Department of Prime Minister and National Executive Council Secretary Ivan Pomaleu, OBE last night said that any information pertaining to the National General Elections 2022 is the responsibility of the Electoral Commissioner. Secretary Pomaleu said this following information published on social media claiming that the Issuing of Writs has been deferred to May 18. “While I Chair the Inter-Departmental Election Committee, any substantive information pertaining to the National General Elections 2022 is the responsibility of the Electoral Commissioner and or the Prime Minister if necessary. “I further confirm that I have not issued a statement or confirmation of any sort relating to election 2022 scheduling, nor am I privy to any official discussions on this matter,” he said. Secretary Pomaleu urged all citizens to refrain from releasing or publishing misleading information to the general public as this has serious implications.

Boana Lutheran High School in Nawaeb district, Morobe Province allocated a budget of K20, 000 for installing cooking gas cylinders for the school. The remote school, now running into its' fourth year since its' establishment in 2018. has ventured into means of cooking using gas stoves. School principle Issac Dambui said 4.5kg gas cylinders would be installed to 10 teachers houses and the nine 4.5kg gas cylinders would be installed at the students' mess. Dambui said already, two 4.5kg gas cylinders were being installed at the school mess. He stated that the overall cost is K20, 000 which was disbursed from this year's parental component fees. Dambui said for the cooking gas cylinders at the students mess, the school would continue meeting the cost of refilling gas at the cost of K6, 000 annually. And for the teachers they will have to meet the cost themselves. "An inventory stock form was created by the school to monitor gas cylinders installed at the school mess and teachers houses." "Whenever reports of damages or thieves are encountered, the school will always refer to the the inventory note to find out who was in charge of the stuff the last time when the incidents happened for the school to deal with them accordingly," Mr Dambui said.

“There is no better place in the world than the rugged terrains of Papua New Guinea to test the forte of a young boy or girl destined to fly.” Edward Matane, MBE, Santos Aviation Lead. Becoming an aircraft pilot is an ambition or popular dream for many young children. For a 4-year-old boy from Viviran village, East New Britain Province, this dream began in the early 1960s when he first travelled with his family in a light aircraft. From that moment on, his fascination of flying and all things aviation became a lifelong passion. As Edward Matane, MBE aka ‘Eddie’ or ‘Dude’ discovered, his passion became a vocation. “I loved watching pilots operating aircrafts in what was then, a tough operating environment but that set the scene for my future aspirations,” Edward said. At the age of 18 when most young people in PNG received their driver’s licence, Edward’s was a different kind of licence, one that would qualify him to fly. Initially, he flew Cessna 150s, 172s, Piper Tomahawks, Piper Cherokees, and a host of other twin-engine aircrafts. It is no surprise Edward has a pilot son - Captain Jay Matane, currently flying with Air Niugini. Although Edward expected a different pathway for this son, he knew sooner or later, he would one day catch the “aviator bug.” “I actually wanted my son to become an Electrical Engineer. I did not realise that having him grow up around aircrafts and even handling one at a very young age, he would choose this path. Two of Edward’s nephews are also licenced aircraft engineers, and so the family is renowned in the PNG aviation Industry. Today, Edward is the Aviation Lead for Santos and is based at Moro, the logistics hub for the Company’s sustainable oil and gas development and supply operations. Edward who has been with the company for more than 9 years, leads a 12-member team that ensures daily aviation operations which straddle the Southern Highlands, Hela and Gulf are well supported with aircraft safety and availability being key. The team also ensures Jet A1 fuel quality is maintained, medivac capability is available for Santos and the community and that the Moro airport runway and navaids conform to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority of PNG standards. Prior to joining Santos, Edward started his aviation carrier with Air Niugini in 1978 as an Aircraft Engineer. He then became a Flight Engineer before taking on various management roles. Some of his accomplishments include becoming the second PNG licenced aircraft engineer for F28 engines in 1980, becoming the first licenced F28 airframe and dual (both engine and airframe) engineer in 1981, attaining a flight engineer’s rating on the B707 in 1983 and the Airbus A300B4 in 1985. As a global citizen who values a healthy work-life-balance, Edward says he is fortunate that his Fly-In Fly-Out career with Santos allows him to spend equal time in the village with his family. Like many, Edward’s approach to work has been greatly influenced by his parents. He attributes his numerous achievements to their “strong disciplined work ethics and high moral standards”. Edward is the first son of late Sir Paulias Matane, former governor general, a senior statesman and a great Papua New Guinean writer. When sharing a few unforgettable experiences in his current role, Edward recalls the 2018 massive earthquake that shook the Southern Highlands and nearby provinces. Moro became a coordination point for delivery of emergency aid provided by a range of donors and NGOs, and food and supplies donated by the Company. “As a first responder, we sent in our helicopters and personnel with initial relief supplies to the hardest hit villages. The Australian and New Zealand Governments then deployed the first of their air assets, the C-130 Hercules with aid packages. Shortly after, we saw a large volume of air traffic as the Moro airfield became an active hub with over 2000 landings from more than 10 types of aircraft including the Dash 8s, ATRs, DH6 twin otter, the Super Kingair, Cessna Caravan, Bell212s, Air bus H145 helicopters and the Chinooks." “A proud moment was also when we organised the safe travel of many of our employees out of Moro a day after the earthquake. It was indeed an honour when the Company recognised the Aviation Team for their efforts,” Edward said. A career highlight prior to joining Santos was when he was part of a recovery effort that salvaged a severely damaged aircraft. “We rebuilt it, took it for a flight test and eventually had it discharged back to full operations.” On a lighter note, Edward reveals a hidden talent. “I am an excellent motorcyclist.” Outside of work, he enjoys nothing more than the company of his family and finds outdoor activities rejuvenating. Edward also enjoys watching rugby league and is a loyal supporter of the New South Wales State of Origin (Blues) team. He also shares his love of music. His favourite song is ‘While my guitar gently weeps’ by Santana. For Edward Matane, a man from Viviran village, East New Britain Province, there is no better place in the world than the rugged terrains of Papua New Guinea to test the forte of a young boy or girl destined to fly. I can also say, “be respectful to everyone regardless of who they are, maintain an unquestionable integrity at all times and always remain humble. With self-belief and passion, the sky really is the limit.”

Prime Minister James Marape has urged the people of East Sepik to go more into agriculture to boost the local and national economies. He made the call at Mengar in Wewak on Thursday (April 14 2022) when launching the K500 million Wewak International Port, funded by Korea in partnership with the Papua New Guinea Government. PM Marape said all the efforts of the people of East Sepik in agriculture would be wasted if there was no port to take their produce to international markets. He said his vision was to establish formal trade links with Indonesia, which he visited last month, and the new port would be a catalyst for that. Papua New Guinea, through East Sepik, is one of the largest vanilla producers in the world with a lot of that crossing the land border to Indonesia. “All the work we are doing in East Sepik in vanilla, cocoa and other agriculture produce will be wasted if this port is not built,” PM Marape said. “We already have a wharf in Wewak, however, we need something bigger and better to sustain the economy of tomorrow - consistent with our view that everyone must have money in their pockets. “I urge all the people of East Sepik to go into agriculture.” PM Marape said East Sepik was already benefitting from the K340-million European Union-funded Support to Rural Entrepreneurship Investment and Trade (STREIT) programme with a strong focus on agriculture and fisheries. Apart from that, the Government is pouring in millions of kina through agriculture price support programme, freight subsidy and other programmes. PM Marape thanked Mengar landowners for allowing use of their land to build the new port and pledged Government assistance to resettle affected villagers, including improved road access and electricity. He also pledged Government support for the local school at Mengar. “The economy, and the people, must benefit from this port which will be built over the next two years,” he said.  

Salamaua High School in Morobe Province is still providing boarding services for its students for this academic year. School Principal Norman Apul said despite the school loosing it's male dormitories last year to fire, it continues on to provide boarding services this year. He stated that more than 80 male students are still accommodated in campus though losing its two male dormitories during an arson case last year. Apul said students are accommodated in one of the incomplete building which is 75 percent complete. He added that only few students are housed at the school mess building. Apul is calling on  authorities from the Huon Gulf District and the Morobe Provincial Government to help fix its accommodation issues.

Transparency International PNG (TIPNG) is reminding all Members of Parliament to ensure that the transition from the 10th Parliament to the 11th Parliament occurs within the rule of law and upholds the Constitution. Actions by current MP’s will be subject to the Leadership Code while in office and the Organic Law on the Independent Commission Against Corruption should they leave office after the Elections. TIPNG has issued this statement following media reports that there will be no arrangement for a caretaker cabinet during the Election period commencing from the Issue of Writs on 28th April and ending with the Return of Writs on 29th July 2022. Whilst retaining a full Cabinet up to return of writs is not unlawful and well with the Prime Minister’s remit, TIPNG cautions that any significant decisions that may have a long-term effect and high cost on PNG, should be carefully considered. In the midst of the election season, it is difficult to ensure that all stakeholders are engaged, and that all systems and processes of government are adhered to, and not inadvertently breached. Parliament is scheduled to sit for a final session on 19th April 2022, just nine (9) days before the Issue of Writs. “It would further jeopardise the integrity of the National Elections if Members of Parliament rush through legislation that would be seen to secure funds for the Government to support their re-election campaigns. Any deliberate abuse of public office by incumbent Members of Parliament will not be tolerated by voters in the Election, such leaders should be voted out and also prosecuted for corruption by law enforcement agencies,” said Peter Aitsi, Board Chair of TIPNG in a media statement. “The people of Papua New Guinea expect our elected legislators to pass laws in the public interest and to demonstrate the highest standards of accountability.” “We should not have political opportunists take advantage of public trust and abuse it for their own re-election. These types of abuse of power will only compound the administrative challenges faced by the PNG Electoral Commission in delivering a free, fair and safe elections in accordance with the National Constitution and electoral laws,” Mr. Aitsi said.

China Railway Engineering Company (CREC) engaged by the National Government to work on the four lane road along the Okuk National Highway in Morobe Province claims PNG Power is causing delays towards the completion of road works between Yalu and Nadzab roads. China Railway said it is still waiting for the responsible contractor engaged by PNG Power to remove the power poles from Yalu to Nadzab roads so that it can go ahead with the road works. CREC's Business Development Manager Frank Lee said they only have 400 to 500 metres remaining before they can reach Yalu bridge. He said several notices were issued by the construction company to PNG power and it's contractors to remove the power poles in the middle of the roads. Lee stated that they are nearing the completion of the four land road but the delay is on the remaining power poles that need to be removed to work can progress. Picture sourced: PNG report

Ward Councillors in Morobe Province have applauded the current governor Ginson Saonu's initiative to fund the  wards in the province over the past three years. The councilors said for the first time, each of the 6 Ward Councillors in the province under third tier government received funding to implement projects. Sape Ward Six councilor said his committee had used the K5, 000 allocation to build a semi-permanent classroom in his ward area. Nanima LLG's Ward Seven councilor Simon Jacob shared similar sentiments saying his ward development committees have prioritized the funding on church building infrastructures and is optimistic that with this year's funding allocation they would prioritize  on school buildings. Most of the ward councilors said this is the first time ward councils have received a direct funding from the Provincial Government. The ward development grants of K5, 000 totalling to K2, 825, 000. 00 was expanded to more than six hundred wards since 2018. By Fredrick JEJERI (Lae reporter)  Picture source: Femili PNG 

Air Niugini advises that flights arriving into Port Moresby as of 1 am on Monday 18th April, will no longer require passengers to provide evidence at check-in of a negative PCR test, nor to complete the online health declaration form. The requirement to complete a rapid test on arrival in Port Moresby remains. It is recommended that passengers departing on international flights that then connect onto Air Niugini (i.e. departures from Europe, NZ, USA, China, Middle East, rest of Asia, etc) should continue to get a negative PCR test within 72 hours of departure until 25th April 2022. This is simply to allow time for this new advice to disseminate through the IATA airline check-in information system to all other airlines and their countries of origin.

Sonny Bill Williams has opened up about the prospect of fighting Jake Paul after getting called out by the American superstar on Friday. Paul, the YouTube sensation who has turned his hand to boxing, suggested Williams was on a “hit list” of potential opponents as he weighs up who to fight next after knocking out UFC star Tyron Woodley in December. Williams, fresh from flooring AFL great Barry Hall inside two minutes last month, cheekily suggested on social media a match-up in the ring would result in Paul suffering his “first loss” and the dual international elaborated further on the weekend. “If he does decide to take that fight, he would have underestimated me quite a bit by watching old footage, old fights,” Williams told the Sun-Herald. “I feel in the last six months I’ve improved tenfold, so it’s the confidence I have in my ability. “It would probably be a catchweight fight, I’d probably have to drop under 100kg. I know he sits at around 95-96kg, so that could work. “He’s a powerful athlete and I’m exactly the same, except a bigger version, a taller version, a longer-limbed version. I’m just as good on my feet, if not better than he is.” Williams’ beatdown of Hall took him to 9-0 while Paul is undefeated across five fights and draws huge audiences whenever he steps foot in the ring. Williams, who represented New Zealand in both rugby league and rugby union, said he’d “love” to fight in America if the opportunity arose and a clash with Paul would be “a world event”. The football icon also respects Paul for the work he’s put into turning himself into a legitimate fighter. “The beauty of this fight, if it is to come to fruition, is I respect how Jake Paul has gone about things in the boxing ring,” Williams told the Sun-Herald. “He’s put his head down and his a**e up, he’s worked hard. “You can see the improvements he’s made in the last three years, I actually rate his boxing skills and prowess in the ring. “It would be a great fight if it happened, but at the same time I’ve got a lot of options out there as well.” SOURCE: FOX SPORTS

The royal highlighted the plight of those left behind in Ukraine as they continue to seek sanctuary from the Russian invasion - following in the footsteps of millions who have managed to flee their homeland. Prince Charles said he feels moved by the number of people who are willing to open their doors to some of the millions of refugees "wounded by the past, fearful of the future" in his Easter message. It comes after more than 200,000 people in Britain have expressed an interest in opening their homes to Ukrainian refugees under the government's Homes for Ukraine sponsorship scheme. The royal highlighted the plight of those left behind in the war-torn country as they continue to seek sanctuary - following in the footsteps of millions who have managed to flee the Russian invasion. He said he had found it "profoundly moving" to see the numbers of people across the UK willing to invite those in need into their homes after meeting "innocent victims of conflict" over the years himself. Charles also nodded to the role his late father the Duke of Edinburgh played during the many Maundy services he attended, when he would "read the Gospel which tells how on the night of the Last Supper, Jesus knelt before his disciples and washed their travel-weary feet". The Prince of Wales said in his message: "Today, millions of people find themselves displaced, wearied by their journey from troubled places, wounded by the past, fearful of the future - and in need of a welcome, of rest and of kindness. [caption id="attachment_20810" align="aligncenter" width="824"] Charles says he found it 'profoundly moving' to see the numbers of people across the UK willing to invite those in need into their homes[/caption] "Over the past years, I have found myself heartbroken at the sufferings of the innocent victims of conflict, or persecution, some of whom I have met and who have told me stories of unutterable tragedy as they have been forced to flee their country and seek shelter far from home. "But amidst all this sadness and inhumanity, it has been profoundly moving to see how so many people are ready to open their homes to those in need, and how they have offered their time and their resources to help those facing such soul-destroying sorrow and hardship." In March, Charles and his wife Camilla visited the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral in central London to show their solidarity with Ukraine by lighting a candle for the nation, as well as its community in London. Concluding his message, Charles said: "This Easter, as always, we are reminded of Our Lord's timeless example of goodness in the face of suffering, of courage in the face of fear, of faith in the face of despair. His light triumphed in that dark time. "I pray with all my heart that his inspiring example might help us all dispel the darkness of the world." SOURCE: SKY NEWS

Police in Manus Province have kick started their pre-election operations this week with the awareness drive conducted at main Lorengau town market. Provincial Police Commander Chief Inspector David Yapu said despite the challenges including manpower and logistics problems, they are prepared to provide security operations for the elections. He said he will utilise the PNG Defense Force personnel at the naval base at Lombrum along with Correctional Service personnel and Police reservists on the ground to boost manpower capacity for the election. “The awareness is an important part of our preparations for the election and after the awareness in town areas, we will go into the LLGs and wards to conduct similar activities,” Mr Yapu said. “We highlighted electoral offenses like bribery, double voting and undue influences in the awareness drive.” “I appeal to our people to behave themselves during the elections and not to cause problems so as to see a free, fair and safe elections to vote for our leaders.”