Moresby North West MP Lohia Boe Samuel was granted K10, 000 bail by the National Court on Friday (25/03/22)evening. Bail is the discretion of the Court. The MP and his co accused were released on bail, however, police will still pursue the charges filed against the MP for murder. The MP was arrested and charged based on evidence. I warn any person, regardless of who ever it may be, to abstain from interfering with the State witnesses. Police will not hesitate to arrest anyone who does so. CCTV IN FUSION 2 RESTAURANT I understand there is file photo of the interior of the restaurant posted on social media showing where CCTV cameras are located. The current owners took over ownership of the restaurant around 2019. The cameras are not working and have not been operational for over a year, according to the owners. CCTV was one of the first things checked by CID Investigators who arrived at the scene a few minutes after the crime was reported. A thorough check was made and the CCTV cameras were found to be dysfunctional. Photographs were taken of the equipment on site at the time of the incident. The owners of the restaurant are community oriented people and have been involved in alot of charitable work over many years. They did not ask to be in this situation. It just happened. They have cooperated very well with Police at the start of the investigation. When this tragic incident happened they immediately called the Police and Ambulance. Other customers were also in the restaurant at the time of this shooting. POLICE INVESTIGATIONS The public is urged to be more sensitive in this situation. Police investigations were carried out and the Member of Parliament and his staff were consequently arrested and charged for this crime. They were both arrested and charged for Murder. I assure everyone and especially the family of the deceased that Police Investigators have the full support and backing to ensure that this matter goes to trial. For now, let us allow the Court process to take its course without any interference. If anyone has more information about the incident, please pass it on to Police CID Homicide Investigators. A life was lost in this very unfortunate incident, and therefore it is only fair for Justice to be dispensed within the preambles of the law. No further comments on the investigation file at hand will be made, as this is now before Court.

Will Smith slapped Chris Rock in the face on stage at the Oscars after the comic made a joke about the actor's wife Jada Pinkett Smith. "Jada, can't wait for GI Jane 2," he said, in an apparent reference to her shaved hairdo - a result of the hair loss condition alopecia. Smith walked on stage and struck Rock before returning to his seat and shouting: "Keep my wife's name out of your [expletive] mouth." He later apologised to the Academy. In a tearful acceptance speech for best actor, he also said he wanted to apologise to all his fellow nominees. There was no specific apology for Rock. The star picked up the first Oscar of his career for playing the father of tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams in King Richard. "Art imitates life," he said. "I look like the crazy father, just like they said about Richard Williams. But love will make you do crazy things." The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which organises the Oscars, tweeted that it "does not condone violence of any form". Rock's joke referred to 1997 film GI Jane, in which Demi Moore played the title role with a severe buzzcut. Pinkett Smith rolled her eyes at the comment, while Smith appeared to initially laugh and clap his hands before he was seen on stage, walking up to Rock. The comedian looked stunned in the immediate aftermath of the incident, but told the audience: "That was the greatest night in the history of television." He is yet to comment further on what happened. The Los Angeles Police Department later told Variety that Rock had "declined to file a police report" following the event. [caption id="attachment_20133" align="aligncenter" width="880"] Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith later attended the Vanity Fair Oscar party with their children[/caption] After the incident, Rock handed over the best documentary prize, which was the reason he was on stage. According to The Hollywood Reporter's Scott Feinberg, a tearful Smith needed to be "pulled aside and comforted" by Denzel Washington and Tyler Perry. The trio could be seen talking just in front of the stage during an advert break, with Washington and Perry putting their hands on his shoulders. A Star is Born actor Bradley Cooper was also seen standing with Smith and appearing to reassure him. Presenting the next section, Sean "Diddy" Combs said: "Will and Chris, we're going to solve that like family. Right now we're moving on with love." Fresh Prince of Bel Air actor Smith later wrote on Instagram: "You can't invite people from Philly or Baltimore nowhere!!" - referring to his birthplace Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Baltimore, Maryland, where his wife of 24 years is from. [caption id="attachment_20134" align="aligncenter" width="847"] Smith with Denzel Washington and Tyler Perry after the incident[/caption] Smith attended the Vanity Fair Oscar party with sons Trey and Jaden, daughter Willow and his wife - smiling for photographers and posing with his award on the red carpet. Other guests at the party reacted to the incident, with filmmaker David Furnish saying he tells his sons with Elton John "don't hit anybody... under any circumstance". But actress and comedian Tiffany Haddish defended Smith, saying he had been standing up for his wife. Jaden Smith tweeted after his father hit Rock: "And that's how we do it." Other members of the film industry criticised Smith, with The Last Samurai producer Marshall Herskovitz calling on the Academy to take disciplinary action against him and Star Wars actor Mark Hamill calling it "the ugliest Oscar moment ever". He added: "Stand-up comics are very adept at handling hecklers. Violent physical assault... not so much." Comedian and actress Kathy Griffin said she now feared for the safety of comedy performers. "Let me tell you something, it's a very bad practice to walk up on stage and physically assault a comedian," she said. "Now we all have to worry about who wants to be the Will Smith in comedy clubs and theatres." Backstage shock By Steven McIntosh, entertainment reporter at the Oscars Here in the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, there was a shocked reaction from journalists. Reporters had been taking part in the traditional backstage press conference, but attention suddenly turned to the overhead screens and what was going on at the ceremony. At first, it had seemed like some kind of set-up. Smith even appeared to laugh at first after Rock delivered his line about his wife looking like GI Jane. Jada looked annoyed, but at this point it was still assumed this was all part of some kind of pre-planned routine. Doubt began to creep in when Smith rose from his seat and hit Rock on the stage. Of course, these guys are veterans of film and television, and would know how to carry out a fake stage slap. Except, everyone was starting to think, it didn't look that fake. By the time Smith was sitting back in his seat and shouting to Rock to "keep my wife's name out your [expletive] mouth", it was clear this was no sketch. A professional like Smith would know better than to drop the F-bomb on stage during a live TV broadcast. Much like previous Oscars that were defined by their viral moments - such as Ellen's group selfie or the best picture winner mix-up in 2017 - this will now forever be the Oscars where Will Smith punched Chris Rock. Pinkett Smith first talked about her hair loss struggle in an episode of her Facebook chat show, Red Table Talk, back in 2018. She said: "I've been having issues with hair loss. And it was terrifying when it first started." [caption id="attachment_20136" align="aligncenter" width="871"] The couple had been all smiles earlier in the evening on the red carpet[/caption] The Girls Trip star said she first suspected she had alopecia after "handfuls of hair" came loose in the shower. "I was just like, 'Oh my God, am I going bald?' It was one of those times in my life where I was literally shaking with fear," she explained. "That's why I cut my hair and continue to cut it." It was not the first time Rock has made a joke about Pinkett Smith at the Academy Awards. He hosted the 2016 event, when she was among the stars who boycotted the ceremony due to a lack of diversity in the nominations. That year, he said: "Jada Pinkett Smith boycotting the Oscars is like me boycotting Rihanna's panties - I wasn't invited!" Other winners at Sunday's ceremony included Jessica Chastain, who picked up best actress for The Eyes of Tammy Faye; Jane Campion, who won best director for The Power of the Dog; and Apple TV film Coda, which was named best picture. Best supporting actress went to Ariana DeBose for West Side Story, while Troy Kotsur won best supporting actor for Coda, which also picked up best adapted screenplay. Sci-fi epic Dune won six awards in total including technical categories for best visual effects and best cinematography. Will Smith's best actor acceptance speech [caption id="attachment_20137" align="aligncenter" width="854"] Smith became tearful during his acceptance speech[/caption] Smith took to the stage twice during the Oscars ceremony - once to take issue with what Rock had said about his wife, and then less than an hour later, to accept his first Academy Award. Accepting the Oscar for best actor for King Richard, he said Richard Williams was a "fierce defender of his family" and that he himself was "being called on" in his life "to love people and to protect people". He ended it saying he hoped the Academy would invite him back. SOURCE: BBC NEWS

Lohia Boe Samuel will remain as a Member of Parliament under the Constitution and perform his functions despite being recently charged for a murder case that is before the courts. Mr Samuel who was initially detained by police was released on a K10, 000 court bail in his second bail application last Friday by the National Court. The Office of the Parliamentary Counsel confirmed that he is still a member of Parliament, unless disqualified under Section 103 and 104 of the Constitution. It said, an example would be of one being 'sentenced for an offence with an imprisonment term of 9 months and more.’ In Mr Samuel’s case, he has been charged and is out on bail. The National Court who refused his first bail application granted the bail after Samuel’s alleged co-accused Fabian Hera voluntarily submitted his statement stating it was not Mr Samuel who accidently shot the deceased late Jerry Robert. Justice Theresa Berrigan who made the ruling said the contents of the statement is a matter for the trial however the statement submitted in the bail application intends to remove the weapon used from the hands of Samuel and this has reduced the strength of the case to continue his detention. Meanwhile, his next committal court hearing date is set for April 10, 2022.

Businesses and Corporate organizations in the country are urged to support the Trukai Fun Run Auctions scheduled to be held in Lae on 24th March 2022 at the Lae Yacht Club and in Port Moresby on 31st March 2022 at the APEC Haus. The Trukai Fun Run Auctions is one of two major fundraising events for the Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) held annually to raise funds for Team PNG to participate at international sporting events such as the Pacific, Commonwealth and Olympic games. All funds raised this year will enable Team PNG to attend the Pacific Mini Games in Northern Marianas in June and the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in July. PNGOC President Sir John Dawanincura urges the Business Community to get behind this year’s Trukai Fun Run Auctions by purchasing Trukai Fun Run Shirts in Lae and Port Moresby. While acknowledging the great support from the Business Community in the many Trukai Fun Run Auctions held in the past, this year will be no exception. “The last auctions were held in 2019 before the coronavirus pandemic and we’re very excited to bring back the auctions after an absence of two years. The auctions are a great opportunity for the business community to come out to support Team PNG by purchasing Fun Run shirts and at the same time donate these shirts to schools. Both auction events are approved by the Controller’s Office and we’ll ensure Niupela Pasin protocols are adhered,” said Sir John. He further stated that the support shown by the country through such fundraising drives gives confidence to PNGOC to offer the best possibilities for our athletes and our country. “This year we have 50,000 shirts to sell and we are encouraging all Papua New Guineans to get behind Team PNG by purchasing a shirt each at K15.00”. “I thank Trukai Industries for its continued sponsorship of this annual event and I acknowledge our long standing partnership of 23 years”. Shirts bought and donated to schools by Businesses and Corporate Organisations can be resold by the schools at a price not exceeding K15, with proceeds kept by the schools to fund their respective school projects. Interested organizations wanting more information on how to purchase Trukai Fun Run T-Shirts can contact Ms. Sangiawi Singut, Marketing & Events Coordinator at the Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee on 323 1499, 325 1411 or e-mail events@pngoc.org.pg.

Majority of the population in PNG live outside urban areas with limited access to basic infrastructure like banking services, transport, electricity and affordable access to nearest towns. Despite these challenges and tough economic situations, most SMEs in some of the remote parts of the country continue to provide basic services like trade store, fuel services and other retailer outlets that serve the needs in their local communities. Melu Brass Cutters is one such SME operating out of Milliom Village, along the Sepik Highway in Aitape-Lumi District, West Sepik Province. Established initially in 2013 to provide vegetation control, the family business has diversified into other retail services such as trade store, fuel services, a guesthouse, poultry and agricultural produce, especially fresh vegetables. Since registering with BSP’s Mobile Merchant payment solution, the SME business has been one of the top performers in the mobile payment ecosystem. Business owner Maggie Melu, stated, “Mobile payments is easy and convenient, we receive mobile payment receipts instantly and our customers also received their electronic receipt on their mobiles. We prefer this payment method because funds go straight to our BSP Account and there are no cash handling involved; no loss from my cashiers and you our rural customer can pay with a “wan-bang” (feature phone) or a smart phone as long as mobile network is available”. Ms Melu said their aim was to empower their rural communities and encourage the growth of SMEs to take up entrepreneurial activities to alleviate poverty and income-source employment for community. Ms Melu added, “I would like to encourage other small business especially in the rural areas to register for this digital payment service from BSP, even though it may take time for your customer to understand the payment steps, they will eventually get the hang of it.” Businesses interested in registering for Mobile Merchant payment solution can contact BSP through email servicebsp@bsp.com.pg or call BSP 3201212 or 70301212.

Newcrest Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Sandeep Biswas received a rousing traditional welcome in Kavieng recently. Mr Biswas was in town to meet New Ireland Governor, Sir Julius Chan, enroute to visiting the Newcrest Mining Operations on Lihir Island. He was greeted at the airport by the Moxokore Clan of Lamusmus, having previously been inducted into the clan in 2015. Mr Biswas and the clan maimai (chief), Joe Lumaris presented each other with mies – the traditional shell money from New Ireland Province. The exchange signified and strengthened the cultural ties between the Marauli (Moxokore) Clan and Mr Biswas. As a leader of the Marauli (Moxokore) clan, Mr Biswas also presented two mies to female employees Ruth Waram, Manager External Relations and Communications and Megan Kinowin, Specialist Government Liaison. Maimai Lumaris said New Ireland is a matrilineal society where women are the leaders and are important in decision making, adding that by presenting the mies, Mr Biswas as a clan leader was inviting not only Ms Waram and Ms Kinowin into the clan but also female employees of Newcrest to engage with the women of the clan. Mr Biswas welcomed the opportunity to meet with Sir Julius, Provincial Administrator, Lamilla Pawut and senior executives of the New Ireland Provincial Government. Mr Biswas commended the flexibility and resilience of Newcrest Mining’s New Ireland employees and business partners, who rose to the challenge to ensure the mine had no material disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Newcrest is committed to PNG and to New Ireland, and we look forward to continuing the good working relationship,’’ Mr Biswas said. Measures taken by the company in 2021 to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on operations, and to keep the workforce and Lihir communities safe had cost K180 million. Mr Biswas also reaffirmed Newcrest Mining’s enduring commitment to Papua New Guinea, both nationally and provincially. In addition to the K1.65 billion contribution to PNG’s economy in FY 2021, the company was proud to have provided over K100 million in support to a range of health, education and conservation programs. Following the meeting, Sir Julius provided a tour of the new provincial assembly building and the new sports stadium in Kavieng. Following a lunch hosted by Sir Julius, Mr Biswas travelled to Lihir to meet with the mine workforce and local communities.

NGCB PNG Kapuls Coach Marcos Gusmao has urged his players to remain focused when they meet Solomon Island in the first Semi Finals of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Oceania Qualifiers at 12 midnight (PNG Time) in Doha, Qatar. Gusmao said as much as they want to learn from the past to produce good results for the country, he reiterated that players must believe in themselves and their teammates and give their best in the match to get a good outcome. He has also made one change in the starting line 11 that defeated Fiji in their last pool match with Raymond Gunemba replacing Stahl Gubag. The Brazilian Coach while respecting people's opinion, called for unity as his boys prepare to face Solomon Island Bonitos. "I am always positive and confident with my team's preparations and also have confidence with whichever player I select on the match day," he said. Solomon Island has a good win record over Papua New Guinea but this history can teach the Kapuls to better prepare for this important match. The team to take on Solomon Island is as follows: Roland Warisan (Goalkeeper), Alwin Komolong, Felix Komolong, Emmanuel Airem, Daniel Joe (Backs), Michael Foster, Jacob Sabua and Emmanuel Simon (midfielders), Ati Kepo, Tommy Semmy and Raymond Gunemba (Strikers) Meanwhile New Zealand will play Tahiti in other semi-finals match.

The SP PNG Hunters have fallen short to a fast-starting CQ Capras side 26-16 in Round 2 of the Hostplus Cup at Browne Park, Rockhampton. The Capras were on from the kick-off, working their way up-field in the opening set to launch an attacking kick skyward on the last. The Hunters couldn’t field it cleanly and Capras’ winger Brandon Roberts was the beneficiary, diving on the loose ball to open the scoring. Backrower Ethan O’Neill was next to score for the Capras, latching onto a perfectly weighted grubber from five-eighth Raedean Robinson to score next to the posts. The Hunters fought back to halt the onslaught but couldn’t stop a spinning effort from Bailey Butler close to the line, nor a slick inside ball from halfback Jack Madden to put Tyler Szepanowski over for the Capras’ fourth try of the match. As both packs rotated their starting forwards the momentum swung back towards the Hunters. Samuel Yegip, Junior Rop and Kingstimer Paraia had instant impact when they entered the game, with Paraia diving over from half to score the Hunters’ first points in the 35th minute. Two quick tries to begin the second half through Terry Wapi and Brandon Nima kept the comeback hopes alive for the Hunters. Captain Keven Appo produced a miracle offload close to the line for Wapi to score and then it was Gilimo Paul’s turn, skipping to the outside, drawing the defence and throwing a one-handed offload back inside for Nima.

Human Rights and social activist Lucielle Paru has announced her intentions to contest the National Capital District Regional Seat in the upcoming 2022 National General Elections. Ms Paru, who in recent years had been vocal in advocating on issues faced by women and the indigenous people of Motu-Koita through social media platforms and peaceful protest marches in the nation’s capital made the announcement through her social media platforms yesterday. Writing on her facebook account, Ms Paru said the National Womens Day was recently celebrated however there is no representation of womenfolk in Parliament. Originally from Central Province, Ms Paru said the tribes of Motu Koita have had no representation in the National Parliament for over 40 years. “As a daughter of the Land upon which our Capital City sits, it is time we, the women and Indigenous people have our voices heard in Parliament,” Ms Paru wrote on her Facebook account. “We have allowed many tribes to settle, live, purchase land at affordable prices for their survival, participation and hard work and contribution to build this nation.” “22 Provinces, 850 Tribal Ethnicities are in the National Capital District. How better than to now allow the true landlord to sit in our seat,” Paru wrote.

Papua New Guinea’s national oil and gas company, Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited (Kumul Petroleum) has recently announced a sponsorship funding of K10 million for the PNG Rugby Union (PNGRU) for the next three years from 2022 through to 2024. This sponsorship provides Kumul Petroleum with the naming rights for all PNGRU sanctioned events and competitions over this period and includes branding of tournament uniforms, on-field signage, ticketing and other related documentation. Managing Director of Kumul Petroleum Wapu Sonk said they are pleased to announce financial support for this sporting code. “For many years this code has suffered and declined because of various reasons with the key ones being lack of sponsorship, infighting between different people at the PNGRU Board, regional centers and or provincial union affiliates and so on,” Mr Sonk said. “Kumul Petroleum was approached with a new vision, new president in Paul Siwi which was an outcome of a united PNGRU election process and we are sponsoring the vision that is in the Strategic Plan 2021 to 2026.” The Strategic Plan outlines the frameworks, playing calendar, and development plans in how to grow the game from grassroots level up and achieving the objective of ensuring every Papua New Guinea can enjoy the game of Rugby. Mr Sonk further added that whilst they are happy to sponsor, Kumul Petroleum will expect results on and off the field of Rugby and that includes good governance practices in how the funds are managed and applied. “As with similar sponsorship arrangements, the agreed annual payments are subject to meeting the sponsorship conditions outlined in the MOU signed between Kumul Petroleum and PNG Rugby Union".

What started out as 7 freelancers working for a local telecommunications company in Western Highlands Province, wanting to earn an extra income on the side, has turned into the 611 Integrated Farmers Association; an Integrated Farm that the self-styled entrepreneurs are slowly working towards getting registered. “It started from an idea to help each other make some extra money. We agreed amongst ourselves to contribute K700 each as seed capital with the aim to generate money and grow our capital,” Team Leader Mr. Zakkhiaus William said. “We changed the name of our little business venture from 611 Cooperative Society to the current name 611 Integrated Farmers Association just this month. We felt that this new name will fit well with the idea and the projects that will be initiated,” Mr William added. The members of the 611 Integrated Farmers Association have now started an Integrated Farm Project which includes poultry and livestock farming, vegetable farming, the planting of 1000 native trees, floriculture and the planting of different species of flowers and bee and mushroom farming. “This initiative is mainly to build a simple but realistic pathway so simple village people can be employed so they can earn their own money to sustain their livelihoods and give back to their respective communities.” “The main project site is in my area, in Komkui, Mopri Warakatim, Mt Hagen, WHP, where I have given up 5 hectares of my own land for this project.” “I am currently building up the structures needed to run an Integrated Farm with a duck shed and chicken coop. I have also engaged disadvantaged youths in my area to help with the clearing of the land for this project and also to help with planting as well,” Mr William said. “From our initial contribution of seed capital, we were able to raise some money from selling produce from our small gardens and we continued to contribute and save up.” “Other people came to know of what we were doing and joined. We initiated another chicken project, made up of 13 people.” “We contributed K105 each to buy 13 stock feed to give to each individual. That’s a total of K1365 we gave to each individual to start his/her chicken project.” “With that project going, we advised members to go into vegetables farming. We had to hire land and work the land to plant crops, for 3 rounds and after that gave the land back to the owner.” “We have started a potato project up in Rondon, where FPDA fresh produce development agency gave us 9000 E2 seedlings. We will harvest next month, where we have engaged local boys to help.” “Also, to save cost, we are not buying seeds from the shops but rather, buying vegetables and fruits at the local markets and saving the seeds, to germinate and replant.” Despite 611 Integrated Farmers Association being unregistered, they have seen great success, with building up their integrated farm and finances, to be able to register their Association and go into a formal way of doing business. “Once we are registered, we will do up our business portfolio and present to business houses to provide fresh produce and protein to restaurants, shops and catering companies,” Zakkhiaus said. With the ever increasing prices in services and especially food items, the team leader of the 611 Integrated Farmers Association believes small time fresh producers and local farmers, can help alleviate the cost of food in the country. “So much is spent on imported food; a cost that is then transferred to consumers. The government should invest more into agriculture, as local farmers do alot of work on the ground and we have the potential to provide to the market demand for food, at a low cost,” Zakkhiaus concludes.

Police have recorded an alarming number of road accidents with over 30 lives being lost in Mt Hagen, Western Highlands Province for this year alone. Over 20 road accidents have been recorded since January this year and most of these incidences took place along the new four lane road from Kagamuga to Keltiga. Traffic police officer Simon Kik said the incidences involved mostly the Public Motor Vehicles (PMVs) and it is a very serious issue because it involves the many lives of the travelling public. “We have been doing awareness and have advised drivers to be more careful on the roads and feel the sense of responsibility they have when they have lives on board,” Mr Kik said. “The PMV drivers here seem to be excited in speeding and overtaking vehicles on the roads and the result is seen in the statistics.” He said most of the accidents are not the case of drink driving but rather of plain ignorance and carelessness of road rules by the drivers.