PNG now has additional molecular testing capabilities with another one successfully established at the Goroka General Hospital last week. This is a significant achievement for the Papua New Guinea National Department of Health (NDoH) and PNG and is part of the National COVID-19 Emergency Response Plan, to ramp up resources to strengthen the public health laboratory system. With support from Central Public Health Laboratory (CPHL), PNG Institute of Medical Research (IMR). The Health Facility Standard Branch from NDoH, WHO and other partners, the laboratories now able to perform molecular testing this year include, the Angau Hospital, the Mt Hagen Hospital, and now, Goroka Hospital. These laboratories now support the existing CPHL and IMR laboratories to ensure molecular testing capacity in all four regions, Southern, Momase, Highlands and New Guinea islands to be able to effectively respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and other public health pathogens. The NGI region will see a laboratory set up in East New Britain’s Nonga Hospital to meet the needs of the region. The Goroka Hospital Management welcomed the achievement, a milestone for the province in public health preparedness and response. The management thanked the NDoH, NCC, PNGIMR, CPHL and WHO for making this happen. Source: Papua New Guinea Department of Health

Capital is pleased to announce its newly formed partnership with Asigau Mortgage Brokers effective as of Monday 07 November. Founder of Asigau Mortgage Brokers, Mr. Nou Asigau welcomed the team from Capital Insurance Group, consisting of Group COO, Mr. Roger Baweja, the Head of Underwriting and Claims, Mr. Udu Vai, and Channel Partner, Ms. Pamela Taligatus who took part in the official launch of this partnership. The launch took place at the Mortgage Broker’s office at Aopi Centre, Waigani. Capital’s Group COO, Mr. Baweja in his address said, “it’s an exciting opportunity for Capital to help local Papua New Guineans get acce ss to affordable insurance services via Asigau Mortgage Brokers. The goal for us at Capital is to allow local Papua New Guineans get easy access to our insurance products that are ultimately designed to enrich life, support businesses and create a sustainable economy. Our commitment to our local agencies such as this makes us a proud local insurance agent partner. We are committed to Papua New Guinea and our insurance product(s) is a promise of financial support to our clients during or post an adverse (loss) event." Nou Asigau welcomed this partnership and thanked Capital for having confidence in this development and being the first Insurance Company to collaborate with them. Being a local company, Asigau Mortgage Brokers hopes to see this relationship grow for the benefit of our local people and communities. Asigau Mortgage Brokers can now provide home insurance quotes directly with Capital, which should reduce the waiting time for clients seeking home insurance. Asigau Mortgage Brokers is a locally owned company founded in 2020 as the First Mortgage Broker in Papua New Guinea. They specialize in two main areas including Mortgage Brokerage and Housing schemes for both the private and public sectors in PNG. They have also established key banking partnerships including BSP Financial Group, Kina Bank Limited, and Westpac Bank. With Capital now on board, the dynamics of this locally-based partnership are positive with both parties eager to see it grow and thrive.

New Zealand held on to book a fifth Rugby Union World Cup final meeting with England, winning an intense semi-final 25-24 against France. The Black Ferns, who first trailed Les Bleues in the fifth minute, took the lead in the 57th and did not relinquish it, although Caroline Drouin had a late chance to win it for France. Drouin’s last-minute penalty drifted wide of the left hand upright and the Black Ferns were able to regain possession and run down the clock. It means their quest for a sixth Rugby World Cup title continues. New Zealand have played England in four previous Rugby World Cup finals and have won them all. The majority of the fans packed inside Eden Park had arrived in hope of a home win, but it was France who started on the front foot. New Zealand withstood multiple phases of early French pressure on their own line, however, they conceded a penalty in doing so and Drouin sent it through the posts to give Les Bleues a 3-0 lead. France stretched their advantage to 10 points in the 23rd minute as Romane Ménager powered over to score the first try of the match and Drouin added the conversion. The Black Ferns, of course, had been forced to come from behind in their opening match against Australia at Eden Park, and they got on the scoreboard with a Renee Holmes penalty. The hosts were growing into the match and after being held up over the line for a second time, Drouin kicked the resulting goal-line drop-out straight into touch. That gave the Black Ferns a scrum, from which they won a free kick that was tapped quickly by Kendra Cocksedge, who combined with Ruahei Demant to put Stacey Fluhler in enough space to score. Holmes’ conversion levelled the score at 10-10. However, if anyone expected that to shift the momentum decisively then they were disappointed as Les Bleues went up the other end and restored their seven-point advantage. It was centre Gabrielle Vernier who supplied the finishing touch, picking a devastating line to score next to the posts. Drouin’s conversion made the score 17-10 at half-time. The Black Ferns again found a way back into the contest at the beginning of the second half, as Ruby Tui raced onto a Holmes grubber kick, beating the French defender and touching down just before the dead ball line. Holmes missed the conversion and a penalty soon after that would have given the home side the lead, but New Zealand did hit the front with a little under 24 minutes remaining. Following an impressive drive from the Black Ferns forwards it was centre Theresa Fitzpatrick who provided the scoring touch. Demant converted and five minutes later, added a penalty to give the hosts a 25-17 lead. Again, though, France refused to give in and narrowed the deficit to a solitary point as Ménager scored her second try of the match. Les Bleues were reduced to 14 players with a little under 11 minutes left at Eden Park as Safi N’Diaye was shown a yellow card. When Black Ferns replacement prop Santo Taumato was sin-binned late on it gave Drouin the opportunity to claim victory, but her kick sailed wide. Source: Oceania Rugby

A New York state Supreme Court ordered all New York City employees who were fired for not being vaccinated to be reinstated with back pay. The court found that "being vaccinated does not prevent an individual from contracting or transmitting COVID-19." New York City Mayor Eric Adams claimed earlier this year that his administration would not rehire employees who had been fired over their vaccination status. NYC fired roughly 1,700 employees for being unvaccinated earlier this year after the city adopted a vaccine mandate under former Mayor Bill de Blasio. FDNY-Uniformed Firefighters Association President Andrew Ansbro and FDNY-Uniformed Fire Officers Association President Lt. James McCarthy condemned Adams earlier this year after the mayor allowed an exception to the vaccine mandate for athletes and performers, even as firefighters were still being fired over their status. The pair called on the city to expand the exception to all New Yorkers. NYC WON'T REHIRE UNVACCINATED WORKERS, MAYOR SAYS "We're here to say that we support the revocation of the vaccine mandate that the mayor announced on Thursday," McCarthy said. "We think that it should be extended as well. We support the revocation of the mandate for the athletes and performers that work in New York City. We think that the people that work for New York City should also have the mandate relocated for them." "If you're going to remove the vaccine mandate for certain people in the city, you need to remove it for everybody in the city," Ansbro said. "If you're going to follow the science, science is going to tell you there isn't any danger right now, and putting hundreds of firefighters, police officers and other emergency workers out of work is not in the best interest of the city. It's not safe." Source: Fox News

A Police Criminal Investigation team has been deployed to Kiriwina in the Milne Bay Province to investigate and prepare for a coronial inquest into the fight on October 24 which has since resulted in the deaths of 24 people. Milne Bay Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Superintendent Peter Barkie said 22 people were killed initially in a three-hour fight that broke out after an argument between the coastal and inland villages over a soccer match. Two recently succumbed to the wounds they received during the fight thereby increasing the death toll to 24. Mr Barkie said the police CID investigation team was deployed after the Quick Reaction Force (QRP) completed its assessment of the situation on the ground on Kiriwina Island. Mr Barkie said he wants the coroner to be involved because of the large number of deaths. He said this is a first of its kind on the island so he wants the court to be involved and not just the police. “I have spoken to the senior provincial magistrate about that. My team is up in Kiriwina doing that now. Hopefully they will get all the necessary paperwork done within 14 days,” Mr Barkie said. Mr Barkie said the people from the affected villages in Kiriwina are cooperating well. Police have discussed with the villagers the need to have all the suspects surrender and they have agreed to do so. Mr Barkie said the villages did not destroy any government, private properties or business houses when they fought and the fight did not involve the entire Kiriwina Island. He said the villages affected were from the Southern part of Kiriwina Island and around Losuia station. The Central and Northern part of Kiriwina were not involved. Mr Barkie said that normalcy has been restored, all shops are open, government businesses continue and people are carrying on with their usual daily chores.

On a day of firsts for the club, the Dolphins held their first pre-season training session with plenty of interest in how the side would shape up in 2023. With many of the club’s more established recruits like Anthony Milford (Samoa), Felise Kaufusi (Tonga) and the Bromwich brothers Jesse and Kenny (New Zealand) still in England for the Rugby League World Cup, it was club’s fresh faces and train and trialists who were on show on the training paddock as excitement continue to build for the club's inaugural season. Coach Wayne Bennett, however, had his eye firmly fixed on one key first – his club’s opening round game. “Terry [Reader – Dolphins CEO] has made the point about all the starts and how many times I have been asked about being a part of something [new]; let’s just get to the kick off in three months’ time," Bennett said. "We’ll all be in a better place [then] and have an understanding of what’s in front of us." Bennett was looking forward to the first session he'd have with his full squad next year with the club welcoming more players into the fold over the coming weeks. When all hands are back on deck, including assistant coach Kristian Woolf who has also been at the World Cup with Tonga, Bennett said that only then would the club be able to fully turn their focus to the 2023 campaign and beyond. “The bottom line is, we start the competition with everyone else next year, and we’ll have a plan in place about how we want to be, how we want to be perceived, and it will be a matter of buying into that,” Bennett said. “It will be a process, if it takes five years or 10 years, who knows. But get the process right, and you’re a lot closer to success. “[The pre-season will be] pretty chaotic. There is really not much you can do except get some guys fit and do a little bit of work with them, but nothing is really going to happen at the club until January 5 when everyone arrives.” One of the players who will be in action then is halfback Milford, who turned in a player of the match performance to see Samoa edge Tonga in their quarter-final. “I was just pleased they won, but I was disappointed for Tonga and Kristian, and I have a few good friends in Ben Hornby and Dean Young who are part the coaching staff who are great guys,” Bennett said at the club’s press conference launching a new sponsor. “But on the other side, I was pleased for Milford, because I just thought it gives him another game and playing with a bit more confidence. "A semi-final is pretty much full on... he’ll come back with a lot of confidence.” With an announcement for the 2023 NRL Draw expected in the near future, Bennett didn't hide his excitement about the rivalry that would inevitably build with his former club and cross-town rivals in the Broncos. “That’ll be just natural, it will be driven by the fans,” Bennett said. “It’ll be two Brisbane clubs together, will be a bit like Manchester City and Manchester United and some of those competitions around the world that have that type of situation. I hope it is [like that] — I want it to be that way as there’s great interest. “When the Crushers were here, we had 40-odd thousand people turn up when the Crushers played and they hadn’t even won a game at one stage... it’s good, it’s healthy.” Source: NRL.com

The National Health Service Standards is running a one week workshop at Jais Aben resort in Madang to train senior medical officers, CEO's and senior executive management staff throughout the Momase region to enhance the standard of health services required in their clinics, aid-post and hospitals throughout their provinces. A total of over fifty plus participants are taking part in this workshop across the region from East Sepik, Madang and Morobe Provincial Health Authorities. The National Health Services team who are coordinating this workshop comprises of the Acting Deputy Secretary for National Health Services, Dr Goa Tau, Clinical Head Chief's in PNG and also the representatives of the Department of Health Sectors to carry out a check list throughout all the facility levels to ensure all the facilities are operating on standards as required. Director Curative Health Services for Madang Provincial Health Authority, Dr Jiuth Gawi stressed that currently with the National Health service standards plan which is in line with the National Health plan 2021-2030, in order to achieve the best care to the disadvantaged rural and urban population when delivering basic health services required at the health centers. "This is to see how we as the health leaders are carrying out health services at individual sections whether at district or provincial hospital, to carry out the check list to ensure health facilities are at a standard that will deliver appropriate health care in the provinces to meet the national standards throughout PNG and international standards as well," Gawi said. Dr. Gawi adds that the one week workshop will conclude on Friday after the team makes a visit to the Modilon Provincial specialist hospital and then to health facilities from Bogia to Madang, and from Madang to Gusap along the Madang to Lae Highway.

Air Niugini’s Boeing 737 aircraft operated to Kavieng airport for the first time on Thursday 03rd November, coinciding with the opening of the new Kavieng terminal building. It will soon be a regular sight for the people of New Ireland once the B737 commences on its regular schedule. The new Kavieng terminal facility was officially opened by Prime Minister James Marape, witnessed by local MPs and dignitaries including CEOs of State Owned Enterprises and the people of New Ireland. The new facility costs K125.72million and is part of the airport upgrade works implemented by the National Airports Corporation(NAC) through the Civil Aviation Development Investment Program(CADIP), which is funded by the Government of PNG in partnership with the Asian Development Bank. Air Niugini passengers traveling to and from Kavieng can now enjoy newest airport and terminal facilities and at the same time enjoy the fast, spacious and smooth ride of the B737 aircraft. Under CADIP, three new terminal buildings have been completed so far including Manus, Vanimo and now Kavieng. Other airport upgrades currently underway include Madang, Lae, Mendi and Wapenamanda. Source: Destinations Air Niugini

The PNG Ministry for Community Development Youth and Religion and Autonomous Bougainville Government Minister for Community Development and his Technical Team held a mandatory meeting to fast track the transfer of powers and functions to the ABG Ministry for Community Development on Friday in Port Moresby. The Autonomous Bougainville Government being the custodian of the drawdown of Powers and Functions coordinates the process through the ABG Department of Community Development in close consultation with the National Department for Community Development Youth and Religion. The drawdown of powers and functions was issued in recognition to section 295 of the National Constitution "Dispensation of Constitutional Requirement relating to the Process of Transfer of functions and powers" as agreed in Bougainville Peace Agreement 2001 and the SHARP Agreement 2021. The Joint Community Development Ministerial meeting further reaffirms commitment and gives immediate effect through a joint ministerial directive to accelerate the implementation of transfer of functions and powers to ABG Ministry and its Department of Community Development forthwith. ABG Minister for Community Development, Moris Opeti present during the occasion acknowledged the efforts put forth from the joint technical team in being able to come up with a Joint Ministerial Implementation plan 2022 – 2025 and the Joint Ministerial Statement. Minister Opeti said being a first timer in the ABG political arena and to take up this ministerial portfolio is a mammoth task especially in-regards to the draw down of its 290 powers. He urged to work closely with the technical team to fully understand each of the ministerial agencies roles and its administrative functions in a cordial fashion and to ensure the remaining draw-downs are completed within the agreed timeframes. NYDA Director General, Mr. Joe Itaki alluded the functions and powers transferred is a living document and all responsible agencies within the Ministry for Youth, Religion and Community Development must commit to making the draw-downs happen. He further said everyone must be on transfer mode now and beyond. The Joint Technical Team comprised of senior technical officers from ABG Department of Community Development, Department for Community Development and Religion, Civil Registry, Censorship, National Youth Development Authority and Child and Family Services. The two department Secretaries will Co-Chair the Joint Technical Team and they both will report to their respective Ministers both for ABG and the National Government. The Joint Ministerial Statement was signed by the Minister for Community Development ABG, Hon. Moris Opeti MP and National Minister for the Department of Youth, Religion and Community Development Hon. Jason Peter MP, National Department for Community Development and Religion Secretary, Mr. Jerry Ubase and ABG Department of Community Development Secretary Mrs Mana Kakarouts. The two Ministers with their department secretaries will further sign a Memorundum Of Agreement before end of November 2022 to cement their commitments to implement responsibilities outlined in the Joint Implementation Plan 2022 – 2025. Participants witnessing the signing are ABG Community Development Secretary, Mrs Mana Kakarouts, Director Mr Karaho Siwa and Manager Mandatory and Special Services Mr Desmond Ponpon, NYDA Director General, Mr. Joe Itaki and senior staff, Civil Registry Registra General, Mr. Dickson Kiragi and Deputy Registra, Department for Community Development and Religion Secretary Mr Jerry Ubase, Deputy Secretary Ms Nancy Kavop and senior staff, Chief Censor Mr Abane and senior staff from Censorship Office and Child and Family Welfare Service CEO Mr Wap

“Debates are a significant feature of the National Youth Parliament - make sure it is respectful and informed, even when you are tired and frustrated”. This was the advice given to delegates at the opening of the National Mock Youth Parliament by UN Resident Coordinator a.i. Marielle Sander. “Managing how you disagree and keeping your composure is very important during debates. Respectfully debate.” Facilitated by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and United Nations Development Fund (UNDP), in partnership with the National Youth Development Authority and European Union, the National Mock Youth Parliament 2022 officially opened today at the National Parliament House with young leaders from Port Moresby and across the country. The National Mock Youth Parliament is hosted in Parliament House and will introduce participants to the processes and procedures involved in being a leader in the National House. From 7th November to 11th November, these 60 young leaders will have the opportunity to discover and discuss international and national instruments related to human rights, health, and peace, including international human rights frameworks, relating to gender-based violence and sexual and reproductive health rights, and national policy and legislative frameworks such as the Adolescent Health Policy, National Youth Policy, and Women's Health Protection Bill. Ms. Marielle Sander told the young leaders that it is important to think about the qualities of leadership. “You have to think about the type of leader you want to be and the qualities you want to see in your leaders. Think about the people that you represent who are back home and, more than that, the issues that matter to your people and how it is relevant to the good of the whole Papua New Guinea,” Ms. Sander stated. “The Parliament represents a united Papua New Guinea and not just a fraction and that is why we need collaboration and commitment to cooperation.” Ms. Sander closed her remarks by telling the young leaders that solution does not come from those that yell the loudest but are achieved by the leaders that bring the people with them in their vision for change. UNDP Resident Representative Dirk Wagener emphasized the importance of ethical leadership. "You will each serve your country in some capacity. It is important that you lead with a moral compass. This means demonstrating qualities of honesty, humility, and accountability." UNDP will lead delegates through a session on ethical leadership and host a panel on youth-led anti-corruption initiatives. Mr. Morgan Gwangilo, Director for Education and Civics, National Parliament, on behalf of the Clerk of the Parliament, told the delegates that this is an immersion into the processes and the shoes of the leaders of this nation. “All power belongs to the people. This is your parliament and your opportunity to ensure that you learn as much as you can.” The Mock Youth Parliament continues this week and ends on November 11.

Santos PNG Orchids scrum half Lilah Malabag is one of several players in the current team who took up rugby league as a direct result of watching the Orchids’ first Rugby League World Cup appearance in 2017. Lilah explains: “Back in 2017 I was an AFL player, and I played for PNG Flames (the national women’s Australian Rules Football team) in the AFL International Cup in Melbourne that year. But then I watched the Orchids on TV in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup and decided I wanted to be part of that. “I had played touch and rugby 7s before, but I started rugby league in 2018, playing with the Hanuabada Hawks club in Port Moresby (alongside Orchids player Maima Wei). I liked the fact I could use my kicking skills in rugby league, as well as the structure of the game.” Lilah enjoyed a rapid rise to national team honours, being selected to play a friendly against the Brisbane Broncos, and in the Prime Minister’s XIII clash, later in 2018. She played her first tests for the Orchids against England in 2019. The 22-year-old, who hails from Western, Central, Gulf and Sepik, credits friend and former PNG national rugby union representative Iga Kere with supporting her to reach the highest level in rugby league. “I look up to her and she motivates me and gives me advice. “I’m so happy and proud that I’ve come this far. My family and community in Gordons (Port Moresby) have been getting together to watch the games. They put the TV outside the house and everyone comes to watch. They’ve also been sending videos of support to me and my roommate, Shae (de la Cruz).” Lilah says one of the highlights of being with the Orchids at RLWC2021 has been the spirit of togetherness in the camp. “We are all together as one family. Even though we’re in a new environment and have left our families behind, it feels like we are all one family here in England, supporting each other, and that makes me happy.” Source: Santos PNG Orchids 

Papua New Guinean’s campaign at the 2021 Rugby League World Cup saw the PNG LNG Kumuls bow out after the quarter final match against hosts England on Sunday morning, the Kumuls took a 46-6 beating. The Santos PNG Orchids on the other hand thrashed Brazil 70-nil on Sunday morning as Belinda Gwasamun scored four tries to be named player of the match. PNG Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) Chairman Sandis Tsaka said that it wasn’t the result anticipated for the Kumuls however he commended the PNG men’s team for their overall performance. “A disappointing result but proud of the boys’ overall performance at the tournament. They have been great ambassadors of our sport and country, both on and off the field.” “The girls were outstanding and let's hope they do well in the semi-final and lock a place in the grand final,” Mr Tsaka said. “One major positive is that both national teams have qualified for the 2025 Rugby League World Cup in France. Yes, it will be back to the drawing board post-World Cup and continuing our investment in our juniors and pathways to expand these programs.” [caption id="attachment_29884" align="alignnone" width="906"] HULL, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 05: Carol Humeu of Papua New Guinea breaks with the ball during the Women's Rugby League World Cup Group A match between Papua New Guinea Women and Brazil Women at MKM Stadium on November 05, 2022 in Hull, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images for RLWC)[/caption] PNGRFL Chief Executive Office Mr Stanley Hondina added that positive comments have come from the Rugby League World Cup (RLWC) organisers on the conduct of the Kumulsboth on and off the field. “The standards they have abided by are the highest in the sport and that is something we are proud of,” Mr Hondina said. “I commend team manager John Wilshere, head coach Stanley Tepend and the entire coaching staff on a job well done.” Mr Hondina further added that preparations for the 2025 RLWC in France will commence with a strategic plan in place for that. “Our girls have also created history after a 2/3 victory with a third one to come and qualifying for the semi finals as well as the 2025 RLWC in France. We wish head coach Ben Jeffries, team manager Cassie Davis and the entire Orchids coaching staff and players all the very best in the remaining games,” he said. The Orchids will take on hosts England at the Emerald Headingley Stadium in Leeds this Thursday 10th November 2022 at 5.30am local time, to determine who finishes on top in Group A.