.

The Marape government needs to support the SME owners to lower the cost of services like electricity and water.

“The present leadership of Papua New Guinea is resolute in maintaining this policy discourse, demonstrated by our engagements with numerous world leaders since 2019, culminating in this prestigious invitation to the 2024 World Economic Forum,” said Marape.

The WEF Annual Meeting serves as a global assembly of leaders from government, business, and civil society, fostering discussions on the current state of the world and setting priorities for the year ahead. This year’s event assumes heightened significance as it unfolds amidst a “polycrisis,” denoting the convergence of multiple critical issues, including climate and biodiversity crises, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, and concerns surrounding the cost of living.

But when such high level business meeting end in Port Moresby, SME owners will still be facing the high cost of services and slow profits.

The World Economic Forum 2023, held in Davos, Switzerland. (Picture by World Economic Forum)
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Autonomous Region of Bougainville

Semoso Elected

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Semoso Elected

The Autonomous Bougainville Region has voted in their first woman representative into the National Parliament.

Pangu candidate, Francesca Semoso, has been declared member elect for the North Bougainville Open seat after passing the absolute majority.

Semoso collected 14,851 votes after the 15th exclusion round passing the absolute majority of 14,164 votes.

Bougainville President Ismael Toroama was among the first leaders to congratulate Semoso. He highlighted that Semoso is not new to tthe political environment in Bougainville.

“The Hon. Francesca Semoso is a strong advocate of social issues, and progressive development. And an even stauncher advocate of Bougainville’s desire for political independence from Papua New Guinea. She will champion Bougainville’s Independence aspirations on the floor of the National Parliament to the best of her ability,” said Toroama.

The North- Bougainville Open seat was left vacant following the death of former member, William Nakin last July.

Toroama said for more than a year the people of North Bougainville were deprived of the right of representation in the National Parliament.

“I am glad that the people of North Bougainville finally have a National Member of Parliament, who will represent North Bougainville in the 11th National Parliament of Papua New Guinea,” Toroama said.

Semoso was one of the four female candidates who contested the seat. She becomes the third women elected into the 11th Parliament.

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Rugby League

Fiji Bati Anticipating a Forwards Battle

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Fiji Bati

Fiji Boasts a star studded NRL backline and a forward pack that devastated the Cook Islands last week. The Batis blooded 9 players in the team against the Cooks and Coach Waisake Kativerata says they are not here to make the numbers but to score points.

Fiji Bati captain Tui Kamikamica says to win they need to put pressure on the PNG forwards and use offloads to create scoring opportunities.

Fiji’s backline of Maika Sivo, Mikaele Ravalawa, Sunia Turuva, Waqa Blake and Jahream Bula last week combined a total run meters of 869 meters amongst themselves and a total of 19 tackle breaks.

Considering the Cook Islanders were short of few players down with injury, the Fijians young forward pack managed to out muscle the Cooks up the middle.

In the end Fiji Bati were left with minor bruises while the Cooks were winded by the Fijians.

Fiji Bati were slow to gel as a team, with the coach attributing to the fact that the team was only in camp for a week. But the team did manage to pick up in the second half. It was 6-4 in favor of Cook Islands at half time, but it was Fiji who pulled together in the second half and with five minutes on the clock.

Panthers premiership winning winger Sunia Turuva scored the match winner to snatch the win 22-18.

Fiji Coach Waisake Kativerata said that it’s a privilege to make his coaching debut in PNG where the crowds are mad rugby league supporters. He praised the fans for knowing the players well and he added the support was immense for the Fiji players.

But he knows PNG has a strong support at home and they always lift the team to go above and beyond and that goes for the teams forward pack as well. Kativerata commended PNG for having depth up the middle.

“PNG has a good power play up the middle. If we can control the ruck properly it will be to our advantage. We have a lot of Fijian supporters in PNG. They know Sivo and the other NRL players.
“It’s a young team, and this game will help us a lot we are not here to make up the numbers we can score points to win,” Kativerata said.

It’s no secret that PNG have a strong defense and Captain Tui Kamikamica is no stranger to the Kumuls defense and knows the only way to win is to control the game at the rucks and up the middle.

“We just need to be physical in the ruck, we get a bit of momentum in the middle we can lead to offloads, it’s a learning curve. A lot of young guys playing in the team. We need to learn from our mistakes and to play with PNG we have to be physical,” Kamikamica said.

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Rugby League

Edwin Ipape: Every time I wear the Kumul Jersey I Do Not Take it for Granted

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Edwin Ipape

Edwin Ipape headlines a number of key changes to the Kumuls side that will take on Fiji Bati this weekend. Edwin was passionate during an interview and says he never takes the Kumuls jumper for granted.

“Every time I wear the Kumuls Jersey I do not take it for granted and I play to the best of my ability to get the win,” Edwin Ipape said.

He has the passion for the Kumuls and remembers always longing to be in that jumper as a young Papua New Guinean playing backyard footy.

“It means everything as a young man growing up I always dreamed of being a Kumul it is the pinnacle of Papua New Guinea rugby league. I always picked up the ball and commentated myself running a play.

“I remember watching all the Kumuls legends during my time, Larsen Marabe, Dion Aiye and the list goes on. When Kumuls lose I get very disappointed but we love the Kumuls, and we strive to produce the best.”

Justin Holbrook, PNG Kumuls Coach has confirmed that Ipape will be the starting hooker against the Fiji Bati. This pushes Judah Rimbu to the bench and Liam Horne to the extended bench. Edwin forms a very strong spine, with Lachlan Lam and Kyle Laybutt in the halves and Alex Johnston at fullback. The Kumuls spine will be of great importance in keeping the game in control, against a Fiji side that has a NRL star-studded backline and a forward pack that looks to dominate up the middle.

Ipapes team mate at Leigh Leopards Lachlan Lam will be instrumental with Edwin to rekindle their collaboration at their club.

“We all know what Lachlan Lam is like when he puts on the Kumuls Jersey. He is a very competitive young man when he puts on the jersey,” Ipape said.

The inclusion of Rhys Martin, Wellington Albert, and Kevin Appo has caused changes to the side. With Nixon Putt, Junior Rop and Liam Horn moved to the extended bench.

Benji Kot will replace Rodrick Tai at center; Tai has suffered a knee injury and has been sidelined. While Mekenzie Yei is also with injury.

Despite Fiji boasting a heavier pack and a NRL star studded line up in the backs, PNG continues to excel at home with a more that rousing home crowd. No doubt PNG will lift in their performance.

Wellington Albert is coming off a Betfred Championship win with the London Broncos and is not going to take the Fijians lightly. He is pumped and was very feisty and upbeat at training on Monday. He acknowledged the long standing Melanesian rivalry in rugby league. Adding that PNG has the size and tenacity to match the Fijians.

“Fijians are big and strong, same as the Kumuls. They have more NRL based players unlike us. They got big boys and we also have big boys,” Albert said with smile.

Coach Justin Holbrook says he will be re-assessing the team after the game and picking the best team for the final.

“Fiji is really strong on the outside backs, they got speed. We played very well against the Cook Islanders this time around. We just need to make sure we get our game right. The combinations are coming out well. Kyle and Lam in the halves combination doing well. Hope everyone can get behind us this Sunday in front of a sellout crowd,” Holbrook said.

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Autonomous Region of Bougainville

North Bougainville By-Elections

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North Bougainville By-Election

Counting for the North Bougainville by-election is into the quality checks now after the completion of primary counts.

This follows a temporary suspension after concerns that transparent counting was not done right.

Results after progressive count number eight are as follows for the top five candidates,

  1. Lauta Atoi -477
  2. Francesca Semoso – 320
  3. Noel Sarei -113
  4. Jeffrey Magum- 67
  5. Martin Takali -17
Courtesy: NBC Buka

Counting is down in Buka. At least four women are in this race.

The by-election of the North Bougainville Seat follows the passing of former member William Nakin in July 2022.

Since the formation of the 11th National Parliament, the people of North Bougainville has been without a representative on the floor of National Parliament.

Courtesy: NBC Buka

Related: https://insidepng.com/key-bougainville-plans/

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