Fourteen government officers and one research officer will travel to Japan in September to pursue their post graduate studies at seven Japanese universities. JICA Papua New Guinea office will conduct a pre departure briefing at JICA PNG Office on Tuesday, 16th August to prepare these scholars for their travel. These 15 Papua New Guineans successfully passed all JICA and university screening processes to be selected for a JICA scholarship. Amongst the 15 scholars, 3 participants from the Mineral Resources Authority were successful for their Masters and PhD studies under the Human Resources Development in the Mining sector (KIZUNA) scholarship program while twelve participants from various government agencies will pursue their Masters and PhD studies respectively under the SDGs Global Leader scholarship program. This batch has seen a gradual increase in the number of successful applicants for JICA’s scholarship programs. Hence, when applications for these scholarship programs re-open in September this year, JICA PNG office will work closely with respective training officials from all government agencies at the national and the sub national level, higher education and research institutions to ensure that applications from all eligible entities are received in an appropriate and timely manner. JICA also continues to encourage eligible female applicants to apply for the available scholarship programs that are provided every year. These programs include the SDGs Global Leader, KIZUNA and Agriculture and Food Securities Network (AGRI-NET) program. JICA is keen to enhance PNG’s human resource who will contribute to the sustainable development of the country

Social media model Courtney Clenney has been charged with second-degree murder over the April death of the boyfriend, Christian Toby Obumseli, Miami State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle said Thursday. Clenney, 26, was arrested in Hawaii on Wednesday 10th August 2022  on a charge of second-degree murder with a deadly weapon. At a press conference Tuesday, 9th August 2022, Rundle described an "extremely tempestuous and combative relationship" between the couple that began in November 2020. According to Clenney's arrest warrant, there had been "multiple incidents of domestic violence from both sides" during the relationship. She said that security staff at the building documented "many instances" of loud arguments between the pair after they moved into the apartment in January 2022, adding that tenants as far as two floors above the apartment had complained to the building about the noise. Rundle also showed a video from a building elevator in February 2022 that appeared to show Clenney shoving and hitting Obumseli. According to the arrest warrant, she had also been charged with domestic battery against Obumseli in a hotel in Las Vegas in July 2021. Rundle said that the couple briefly separated when Clenney kicked Obumseli out of her apartment in late March, but he returned on April 1. Police were called to the apartment later that day, and Clenney appeared "intoxicated" at the time, Rundle said. On the day of Obumseli's death, he left the apartment at 1:15 p.m. and returned at 4:33 p.m. with sandwiches for the pair, Rundle said. Clenney called her mother at 4:43 and spoke for six minutes, and called her again at 4:49 and spoke for seven minutes, Rundle said. At 4:57, she called 911 to report that Obumseli had been stabbed. During that time, neighbors called the building about a disturbance and security also called 911, Rundle said. Rundle said Obumseli can be heard saying that he was dying and losing feeling in his arm on her 911 call, and that Clenney was heard saying "I'm so sorry." When police arrived, Clenney was cradling Obumseli's body, according to her arrest warrant. He later died of his injuries at the hospital. Clenney later told police she had stabbed Obumseli after he grabbed her by the throat and shoved her against the wall, Rundle said. She allegedly said she ran to the kitchen, grabbed a knife, and threw it at him from about 10 feet away. But Rundle said police did not find any evidence that Clenney had been harmed and said the medical examiner disputed her account of the incident, noting that Obumseli's injury was much more consistent with a "downward strike" with the knife than with a throw from such a far distance. Rundle said the chief medical examiner for Miami-Dade County determined that Obumseli was killed by a three-inch deep stab wound to the chest. "The violent and toxic two-year relationship of Christian Obumseli and Courtney Clenney did not have to end in tragedy with Christian's murder as a victim of domestic violence," Rundle said. In a recorded telephone statement to police documented in the arrest warrant, Clenney's mother allegedly told authorities that she heard Clenney telling Obumseli to leave and Clenney saying that Obumseli was "lying." Her mother did not say anything about her daughter being attacked, the warrant said, and while she allegedly told investigators that she had not discussed Obumseli's death with her daughter, the warrant cited a 5:25 p.m. text message from "mom" on the defendant's phone that mentioned "self-defense" and told her not to speak with investigators without an attorney. An attorney for Obumseli's family said at the press conference the family "always believed that with a thorough and fair investigation, this day would come to reality." When asked why it took so long to press charges over the April incident, Miami police chief Manuel Morales said it was critical to ensure the charge would stand up in court. "You only get one shot," he told reporters. "You want to get it right." Hawaii County police said in a prior statement they assisted the U.S. Marshals Service as they arrested Clenney in Laupahoehoe, which is on the Big Island. Officers used an arrest warrant issued by Miami-Dade County, Florida. Clenney waived extradition during her initial court appearance Thursday in Hilo District Court, paving the way for her to return to Florida. She is being held at the East Hawaii Detention Center while she awaits that extradition, police said. Clenney uses the name Courtney Tailor on Instagram and OnlyFans, where she has more than 2 million followers. Her Miami defense lawyer, Frank Prieto, told CBS Miami that she was in Hawaii while in rehabilitation for substance abuse and post-traumatic stress disorder. "I'm completely shocked, especially since we were cooperating with the investigation and offered to voluntarily surrender her if she were charged," Prieto said before the Thursday press conference. "We look forward to clearing her name in court." Prieto said the two were together for about two years and their relationship was complicated. "It was clearly a toxic relationship, (they) had their ups and downs and, unfortunately, it culminated with his death," he said. Prieto said Clenney was actively seeking professional help to process the trauma experienced on the night of the stabbing. Obumseli's family said that he was a soft-spoken man and the idea that this was warranted is unthinkable, CBS Miami reported. "We have no cause to believe that this was a case of self-defense. Toby was raised with a, by a very strong family with strong morals, strong values, he does not come from that," said Karen Egbuna, a cousin of Obumseli who also appeared at the press conference. Source: CBS News

The SP PNG Hunters and Townsville Blackhawks have fought out a highly entertaining wet weather contest in Round 18 of the QRL Hostplus Cup, with both sides settling for a 23-23 draw at Bycroft Oval, Runaway Bay. It was the visitors who would adapt quickest to the dreary conditions, getting through their opening sets and slowly winning the territory battle thanks to their fifth tackle options and the Hunters’ own ill-discipline. The Blackhawks persisted with shifting it right through Robert Lui in good ball but the Hunters defence held up to repeatedly turn them away in the opening stages. It was only a clever short pass from dummy-half on the Hunters’ line that would eventually crack the home side when Kulikefu Finefeuiaki crashed over 10 minutes into the contest. Townsville would go back-to-back when Tom Chester crossed not long afterwards, latching onto a pinpoint attacking kick that came down right next to the posts. Hunters and Blackhawks players both went up for the ball but it was Chester who came down with it, crashing into the uprights and bouncing to the ground to score. The Hunters would answer back quickly, marching upfield on the back of a Blackhawks penalty and into position for their first shot at Townsville’s line. A slick left side shift ended with centre Benji Kot who punished the sliding defence with a big left foot step to score PNG’s first points. Townsville’s lead was quickly restored to 10 when Chester crossed for his second just minutes later. A clever shift late in the count caught out the Hunters’ edge defence who had dropped back for the kick, and Chester was the beneficiary with some nice support play netting him an early double. Desperate to drag themselves back into the game, some kick pressure applied by the Hunters earned some much needed attacking field position shortly afterwards and they built on that pressure when Judah Rimbu smartly forced a drop-out with his left boot. Thevisitors would defend their line convincingly though, holding up Keven Appo in the in-goal and then forcing an error on the last with their line speed. The Hunters would not be denied for long though. Embracing the grind and improving their discipline, the PNG side clawed their way back upfield to earn themselves another shot at Townsville’s line and this time they made it pay. A long shift to the left through Rimbu and Kitron Laka again found Benji Kot in some space and again he took his opportunity. Sizing up his opposite man, Kot put on some footwork to draw in the opposing winger before a superb offload found Solo Wane untouched in the corner. As a result the Blackhawks would take a 16-12 lead into the break. Both sides came out with intent in the second half but it was the smarts and execution of the Hunters that lead to next points points. An excellent yardage kick from Kingstimer Paraia pinned the Blackhawks in their own corner and the defensive pressure PNG applied quickly forced an error. With their next possession, the Hunters compressed the middle thanks to Wesser Tenza’s work from dummy-half before setting up for another shift to the left. Strike centre Kot again appeared to be the target but Rimbu played with nice variation to drop Laka back underneath, who crashed through the defence to score. Not to be undone by his halves partner, Rimbu was the next Hunter to set things up with his boot when he launched a spiralling bomb skyward and then lead the chase to tackleTownsville in their own in-goal and earn a repeat set. Riding the momentum and having found a winning formula, the Hunters again searched left in good ball with a smooth backline shift this time that ended with Kot sliding over for his second. As the game settled into a grind the points dried up and field position became key. The Hunters and Blackhawks both traded sets and kicked to corners with neither side looking like breaking until a penalty awarded Townsville a fresh set on PNG’s line. The visitors searched left with some nice shape through five-eighth Jake Burke and Chester that threatened to break the line, only for some desperate cover defence to drag the Blackhawks fullback down. The damage had been done to PNG’s defensive system though and Jaymon Moore capitalised on this to crash over from dummy-half on the very next tackle. With the scores locked at 22-22, the stakes were high as the game entered the final ten minutes. Both sides scrapped and fought for yardage as the clock wound down and with less than three minutes left it was Townsville five-eighth Jake Bourke who found himself in position for a shot at field goal. Bourke hit it sweetly to give Townsville the lead but the visitors’ celebrations were short lived when Hunters’ five-eighth Kingstimer Paraia responded in PNG’s very next set, slotting an attempt from right in front to tie things up as the siren sounded. The draw result is a positive one for the Hunters who impressed with their intent and execution in key moments, while the Blackhawks while bemoan a chance to threaten the top eight and push for a finals appearance. Head Coach Matt Church was delighted with his side's response after a disappointing showing against the Sunshine Coast. "It was really pleasing to see us respond after last week and improve in key areas," said Church. "Our kicking game was much better today and it allowed us to build pressure and create scoring opportunities." Church also paid tribute to the Hunters' resilience and execution under pressure. "To execute that set at the end there and draw the game with our only attempt was really pleasing," said Church.  "Although we haven't been as consistent as we'd like this season, that field goal is a good example of how far we've come as a playing group this year. If we stick to our systems and execute our game plans, we can compete with anyone on our day." Result SP PNG Hunters 23. draw Townsville Blackhawks 23

The Written Expression Examination for Grade 12 will go ahead next week Monday, 15 August as per Secretary’s Circular Instruction. The original date 1st August had been re-scheduled to 15th August due to the disturbances caused by the National General Elections polling and counting in various parts of the country including the National Capital District. “I am confident that our students and teachers have prepared well for this exam. I am now calling on all the Provincial Divisions of Education, school administrations and parents to support our students give their best. I am also calling on the general public to respect our students and support them in every way possible to sit the exam next week Monday. These are our future leaders and we must play our part to ensure that they feel safe to travel to school especially with the election-related disturbances in the last couple of weeks.” This year, 32,206 students from 212 Secondary Schools including private & permitted schools and 6 Schools of Excellence in the country have nominated to sit for the grade 12 Written Expression Examination which is re-scheduled for Monday, 15th August, 2022. “I confirm that the Department through the Measurement Services Division has already dispatched all the materials for the Grade 12 Written Expression Examination on time to all Provinces. All Grade 12 students should have received their Written Expression Resource Booklet at 8am on Monday 25th July 2022 from their Schools of Nomination and read and prepare for the actual Written Expression Examination which has been re-scheduled for Monday 15th August. All students are given more than 2 weeks to prepare themselves well for the Written Expression Examination. All the Provincial Education Advisors (PEAs), Provincial Examination Supervisors, Senior Secondary Inspectors, Guidance Officers, Principals and Governing Councils are asked to be vigilant and security conscious with the security of the Examination Materials and through to the actual administration by following the rules enforced by the Measurement Services Division. Everyone involved in the examination process are advised to prevent all tendencies towards any mal-practices that may compromise the results. They are also reminded that the penalty for cheating or assisting to cheat in national examinations is non-certification and requested all citizens to support fair examinations to all which is in our national interest. “The covid-19 safe-guards such as washing hands, wearing masks, the reasonable social distancing guidelines and vaccinations still apply. I would like to wish every student in Grade 12, all the very best in their examination”.

The Secretary for Education Dr. Uke Kombra has expressed grave concern that instructions for schools to open and teachers and students to return to normal classes have not been adhered to by pockets of schools throughout the country. Instructions were issued through various instructions to all schools, teachers and students to resume normal classes on July 25 and August 1 for other schools due to election-related violence and disturbances. Provincial Education Advisors were advised to assess the situation in their provinces and decide on an appropriate decision. However, news reports of schools still closed and very low turnout by students and teachers in the last two weeks has caught the attention of the Department. “In some cases, students are faithfully turning up for classes only to find that teachers are absent,” Secretary for Education, Dr. Uke Kombra stated. Dr. Kombra said that apart from a number of wards or districts seriously affected by the election related issues, there is no excuse whatsoever for teachers not to be at work and for most schools throughout the country. Normal teaching and learning must be taking place. “The rule of 30 days absenteeism will apply for students who are not turning up for classes without any good reason while teachers who are taking advantage of the situation and are not turning up at the school to teach or are still engaged in counting will be disciplined accordingly. Schools which are still closed for no good reason will not be paid their Government Tuition Fee payments or will be exempted from national examinations and assessment. By now teachers are not supposed to be engaged in the counting process. Arrangements should have been made for other people to take over from them so that they can go back to the classrooms.” The Secretary has directed all school inspectors and provincial education officials to visit schools and provide to his office reports of the situation on the ground and whether normal teaching and learning are taking place in their schools.

Nambawan Super has announced the resumption of full counter services for Members at all Provincial and Regional Branches as of Monday, 1 August 2022. As Covid-19 restrictions have been relaxed, Nambawan Super Limited (NSL) is now returning to its pre-Covid-19 schedule whereby members can access all counter services from Monday to Friday. Members are encouraged to continue exercising the Covid-19 Niupela Pasin practices when visiting their local Branches. NSL CEO Mr. Paul Sayer stated that the Fund was pleased to be resuming full counter services allowing for members to lodge applications, raise enquiries and receive support from NSL staff without undue delays. “We thank our Members for your patience and understanding throughout the Pandemic and we look forward to continuing delivery of high-quality services and support to you, as we have done so for the last 60 years”, he said. “I would also like to commend our members that have started taking advantage of our digital services through our Call Centre, direct emails, member portal and mobile app.” “With more members becoming accustomed to our digital services, we have been able to maintain a high level of service delivery despite the Covid-19 restrictions.” “We encourage our Members to save time online by registering for our online services, through which they can easily download statements, check their housing advance eligibility, and track contributions and interest earned”, he added. Mr. Sayer also advised that the relaxation of restrictions is a good indicator of businesses returning to normal post-pandemic. “Like all PNG businesses, Nambawan Super experienced a number of challenges brought on by the Covid-19 Pandemic, however, these small changes are crucial to helping restart economic growth which will benefit all”, Mr. Sayer said. “The Fund remains cautiously optimistic as we are still experiencing challenges from the Ukraine-Russia war and the resulting record high inflation rates.” “NSL is continuing to work on maximizing benefits for our 214,000 Members and to minimize the impacts of a slowing global growth whilst also preparing to capitalize on what experts believe may be another period of strong economic growth for PNG over the next few years”, he concluded

BSP Life PNG – a licensed life insurer and the youngest subsidiary of BSP Financial Group Limited (BSP) delivered this as its third community project initiative since its first in 2019 under the BSP annual community initiative by handing over an e-library set up worth K30, 000. With this e-library, students and teachers Koiari Park Adventist Secondary School now have access to Resource books , Copies of old PNG exam papers, Encyclopedias/Dictionaries, Crash Courses, Wikipedia, Reading books Motivational videos & video tutorials, Microsoft office Training and interestingly, teachers can upload assignments ,notes and other important documents to the sever for students to download or access at any time without an internet connection. BSP Life PNG Country Manager Nilson Singh when handing over the complete project said, “Education is one of the most important investments a country can make in its future and part of that starts here in our schools, in the classrooms and in libraries. School libraries provide opportunities for students to think, create, share & grow. They can be a hub of learning, bridging the digital divide and making a difference in the lives of students. Our students are the leaders of tomorrow and it is important they get the best education possible.” “When access to education and learning grows, the ripple effects on communities and countries is remarkable. While we stand as a corporate organisation, each of our staff is a part of a community. I hope that through our contribution today to Koiari Park Adventist Secondary School, it will empower learners, inspire and make meaningful change for current students and future generations as well,” added Singh. Students and teachers can also connect to the e-library through Wi-Fi access, without requiring internet access. With our contribution to improving learning facilities for the students, we believe the school will continue to achieve outstanding results academically. Koiari Park Adventist Secondary School Principal Sailas Wagi emotionally thanked BSP for choosing their school as they have longed to have such a facility for a long time. “I could hug you all right now and thank you for the tremendous donation that seemed small but worthy for the school especially teachers and students in boosting their learning, capacity” wept Mr Wagi. BSP has delivered 529 community projects since 2009, worth over K13.39 million. This year, 2022, under the theme ‘Health and Education’, BSP handed-over 11 community projects from the 49 projects proposed by each of our Branches and Business Units

The Panthers were held scoreless for the first time in seven years as a relentless defensive performance helped the Storm to a 16-0 win and kept the minor premiership race alive. Penrith had 55 per cent of possession and more than 50 tackles within 20 metres of Melbourne's try line but failed to score a point for the first time in a match since the Storm shut them out 20-0 in 2015. It was Melbourne's third consecutive win, while the Panthers have now lost two of their last three games to give North Queensland hope of snatching the JJ Giltinan Shield when the top two sides meet in the final round at QCB Stadium. The premiers went into the match without suspended stars Nathan Cleary and James Fisher-Harris and the injured trio of Jarome Luai, Dylan Edwards and Taylan May, and lost Liam Martin with an ankle injury. However, the Storm have also been hit hard by injures and were without star halfback Jahrome Hughes (shoulder) and strike second-rower Felise Kaufusi following the death of his father. The decision to move Cameron Munster from five-eighth to fullback proved a masterstroke as the superstar playmaker carried the ball 194 metres from 17 runs, which included a line break, a line break assist and eight tackle breaks. However, it was in defence that the Storm were most impressive and hooker Harry Grant finished with 62 tackles followed by second-rowers Tui Kamikamica (53) and Kenny Bromwich (43), lock Brandon Smith (39), interchange forward Josh King (38) and prop Jesse Bromwich (36). The win puts Melbourne into fourth place and they will remain in the top four if South Sydney beat Parramatta on Friday night. Source: Melbourn Storms Website

Theodist as a Gold Sponsor; has been supporting Buk bilong Pikinini since 2014 as it recognizes that this is part of a collective effort in combatting illiteracy in Papua New Guinea. Like Buk Bilong Pikinini, Theodist acknowledges the value of early childhood education and understands that an investment in our children is an investment in the future of Papua New Guinea. The partnership has also seen Theodist hosting BbP’s reading corner and book shop inside our Waigani shop, where all proceeds from the sale of the books from the book shop go towards supporting the organization’s sustainability. We have renew our annual sponsorship of K50,000 to Buk Bilong Pikinini to alleviate literacy rates in PNG through the fostering of a culture of literacy and reading from early childhood. One of the pillars of our corporate social responsibility is to invest in organizations and programs that have a positive impact on our communities. We hope this sponsorship will go a long way towards promoting early childhood education among our children, as well as improving access to education and literacy in Papua New Guinea.

After a Russian court sentenced WNBA star Brittney Griner on Thursday to nine years in prison for a drug smuggling conviction, the player's supporters, teammates and numerous US officials swiftly condemned the decision, many concerned her detention is being used to advance Russia's agenda in the Ukraine war. Now, Griner has returned to the detention center where she was held during her weekslong trial as her lawyers vow to appeal the sentence and the Biden administration continues to try to negotiate for her release. Russian officials "are ready to discuss" the prisoners being held by both countries, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told journalists at a news conference on Friday, according to Russian state news agency RIA Novosti. President Joe Biden called the sentence "unacceptable" and demanded she be returned to the US to be reunited with her family, according to a statement. Here's what comes next for Griner as she awaits her lawyers' appeal and the US continues to negotiate for her release. Lawyers will appeal 'unreasonable' verdict Griner's legal team will file an appeal to the court's decision, which it must do within 10 days of the verdict, according to her lawyers, Alexander Boykov and Maria Blagovolina, who is a partner at Rybalkin, Gortsunyan, Dyakin and Partners law firm. "We are very disappointed by the verdict. As legal professionals, we believe that the court should be fair to everyone regardless of nationality. The court completely ignored all the evidence of the defense, and most importantly, the guilty plea," they said in a statement. They called the verdict "absolutely unreasonable" and insisted the decision "contradicts the existing legal practice" in Russia. The average time in jail for this type of crime is five years, adding that almost a third of those convicted get parole, Blagovolina told reporters. During the trial, the lawyers argued Griner's detention was handled improperly. Griner testified she was made to sign documents she did not fully understand and was not given adequate translations of the Russian-language paperwork. A defense expert also testified the examination of the vape cartridges containing the cannabis oil did not comply with Russian law. US has proposed prisoner swap for Griner's return The Biden administration has proposed a prisoner swap, offering to exchange a convicted Russian arms trafficker for Griner and Whelan, CNN has reported. Whelan, a US citizen and former Marine, was handed a 16-year prison sentence in 2018 on espionage charges after a trial the US deemed unfair. After Griner's sentence, National Security Council coordinator John Kirby said it was "up to the Russian side" on whether the conviction will open the door for prisoner-swap negotiations. After the US proposed a prisoner swap, Russia countered by requesting convicted murderer Vadim Krasikov also be released, sources familiar with the discussions have told CNN. The US has not considered the counter as a legitimate proposal, in part because the request was made through an informal backchannel. Kirby reiterated Thursday the US position remains it wants Russia to "take the deal on the table because it's a good one, it's a fair one, and it'll help bring Paul (Whelan) and Brittney home." While US officials have long opposed prisoner trades, the successful release in April of Trevor Reed , an American and former Marine who was imprisoned in Russia, garnered bipartisan praise from lawmakers and was considered a political win for the Biden administration. Family and supporters continue to fight for her return The swap proposal follows months of pressure from Griner's family and members of the basketball community. The star's wife, Cherelle Griner, has been outspoken about her desire for US officials to take more substantial action to bring her wife home. Days after Cherelle Griner expressed frustrations in an interview with CNN, Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris held a call with her to reassure her they were committed to securing her wife's release, according to a White House call readout. Griner has also had the steady support of her WNBA team, the Phoenix Mercury, as well as other members of the basketball community. Before the start of a game Thursday night between the Mercury and Connecticut Sun, members of both teams linked arms in the center of the court and held a 42-second moment of silence for Griner, who wears 42 on her jersey. After it ended, people in the crowd started chanting, "Bring her home! Bring her home!" Source: CNN

Wan Squad are through to the semi-finals of the Hip Hop International Dance Competition after finishing 10th the preliminary round. Over 50 teams are competing in the competition. Wan Squad are competing in the adult division, which is historically the toughest in the competition. The top 21 teams make it through to the semifinals which happened this morning PNG time, with the finals on Saturday.  

The SP PNG Hunters will hold what could potentially be a farewell match at Bycroft Oval, Runaway Bay this Saturday at 3pm when they host the Townsville Blackhawks in Round 18 of the QRL Hostplus Cup. The Hunters are expected to return home to PNG in the coming weeks as they mark the end to a two-and-a-half year relocation period, meaning this weekend’s game could be the last time the Hunters play at their ‘home-away-from-home’ at Bycroft Oval. The Hunters’ last outing was a disappointing 44-6 loss to competition heavyweights the Sunshine Coast Falcons. Brimming with NRL experience and firmly entrenched inside the top four, the Falcons were too good for the Hunters last week but that didn’t prevent PNG from fighting until the final whistle. The PNG side gets a chance to respond this weekend when they take on the 10th placed Blackhawks on Saturday. The Hunters will have fond memories of the Blackhawks, having travelled to Townsville earlier the season and ambushing the locals 42-20 in a high-scoring affair. The PNG side played to their strengths in that game, compressing the middle with hard running forwards and changing their angles in attack to target spaces around ruck. Dilbert Issac, Sylvester Namo and Emmanuel Waine were standouts for the Hunters in that game, combining for a total 370 running metres, three tries, and 14 tackle busts. Issac remains in the casualty ward this week but Namo and Waine have been two of PNG’s bestthis season and profile as key forwards for the Hunters again on Saturday.