As the final extension deadline for National Federations to settle their levy fees rapidly approaches, the Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) has urgently called upon the Government of Papua New Guinea for immediate support. This plea comes amidst the varying degrees of levy fee payments by National Federations, a crucial funding component for Team PNG's participation in the upcoming Pacific Games. The deadline is set for the Monday the 6th of November. In November 2022, PNGOC invoiced National Federations for athlete and official levies, allowing a full year to secure these necessary funds. The PNGOC gave a final deadline for payment of levies on September 27th to all 21 sporting games. To date, only five sports, which are Boxing, Netball, Swimming, Tennis and Va’a, have paid their levy in full, while six sports have covered 20- 50 percent of their levy payment. However, eight sports have yet to contribute any fees at all. This situation places the participation of many athletes and the success of Team PNG at the Pacific Games in jeopardy. Chairperson of the PNG Athletes Commission, Ryan Pini, has highlighted a crucial issue; the responsibility of raising these levies falls primarily on the shoulders of the National Federation Executives, not the athletes. "Athletes should not be burdened with paying more than 40 percent (K800) of the levy fee if they are requested to contribute. This underscores a significant systemic issue within the sporting community regarding funding and support.” Given that the Government Grant has always been a fundamental part of funding and supporting Team PNG's extensive budget, its absence this year raises severe concerns. Without this crucial support, PNGOC as a last resort may have to reduce the size of the team after the 6th of November levy extension deadline, potentially dashing the hopes of numerous dedicated athletes and diminishing the nation’s medal chances. With Team PNG's departure scheduled for Monday the 13th of November, time is of the essence. Therefore, PNGOC has urged that the Government provide the necessary assistance to Team PNG, comprising 41 teams across 21 sports, including men's, women's, mixed, and para teams. This funding is not just a financial investment; it is an investment in the athletes, national pride, and the nation’s cultural legacy. In addition, the Pacific Games represents a pinnacle for many of our athletes, offering a platform where the majority of Papua New Guinea's sportsmen and sportswomen can showcase their talents on an international stage. It is a critical steppingstone for many, with only a select few progressing to higher levels of competition like the Commonwealth and Olympic Games. Meanwhile, President of PNGOC, Sir John Dawanincura, has underscored the gravity of the situation stating that the Pacific Games is not just a major sporting event but is a celebration of the national talent and spirit. “With Team PNG's departure, the absence of Government funding would not only be a devastating blow to the morale of our athletes and officials, but also to our nation's medal prospects."

Rhyse Martin expressed pride in the development of the game in Papua New Guinea as he prepares to become the most capped Kumuls player in Sunday’s Pacific Bowl final against Fiji at Santos National Football Stadium. Martin’s 17th Test will eclipse the 16 international appearances for the Kumuls by Paul Aiton and John Wilshere, who are members of the current PNG coaching staff, and the legendary Stanley Gene. It has taken 10 seasons for Martin to achieve the record but with the introduction of the Pacific Championships at the end of each season the Kumuls are now set to play more regularly. [caption id="attachment_46957" align="aligncenter" width="787"] Rhyse Martin is preparing for his 17th Test appearance for the Kumuls©Scott Davis/NRL Photos[/caption] “I've been playing for the Kumuls since 2014, but we've only probably had one Test a year for five or six of those years, so it's a pretty special moment,” Martin said. “For me, it's a good personal achievement, but I'm just happy that I'm still capable to play and make this team, so I’m just proud of that.” The former Bulldogs second-rower, who now plays for Leeds, was the only overseas-based player in the PNG team when he made his debut under Mal Meninga against Tonga at Lae. Of the team selected to play the Bati on Sunday, only five don’t have NRL or Super League contracts but they play in Queensland Cup, while Storm stars Justin Olam and Xavier Coates are unavailable due to injury. With PNG Hunters joining the Queensland Cup in 2014 and the possibility of a Papua New Guinea side becoming the NRL's 18th team, the Kumuls are only expected to get stronger. “The first time I came in and played for the Kumuls in 2014 we played Tonga up in Lae, and that was an experience I remember to this day,” Martin said. They didn't have grass down the middle of the field, it was gravel. “They didn't have grass down the middle of the field, it was gravel. Everyone was just running to the sidelines because that's where the grass was. [caption id="attachment_46958" align="aligncenter" width="1224"] Kumuls bring the smiles[/caption] “It was a very special game for me. I was the one overseas player in that game, but fast forward to now, it is just a proud moment to see where the Kumuls were - and where we are now.” Martin, who qualifies for PNG through his late father Steve, paid tribute to Aiton - the former Panthers and Sharks hooker, whom he played alongside at the 2017 World Cup - as well as Wilshere and Gene. Wilshere, who played for the Western Reds, Melbourne Storm and St George Illawarra Dragons before finishing his career in Super League, was a regular member of the Kumuls team from 2000 until 2009. “It's great to have Paul and John still as part of the Kumuls team,” Martin said. “The experience that they have and the platform that they put down for us to get to where we are, I have a lot of respect for those guys. “I got to play with Paul and I said to John the other day that it would have been nice to get a game alongside him too, so it’s great to have them here with the squad “I am very grateful for what he is continuing to do for the Kumuls team, what he is putting into the squad, and how much respect the boys have for him, and what he's done in the past.” [caption id="attachment_46959" align="aligncenter" width="798"] Paul Aiton (right) with Kumuls coach Justin Holbrook©Scott Davis /NRL Photos[/caption] Gene is a legend of the game in both Papua New Guinea and England, where he played 205 matches for Hull KR, Hull FC, Huddersfield and Bradford, as well as 16 Tests for the Kumuls. “I run into him occasionally in England as he is working at Hull FC now so I see him during the year,” Martin said. “He's one of those guys who probably should have played a lot more Tests than he did because he was around for a long time. “He’s a massive Kumuls legend, I remember hearing his name from day one.” Like Aiton, Gene and Wilshere, Martin has had the honour of captaining the Kumuls, while the 29-year-old is also PNG’s greatest Test point-scorer and goalkicker. “I am really proud of Rhyse and I think it is really good that he is going to break the record,” Aiton said. “For him to have had the opportunity to wear the Kumuls jersey so many times is a great thing for him and for the fans because it means that there is more international footy. “Rhyse brings a lot to this team with his experience in the NRL and Super League, and his leadership. "He is serious when he needs to be but he can also be light-hearted when he wants to be so he is a really good leader and deserving of this record.” Source: NRL.Com

As the 2023 Pacific Games approaches, Team PNG was lucky enough to receive much needed support from City Pharmacy Group of Companies Limited, who presented a total of 500 Health Kits to those participating. CPL’s Head of Pharmacy, Pradeep Panda, made the presentation to the Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee and Team PNG at the City Pharmacy Head Office in Port Moresby yesterday. “Each kit consists of essential health items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, soaps, hand sanitizers, deodorants and stop pain sprays. All health kits are valued at a total of over K20, 000. We are happy to aid in Team PNG’s efforts as they go- for- gold in the Pacific Games.” PNG Olympic Committee Board member and Team PNG Chef de Mission for Pacific Games 2023, Faye-Zina Lalo, received the donations of behalf of the national team and conveyed her gratitude to the CPL Team for their timely assistance and acknowledged the company’s steadfast support to the PNG Olympic Committee and Team PNG. Also, present at the Health Kit donation presentation, were athlete representatives from the sporting code Vaá, Mauri Ila, Kone Kenny, Frank Agalu, Minson Kulu, and Charlie Earnest. The aspiring young athletes thanked CPL and were happy to receive the donations on behalf of Team PNG. Furthermore, as health and hygiene are important to each and every individual, this generous donation to the athletes and officials who will be representing Papua New Guinea at the international sporting stage, is a necessary part of preparations leading up to the games. The Pacific Games will kick start on the 19th of November in Honiara, Solomon Islands.

The Department of Personal Management (DPM) recently conducted its second leg of the regional workshop for the New Guinea Island (NGI) region based on reforms currently being undertaken to inform, educate, disseminate and engage stakeholders’ participation from all government agencies. The workshop touched on certain topics that included public service housing, national medical and life insurance, Performance Management System, compliance audit and related policies consultations. East New Britain Provincial Acting Administrator, Mr. Levi Mano expressed that the province is always privileged and happy, not only to host such important national events, but to be part of such important workshops. He stated that Human Resource (HR) has played a significant part in public service in the country and for the different teams to have turned up for the workshop has given the public service hope to move on well into the next fifty years. Meanwhile, DPM Secretary Ms. Taies Sansan, said the department was responding to various National Executive Council (NEC) decisions and other undertakings by the government to address the issues of accommodation for public servants and current pay roll systems. “This workshop was significant because there are some key initiatives which the Department has undertaken, which the participants were informed of during the course of the workshop.” “The regional workshop gave the department an opportunity to touch base with the people on the ground. It was also an opportunity to provide awareness about key policy initiatives for the whole of government.” Furthermore, the workshop enabled DPM to communicate to the public service on the decisions of the government and how they could individually contribute positively to achieving the desired outcomes. The workshop, which started on the 23rd of the October, concluded on the 27th of October in Kokopo, East New Britain Province.

MAF Technologies continues the good work to support remote churches in Papua New Guinea to promote transformation and strengthening of faith in Christ through Bible distributions. This saw the Fellowship of National Bible Churches (FNBC), who upon their initiative, conducted a comprehensive study for God's word using the “Planim Pos” chronological teaching, which is available through the Audio Bible. Thanks to the donated and subsidized bibles, over 170 locals from Nandani, Okainawa and Yavaipo village in Menyamya and Bulolo district in Morobe province who participated in the Planim Pos study program, were baptized after giving their lives to the Lord and even families of participants who attended the study had their lives impacted. Kachiwi Holisa, a woman believer from Okainawa who was also baptized professed that her life was renewed in Christ through this study. “My life is not perfect, and I am a sinful woman. I thought no one could save me. But as I began to read and comprehend the Bible through the teaching, I realized that only Jesus could save me. And through his death on the cross, my sins were gone and now I am free.” This study has led to communities being rejuvenated and families being restored as they meditate on God's word daily having access to the print and audio Bibles. According to FNBC Missionary and Planim Pos facilitator, Pastor Robert Hane, the printed and audio Bibles have been an instrumental tool that assisted the participants to comprehend the word of God and I am truly grateful to MAF Technologies for their ongoing support. “The ministry has just initiated and that the collaboration with MAF Technologies will continue, as there are many people in rural communities who struggle to fully comprehend God’s word.” Being able to witness the impact of printed and audio Bibles distributed in isolated communities around Papua New Guinea serves MAF’s mission and vision, which is to declare Christ's love while acknowledging the effort that provides help, hope, and healing into people's lives.

The PNG Red Cross East New Britain branch recently completed a one- week successful Community Based Health and First Aid (CBHFA) training aimed at equipping youths and parents with new first aid knowledge and skills. The training, which was held at the Mandress Ward in the inland Baining Local Level Government (LLG) in Gazelle district, was facilitated by provincial Red Cross Branch Coordinator, Steven Kilalang along with four other instructors from the branch supervised by the National First Aid Coordinator, Kawai Wotangas from the Port Moresby Headquarters Red Cross office. According to Mr. Kilalang, the training conducted, comes under the Red Ready (RR) Project and funding from International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC), a partner of the PNG Red Cross. He said the project is piloted in three provinces including East New Britain, Milne Bay and Madang since 2019. This project, which is now nearing its end, has so far run in selected wards including Malakuna No. 2 in the Rabaul district, Bitakapuk Ward in the Gazelle district and Malaguna No. 5 in the Kokopo District and now ending it at Mandress Ward. Kilalang also stated that the Red Ready (RR) Project has also built up some of the volunteers in the branch to become trainers. The volunteers have been carrying out the project since 2019 and they have been assessed till now and are now qualified to be trainers. “This is a win-win situation. The participants benefit in getting the knowledge and skills of first aid and also the instructors who we build to another level.” “Every time when we need help or when there is emergency, we usually send for help and when we’re waiting or travelling to hospital, we lose people now; however, with the skills now, this will greatly help those in need.” Furthermore, First Aid training is demanding in the workplace and as well as in the communities, and Mandress Ward members are lucky to be trained in these skills so they can attend and respond accordingly when there is a disaster or situation in their community. Meanwhile, a female representative, Marry Gai expressed how much they’ve learnt from the one-week training especially in terms of emergencies such as childbirth and treating wounds, and are thankful to be given the privilege to learn such skills and training. The first aid program is basically about the various injuries that includes basic life support, bleeding management, general medical condition, fracture management, poison snake bite, lack of oxygen, burns and scalds and emergency childbirth. Moreover, the 28 participants who took part have been urged to practice what they have learnt in their family unit and in their community.

The PNG Prevention of Blindness Committee in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Ophthalmologist of the National Department of Health and the International Agency for Prevention of Blindness commemorated World Sight Day which is observed on the second Thursday of October of every year and this week they once again celebrated the significant day with the theme, “Love Your Eyes At Work.” In commemoration, all three parties have now called on all people to remember that the protection of people’s eyes at the workplace cannot be taken for granted. They are calling on those in authority, from company managers and business leaders to the bureaucrats and the policy makers to put in place the necessary mechanism in ensuring that the eye health of all workers in PNG is taken into consideration and safeguarded at all cost. Without the ability to see, the world will be in darkness resulting in people being unable to so the work they do. Meanwhile, employers all over the world have been asked to make this change happen; to protect the eyes of their employees. The country should not be an exception and so whilst it is anticipating growth in business and the economy, a lot of challenges are being faced. Therefore, it is with this regard that all employers throughout the country strive to make eye health care at their workplace be of paramount importance.

Buk bilong Pikinini (BbP) celebrated International Day of the Girl Child with PNG Air this week to thank the airline for their vital contribution to literacy across the country. The children gave a warm welcome to PNG Air Chief Commercial Officer, Simon Pitt, a Pilot, and team with flying paper planes to the organization’s 6 Mile Library Learning Centre. The children enrolled at the centre read the book titled, ‘When I Grow Up, I want to be a Pilot’ produced with PNG Air in 2021. It is important to show young girls that they too can aspire to professional roles, which are normally male dominated. From June 2021 to June 2023, PNG Air has assisted BbP to fly the organizations’ popular School Library Kits to 342 schools in all provinces serviced by the airline. This represents several tons of cargo every month and a total of 171,766 books. Most school libraries across the country need books and teaching resources and it is only thanks to the partnership PNG Air, that BbP can provide donations of books to such a high number of schools in both rural and remote parts of the country. BbP Executive Officer, Leanne Resson stated that by being able to provide students with the right tools for their education is vital to improve education outcomes in the country. Restoring school libraries will help entire school communities to improve education outcomes and support the teachers with resources for the classroom. “We are grateful for PNG Air’s long-term support which allows us to restore school libraries across the country. A true community service.”

Prime Minister Hon. James Marape expressed his heartfelt sympathy and unwavering support for the people of Madang and neighboring provinces, who have been severely impacted by the devastating 6.7 magnitude earthquake that struck on Saturday evening, October 7, 2023, with its epicenter located at Basamuk in the Rai Coast District. In response to this tragic disaster, Prime Minister Marape has taken immediate action, swiftly mobilizing relevant government departments and agencies to assess the extent of the damage and the number of individuals affected. Prime Minister Marape stated, "The thoughts and prayers of the people of Papua New Guinea are with the residents of Madang, who have been enduring the aftermath of this significant earthquake." "Our hearts go out not only to the affected communities in Madang but also to their neighbours in the provinces of Morobe, Eastern Highlands, Chimbu, and East Sepik." Prime Minister Marape continued, "Rai Coast Member of Parliament and Labor and Employment Minister Hon. Kessy Sawang, together with the Madang Provincial Government, have taken swift and decisive action to assess the situation on the ground." Furthermore, Prime Minister Marape emphasized, "A dedicated team comprising officials from relevant government departments and agencies, under the leadership of the National Disaster Office, has been tasked with conducting a comprehensive assessment of the damage and the number of affected individuals." "The government is firmly committed to providing swift relief assistance once the ground assessment team submits their reports," assured Prime Minister Marape. Prime Minister Marape reaffirmed the government's unwavering dedication to supporting the Madang Provincial Government, as well as the affected districts and communities during this challenging time.

Ward members and Ward Development Committees (WDC) of the Duke of York (DOY) communities in East New Britain Province are now equipped with knowledge and skills based on how to monitor, response and manage their wards and people in terms of climate change and disaster. This after they received their certificates after completing a five- day ‘Climate Change Mainstreaming, Disaster Risk Strategy (DRS) and Emergency Response Simulations’ workshop at the Kokopo Village Resort. The workshop was co-facilitated by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA) which is aimed at incorporating vulnerability and risk assessments into local planning processes. According to Building Resilience to Climate Change (BRCC) project Output 1 Coordinator, George Iramu, the BRCC project is funded by Climate Investment Fund (CIF) and is committed to enhancing climate resilience and reducing disaster risk in East New Britain, Manus, Morobe, Milne Bay and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB) in alignment with national and international climate goals. Iramu stated that climate change poses significant threats to communities and ecosystems in the BRCC target sites, as identified through a comprehensive climate change vulnerability assessment conducted under BRCC project. “This assessment has highlighted the urgent need to integrate adaptation approaches into wards, districts and provincial level planning processes in terms of addressing disaster risk, safeguarding lives, assets and livelihoods.” The objectives of the workshop include climate change mainstreaming and disaster risk strategy as well as an emergency response simulations training. The participants took part in activities and discussions followed by presentations and sharing of their experiences. In addition to this, representing the ENB Provincial Administration was Acting District Administrator for Kokopo district, Darius Kunai, who acknowledged the support of United Nations Development Programme, Climate Change and Development Authority and the Building Resilience to Climate Change team for the successful workshop. He said the Atoll Islands and the surrounding communities are vulnerable to disasters and are experiencing sea level rise, food shortage and climate change; therefore, this workshop is important in informing and helping the province as a whole. Furthermore, Kunai said the district will work together with the LLG and the Wards to roll out their programs and also announced that they will include this human development program in the Kokopo district budget for its sustainability and management. The participants shared that they have learned a lot and are now capable to lead, educate and implement what they’ve gained. For most, is their first time to attend such workshops as they face challenges in terms of access to clean water, health services, education, good roads and transport, clean environment and access to cash income.

Cronulla halfback Nicho Hynes and Panthers fullback have been added to the Gallagher Kangaroos squad for the upcoming Pacific Championships in place of Nathan Cleary and Josh Addo-Carr. Cleary has withdrawn due to a knee injury sustained in Penrith's premiership win over Brisbane while Addo-Carr has been issued with a breach notice following an NRL Integrity Unit investigation into an alleged incident at NSW Annual Aboriginal Rugby League Knockout Competition on September 30. Hynes recently featured as part of the Australia Prime Minister's XIII side in their 30-18 win over Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby last month. Hynes and Edwards join Broncos trio Selwyn Cobbo, Thomas Flegler and Kotoni Staggs as potential debutants in the 21-man squad, with the Brisbane trio joining teammates Payne Haas and Patrick Carrigan in the green and gold. Dolphins fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, who played centre for Queensland in their Origin series win earlier this year, is the other rookie in the team. The updated squad, listed alphabetically, is as follows: Patrick Carrigan (Broncos) Daly Cherry-Evans (Sea Eagles) Selwyn Cobbo* (Broncos) Lindsay Collins (Roosters) Reuben Cotter (Cowboys) Dylan Edwards* (Panthers) Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (Titans) Thomas Flegler* (Broncos) Harry Grant (Storm) Payne Haas (Broncos) Valentine Holmes (Cowboys) Ben Hunt (Dragons) Nicho Hynes* (Sharks) Liam Martin (Panthers) Cameron Munster (Storm) Cameron Murray (Rabbitohs) Kotoni Staggs* (Broncos) Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow* (Dolphins) James Tedesco, capt. (Roosters) Jake Trbojevic (Sea Eagles) Isaah Yeo (Panthers) Australia will play its first game of the Pacific Championships against Samoa in Townsville on October 14 before taking on New Zealand in Melbourne on October 28. The final of the tournament will be played the following week in Hamilton. Source: NRL.Com

The East New Britain Provincial Government (ENBG) officially launched its ten-year Strategic Development Plan (SDP) 2022-2033 as of last week Friday at Palmalmal, Pomio. Prime Minister (PM) James Marape who was accompanied by Minister for National Planning and Monitoring Rainbo Paita, Minister for Public Service Joe Sungi and Minister for Works and Highway Solan Mirisim, expressed that his government recognizes the leadership of Governor Marum and the Member for Pomio Elias Kapavore, for the benefit this plan will bring to the people of Pomio. This saw ENBPG led by ENB Governor, Michael Marum, Pomio MP, Acting Provincial Administrator Levi Mano together with the Provincial Executive Council (PEC), who were on hand to receive the delegation for the program with all LLG members present and the people of Pomio. He stressed that all provincial governments must have a plan and this development plan will set the development path forward for the province for the next ten years. “East New Britain always set an example to the country as it portrays how well organized the province is and I congratulate you all on that.” He said the National Government has a function as well as the province, district and LLGs, stating that whatever plans of the province and districts, the government will be there to support it in terms of development. In addition, some of the projects that the government will be supporting the province with includes, the West New Britain and East New Britain road, Tokua to Takubar road in Kokopo, phase two of the Jacquinot Bay rural air strip, regional hospital in ENB and support of the ENB Free Trade Zone. Meanwhile, Governor Marum stated that this is the strategy that his government has undertaken, and he expressed how pleased he was to realize that these are the principles and values that this ENBSDP 2023– 2033 has built upon. “This ten-year strategic plan depicts a development road map encompassing the needs and aspirations of our people to attaining a future East New Britain, whose citizens will be, wise, smart, healthy, prosperous, and resilient, living in peaceful, safe and secure communities.” Governor Marum commended the East New Britain Provincial Administration for implementing the plan.