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National Elections

New Electorates Were Planned For

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The seven new electorates passed by the National Government yesterday will not affect the running of the 2022 National General Elections.

That’s the assurance given by the Electoral Commissioner and Chairman of the Electoral Boundaries Commission, Simon Sinai.

The parliament yesterday accepted and passed the 2021 Electoral Boundaries Commission Recommendations and Maps Report.

The report called for the creation of seven new electorates and that their elections be held in the up coming 2022 National General Elections.

The seven new electorates are Delta Fly, Hiri-Koiari, Popondetta, Nakanai, Wau-Waria, Komo-Hulia and Porgera-Paiela.

This brings the total number of seats in the upcoming elections is 118.

Sinai said the main goal of the Electoral Boundaries Commission in carrying out its function was to ensure that all open electorates within the country contained approximately the same population within the limits prescribed by the Organic Law on National and Local Level Government Elections.

“It is also consistent with the National Goals and Directive Principles by enabling the fair distribution of resources and equal participation by citizens in the development and political processes in the country.

“The EBC adopted an approach where the split of the new electorates, where made within the existing boundary and did not overlap or extend to neighboring boundaries,” Sinai said.

He further explains that this approach is to ensure a smooth implementation of the new electorates, without interference to the neighboring electorates.

“At this stage, it is now the duty of the relevant State agencies and authorities and relevant stakeholders to implement the approval given by Parliament to give effect to the new electorates.

The Electoral Boundaries Commission calls on the National Government to the new electorates by providing the necessary support to establish the new electorates.

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Sport

PNG Kapuls Lose 1-0 To New Zealand In OFC FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

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The PNG mens national team the Kapuls knew it would be a tough outing against the New Zealand All whites, in an empty Suhaim Bin Hamad stadium in Doha Qatar.

The 2022 Oceania Football Confederation FIFA World Cup Qualifiers has PNG pitted against some of the toughest teams in the region in group B with New Caledonia and Fiji part of the group as well.

Without a doubt New Zealand’s technical prowess was their edge against Papua New Guinea, it was a cagy first half with both teams failing to find the back of the net.

But the New Zealand All Whites were the more experienced and kept PNG starving for possession.

New Zealand had 62 percent of the possession in the first half and had six attempts at goal. PNGs key strikers, Raymond Gunemba, Tommy Sammy and Ati Kepo were left with only few options as the New Zealand defense proved effective against a spirited PNG side, most times having to play back to try and find open space to push the ball through to the strikers.

Though there were calculated attacks by New Zealand, PNG’s backline stood quite firm with Alwin and Felix Komolong proving a handful for the New Zealand forwards.

Veteran PNG Goalkeeper Ronald Warisan also managed a few crucial saves.

The second half proved costly for the Kapuls who lost skipper and midfielder David Muta to injury in the 58th minute, gaining Yagi Yasasa to replace him.

PNG did manage their best chance at goal when substitute, Kolu Kepo almost put through a header from a cross kick by Daniel Joe after a back heel from Raymond Gunemba, sadly that was the only true opportunity for PNG.

New Zealand’s key substitutes, rookies, Ben Waine and Ben Old, turned things around for the All Whites.

With 15 minutes remaining a free kick to New Zealand was quickly released by Matt Garbett to Dane Ingham who pushed it through for Ben Waine to get one past Ronald Warisan, all this while PNG was slowly organizing their defense.

The score line could have been higher, with New Zealand hitting the crossbar twice in the final 10 minutes, PNG keeper Ronald Warisan also saved a few.

There was more expected of New Zealand but it was the first time the team displayed true team spirit in playing together.

PNG, who ranked 165th in the FIFA rankings were spirited despite not playing together for the past two years, apart from the two friendlies before the loss to New Zealand.

The three points are crucial for New Zealand as they prepare to face Fiji who are current leaders in Group B after a 2-1 win over New Caledonia.

PNG will try to find redemption in their match against New Caledonia on Tuesday.

PHOTO FILE: Courtesy of OFC.

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News

Foundation Helps Victims Of Bundi Conflict

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A clash by two clans in Karizogo, in upper Bundi, Madang Province on the 17th of March 2022 has not only disturbed peace but almost cost the lives of four people.

Footage supplied by Kumura Foundation show three man bleeding uncontrollably and a woman nursing cut fingers.

The four were slashed with machete or bush knives.

They were lucky, medical experts from Kumura Foundation were close by.

Bundi is located at the border of Madang and Simbu Province. It has some of the most challenging terrains in PNG making it difficult to get to a nearest health center immediately.

Vincent Kumura, the Director of Kumura Foundation said two of the injured were escorted for miles uphill to Snow Pass and the other was carried on a makeshift stretcher for two hours to Betty Camp near Pandambai, Upper Bundi to be transported in the Kumura Foundation’s Upper Bundi Ambulance to the Sir. Joseph Nombri Memorial Hospital (SJNMH) in Kundiawa.

With the help of Rat Wara- a local PMV owner of Gembogl, the head of the Emergency Department at the SJNMH Dr Bobby Welsh and his team, all four injured persons received timely treatment.

Three of them have been discharged from the hospital.

The other is in a stable condition.

Kumura thanked the Sir. Brian Bell Foundation for the much needed Upper Bundi Ambulance that is saving lives in this part of the country.

The Ambulance was donated last year.

So far, 140 patients have been transported to health facilities in Simbu Province.

Thirty percent are from the Kundiawa-Gembogl District and the rest from Bundi.

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News

New Acting Provincial Administrator For West New Britain

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Long serving West New Britain Provincial Administrator, Williamson Hosea has resigned from duties.

Today he handed over the reigns to his successor, Leo Mapmani who will be Acting Provincial Administrator for the next three months.

Mr. Hosea has served for 46 years in the public service with 10 years as Provincial Administrator.

West New Britain Governor, Sasindran Muthuvel said this follows a National Executive Council decision on the 9th of March under the compulsory retirement age of 65.

Muthuvel said this is a directive with both Mr Hosea and Mr Mapmani receiving letters from the Department of Personnel Management.

“We will do a formal farewell ceremony after Parliament sitting”, said Muthuvel.

The Governor added that this should see a smooth flow of transition to ensure the public service in West New Britain continues to deliver services.

Muthuvel thanked Hosea for his outstanding service to the people of West New Britain and urged him to work with his successor during the transition period.

Mr Hosea hails from Galilo Village in the Hoskins LLG of Talasea District. He started as an Agriculture Officer and worked his way up to Deputy Provincial Administrator before being appointed as the Provincial Administrator.

He reached the retirement age of 65 last November.

Meanwhile Hosea’s successor, Leo Mapmani was the District Administrator for Talasea District prior to this appointment.

Both announcements were made at the Office of the West New Britain Governor.

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National Elections

Gesele To Contest Middle Fly Seat

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Peoples Reform Party under the leadership of North Fly MP, James Donald has endorsed Abini Gesele to contest in the 2022 National Elections.

The Former Deputy Governor and one-time Acting Governor of Western Province is set to run under PRP banner and contest the Middle Fly Open Seat.

He has raised his hands to contest after the seat was left vacant following the death of sitting MP Late Roy Biyama.

Gesele has set history in the Gogodala Local Level Government when he was first elected as the youngest councilor of the Ali Ward in 1992. Then elected as President of Gogodala LLG from 2002 to 2006 and reigned again from 2007 to 2012.

His appointment as Deputy Governor followed when former Governor, Ati Wobiro was dismissed from Office following allegations.

In 2017, Gesele contested the Middle Fly Open Seat which saw him come in at third place after Isaiah Simaka.

With the seat now vacant, the senior public servant is geared to run for the 2022 National Elections again.

As a public servant Mr Gesele has reached the length and breadth of the Middle Fly District and Western Province and is proud to join the Peoples Reform Party as a locally established political house.

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News

DPM Secretary encourages PILAG graduands to be change agents

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Thirty-Five (35) public servants have recently graduated from the Pacific Institute of Leadership and Governance (PILAG) Highlands Regional Centre in Mt. Hagen, Western Highlands Province.

The eight females and twenty seven males were awarded with certificates in Leadership and Governance, a course funded and supported by the SP Foundation Incorporation since 2018.

The public servants were from 9 different organizations within the Highlands region.

While congratulating the participants, Department of Personnel Management Secretary,Taies Sansan who is also the interim Chairlady of the PILAG Board took time to inform them about several changes within the sector.

She highlighted a number of key policy changes to the public service which includes the Public Service long term plan, and the Human Resource Development Strategy Plan 2020 – 2050.

“The public service now has training policies which aligns to and complements the 30 year long term plan”, she adds.

Sansan challenged the graduands to be the change agent in their respective organizations when they return to work.

“Serving in the public service is a well-regarded and privileged role for individuals who are paid to carry out services for and on behalf of the general public.

“Public Servants are expected to display commitment, dedication and ethics in their conduct”, said Sansan.

Secretary Sansan also took time to acknowledge SP Foundation Incorporation for their continued support and PILAG for ensuring that their regional centers provides more leadership training courses to those in the provinces that need up-skilling.

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Sport

BSP Partners with SP PNG Hunters

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BSP Financial Group Limited (BSP) has expanded its commitment to sports through its latest partnership with the SP PNG Hunters Rugby Team as a new sponsor for the 2022 season in the Queensland Cup.

In announcing this partnership, BSP Group CEO Robin Fleming said, “we are delighted to be expanding our relationship in the rugby league fraternity through the PNG Hunters, an International Rugby League Club that shares the same values and understands the importance of putting communities and people especially fans and supporters at the forefront of their decision.”

“We see this as both a national and international opportunity to increase our national brand awareness as well as supporting local talent,” said Fleming.

The CEO further stated that as a sponsor and a bank serving in communities that has rugby fans, they understand the passion people have for the sport and the team and the positive impact the team(SP Hunters) can play in the community.

“We hope our support of K150,000 will help the team continue their hunt for the top spots and make PNG proud, ” Flemming adds.

SP PNG Hunters Commercial Manager Alan Moramoro in welcoming BSP as the new competition shorts sponsor said, “PNG Hunters board Chaired by Stan Joyce, management and team are excited to welcome a prominent corporate partner. As a 100% PNG owned bank, it is a brand that will sit proudly on the back of our playing shorts as we launch into the Queensland Hostplus Cup 2022 competition.”

The partnership also involves great awareness opportunities at home and away games, which the team is looking forward to regardless of on-field performances

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National Elections

TIPNG: Creation of Electorates Before Elections Highly Irresponsible

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Corruption watchdog, Transparency International PNG (TIPNG) is urging the Government not to rush through the process of creating the new electorates with only a month to go before the issue of writes for the 2022 National General Elections.

TIPNG believes any decision by the Government to create new electorates with one month of the issue of writs for the 2022 National General Elections, is irresponsible and will adversely impact both the governance and the administration of the elections.

The Board Chair of TIPNG, Peter Aitsi in a media statement said Papua New Guineans expect our elected representatives to uphold the democratic ideals that underpin our National Constitution.

He said, parliament’s decision to create new electorates in the absence of reliable census data, no gazettal notices, proper broad public consultation as required by the law and with no consideration for the administrative implications in the coming elections is highly irresponsible.

TIPNG urged the Marape Government not to rush through this process, as their actions stand the risk of being viewed as creating new political boundaries purely for political convenience to secure numbers.

“The voting public are right to wonder, if such a decision at this time is really serving the national interest?”

Under section 36 of the Organic Law on National and Local Level Elections, the boundaries of an open electorate are drawn or revised taking into consideration; the population density; physical features and communications; existing electoral boundaries; Local Level & Provincial Governments and other administrative areas; and community and diversity of interest where it is considered relevant to do so.

Under section 41(1) of the organic law, parliament has a time frame of two months to consider the recommendations and it may do any one of the following by way of resolution:

• Accept the recommendation wholly;

• Reject the recommendation wholly;

• Reject the recommendation and refer specific matters for reconsideration by the commission

TIPNG is calling on the Government to instead focus its attention on addressing the administrative requirements to deliver an effective, free, fair and safe 2022 National General Elections.

It believes the introduction of any new electorates would present a significant operational nightmare for the PNG Electoral Commission and Security Forces given the time left to recruit additional manpower, survey polling sites, counting venues and printing of ballot papers.

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Politics

Governor General Saddened Over Passing Of Micah And Samb

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Governor General, Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae, has expressed sadness at the passing of Minister of State and Member for Goilala late, William Samb and former Member for Kavieng, Ben Micah.

The GG described late Mr. Samb as a “man for the people” who carried out his duties with quiet dignity and a determination to do well for his people.

“The late William Samb was a man for the people he represented on the floor of Parliament. With quiet dignity and determination, his quest was to deliver services for his people of Goilala. As a Minister of State, he had held various ministerial portfolios and was recently made Minister for Commerce and Industry. He first entered Parliament after successfully contesting the 2015 Goilala Open seat by-election. The people of Goilala have lost a great leader in the late Mr. Samb. Lady Emeline joins me in extending to Mrs. Samb, children and immediate and extended families of the late Hon. Samb our deepest sympathies and condolences. May God’s grace comfort you all during this difficult time,” Grand Chief Sir Bob said.

Meantime, Grand Chief Sir Bob has also conveyed his condolences to the family and people of Kavieng on the passing of former Member for Kavieng Ben Micah.

The late Mr. Micah passed away in Port Moresby yesterday.

Grand Chief Sir Bob has described Mr. Micah as a political stalwart whose presence and influence has had a significant impact in the country’s political landscape well before he became a politician.

“The late Mr. Micah demonstrated a natural talent for politics and was not afraid to lead student protests to express opposition to political decisions that he deemed detrimental and inapt for the nation. Political negotiation was his forte and his influence was instrumental in turning the tide of politics that contributed to major political events in our nation’s short history. Lady Dadae joins me in conveying to the immediate family and extended families and the people of Kavieng our deepest sympathies and condolences. May God’s grace comfort and keep you during this difficult time,” Grand Chief Sir Bob said.

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Sport

PNG Kapuls Secure First Win Against New Caledona at FIFA WC Qualifiers

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A few changes in Papua New Guineas line up and also a level up in their defensive effort ensured the Kapuls triumph over a seemingly level headed New Caledonian outfit.

After a spirited effort against the New Zealand All Whites which unfortunately resulted in a 1-nil loss, PNG did show promise of being a strong contender in the FIFA World Cup Oceania Qualifier in Doha Qatar.

Before the match, Kapuls Coach, Brazilian Marcos Gusmao was optimistic to reach the final of Group B of Oceania qualifier despite unfair results against New Zealand.

Gusmao said “perhaps the unfair defeat against New Zealand was something we could not expect, but our strong objective of reaching the final is stronger than ever, don’t think that we will give up the game easily, we are very strong to play against any team”.

This optimism was backed by the PNG mens’ team as they sure turned up for the challenge and managed to hold off some of the New Caledonians tactics.

Changes made to the starting line-up saw Emanuel Airem replacing Koriak Upaiga, Michael Foster taking over from an injured David Muta, and Stahl Gubag replacing Raymond Gunemba in the first 11 while Kolu Kepo took over from his brother, Ati Kepo up front.

The Kapuls were poised at scoring early and Captain, Alwin Komolong was already pushing the ball long from the backline.

Papua New Guinea’s persistence in attack paid off when Alwin Komolong put a long kick from just outside half way, which landed in front of two New Caledonian defenders who lost control of the ball to Kolu Kepo.

Kepo in front of the 18yard box passed the ball to Tommy Semmy who struck on the right foot hitting the net on the far-left hand side of the goal mouth.

There were cheers all around as PNG registered their first goal of the qualifiers and also securing the much needed three points.

New Caledonia had speed in their ranks. Their forwards including striker, Morgan Mathelon tried to time their run to avoid being caught offside by the referee but PNGs gamble at keeping them offside paid off.

New Caledonia had more than enough talent and experience to execute a convincing outcome for themselves but a persistent PNG side kept the pressure on them.

A commendable effort by PNG Goal Keeper Ronald Warison kept the ball out of goal; even when he had a few niggling injuries, the veteran goal keeper powered on.

Other notable mentions include Emmanuel Airem who was a strong attacker and set up a chance header for Michael Foster that went begging.

Tommy Semmy was also a stand out with his goal despite missing other opportunities that would have extended PNGs lead.

PNG are now second on the ladder in group B and will be facing Fiji to cement the second position to guarantee them a shot in the finals.

In the other match in group B Fiji were left scoreless receiving four goals from the New Zealand All Whites who now surpass Fiji into first spot THE Fijians relegated to third on the ladder in last of group B is New Caledonia.

PNG have to win the match against Fiji on Thursday to secure second spot and a chance to qualify for the finals series.

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