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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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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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Business

Nasfund Welcomes New Members on Lihir Island

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The National Superannuation Fund (Nasfund) recently welcomed 800 new contributing members on Lihir Island.

They are employees of 200 landowner companies who provide services to Newcrest Mining Limited (NML), through Lihir Business Services (LBS).

All 200 landowner companies this week received their Employer Registration Certificates, confirming their membership to Papua New Guinea’s leading superannuation provider.

CEO Ian Tarutia in welcoming the newly registered employers, praised the management of each entity for their decision to provide a secure financial future for their employees through superannuation savings with Nasfund.

“The process in registering our new members is one that was made possible through cooperation from NML, LBS, and our Nasfund Lihir service centre.

“The bulk registration of our new members on Lihir island is one of the largest we have had, and is a testament to the great working relationship we have with the local business community.

This also demonstrates the importance that businesses, whether large or small, place on retirement savings for their employees.

As members of Nasfund, these members now benefit from our cadre of services, which includes our online platforms, TextBal service, and our popular Membership Discount Program (MDP).

We are committed to providing value for these members while they work today, so that they are ready for retirement, when the time comes,” said Tarutia.

(L-R): Nasfund General Manager Member & Employer Services, Anne Wilson, presenting an Employer Registration Certificate to Director of Tasio Limited, Barbara Siomel, and Acting General Manager Lihir Business Systems, Assumpta Wauwau.

In receiving the Employer Registration Certificates, Lihir Business Services Acting General Manager, Assumpta Wauwau, thanked the Fund for its efforts in ensuring all requirements were met, for the contractors to join Nasfund.

“This is a milestone for LBS in achieving the superfund compliance requirement for its 200 plus contractors under the LBS/Newcrest vendor agreement.

Having the Nasfund General Manager Member & Employer Services, Anne Wilson, on the island to handover the certificate signifies the importance of this achievement given the volume of employer and member registrations at any one time.

LBS commends the company owners and directors of the Lihirian owned businesses for their cooperation in registering with Nasfund, to safeguard the retirement savings of their employees.

The face-to-face meeting with the fund team leads over the duration of this exercise has also given assurance to the employers and new and existing Nasfund members on Lihir that they are just within reach should they encounter unexpected delays in resolving any of their superannuation related queries.”

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Sport

Maskelyne Sets New National Records

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Team Papua New Guinea’s swimming sensation, Ryan Maskelyne finished second in his heat with a time of 29.53 seconds knocking off the existing national record of 29.85 seconds and setting a new one for PNG in the Men’s 50m Breaststroke.

Maskelyne was exceptional in his respective events since starting last Saturday where he swam the Men’s 200m Breaststroke coming eighth in a pool consisting of World Record and Commonwealth Games Record holders.

He also broke the Men’s 100m Breaststroke national record of 1:03:89 (set by himself) clocking a new time of 1:03:31.

Swim Team Manager, Sarenah Pini said she was happy with how Team PNG’s swimmers performed at the Commonwealth Games.

“Ryan has done extremely well in his respective events and his performance is a reflection of all the hard work, sacrifices, the long hours to and from training, and the dedication and time put into his training,” said Mrs Pini.

In other results for Day 4, Team PNG’s Georgia-Leigh Vele swam an improved time of 1:01:60 in the Women’s 100m Freestyle in comparison to her 1:01:73 time at the FINA World Championships in Budapest, five weeks ago.

Georgia-Leigh will now prepare for the Queensland Short Course Championships in two weeks’ time. Then to the PNG FedEx National Short Course Championships in October followed by the FINA World Short Course Championships in Melbourne.

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National Elections

Yakasa Concerned Over Delays in Counting

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NCD Regional candidate, Fred Yakasa is concerned over continuous delays in counting for the NCD Regional Seat.

He said these are the sentiments of all candidates contesting the top seat in the nation’s capital.

“There have been delays in polling, counting and this continues. It’s irritating and candidates are dismayed,” said Yakasa.

Mr Yakasa said the electoral commission has miserably failed with so many issues surrounding polling and counting.

He said with the date of return of writs nearing, he is not sure if counting for the NCD Regional Seat will be completed or not.

The former city police boss said candidates will not stop the process unnecessarily if things are done according to election laws.

“The electoral commission cannot blame us. We are seeing that things are not right and that is the whole reason,” Mr Yakasa said.

Mr Yakasa further stressed that for NCD Regional, counting is being delayed for more than 2 days. He said this is a waste of time.

“The NCD Election Manager, Kila Ralai continues to be late at the counting rooms. The other day we were told by our scrutineers that he arrived late in the evening.

Their actions continue to be suspicious. More and more evidence are being uncovered and those responsible must be held accountable,” said Yakasa.

Mr Yakasa urged the next Government to prioritize fixing all matters relating the election process.

“Whoever forms Government must look into this concern and ensure all matters like the common roll, including voting and the counting process are improved,” said Mr Yakasa.

He said the 2022 national election has not been safe and fair.

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National Elections

Delay in Counting for NCD Regional Seat Continues

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Counting for the NCD Regional seat at the Rita Flynn Court has been suspended since Saturday after allegations were raised of suspected foreign ballot papers being smuggled into the counting venue, this prompted a call for a recount of all the ballot papers.

Counting was scheduled to resume today at 1pm, however, it is not known when counting will recommence.

The NCD Regional Returning Officer was not available at midday today and could not be reached for comments on the matter.

The top five tally for NCD Regional Seat as off Saturday after count 22 has seen the incumbent Governor and Social Democratic Party leader, Powes Parkop leading the race with 1,391 votes, People’s Labor Party man Wari James Vele, with 1,274 votes, Independent Candidate Michael Kandiu sits on the 3rd spot with 964 votes, another Independent Candidate and former NCD Metropolitan Superintendent, Andy Bawa is in the 4th place with 921 votes and Ben Dagima in 5th place with 524 votes.

Counting for NCD Regional is still on primary counts with time running out as the dates zero in on the return of writs set for Friday 5th August 2022.

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